Services Summary
First Step Women's Shelter provides emergency shelter for abused women and their children.
Operating Hours:
Office Hours: 8:00am - 5:00pm (Mon - Fri)
Shelter and Crisis Line: 24 hours a day - 7 days a week
Bed Capacity:
14 beds currently
Length of Stay:
Up to six (6) weeks
The length of stay may be extended.
Confidentiality:
All staff are governed by an Oath of Confidentiality. NO information is released unless the woman has given written authorization. However, there are limits to confidentiality such as harm to self, harm to others and any report of suspicion or child abuse or neglect.
Safety:
All staff are trained to respond to emergencies with the safety and security of the women and children as the first priority. The shelter is a secure building. The staff control who is permitted on the property and admitted into the shelter.
Residential Support:
Individual and group support is available. Information on legal options, parenting, housing, counselling, budgeting, education and many other issues is available.
Telephone Support:
Telephone support is available 24 hours a day. Callers do not have to give their name.
Referrals:
Our policy requests that our Support Worker speaks directly to a woman that is referred from other resources before she is admitted. Our services are strictly voluntary.
Children’s Program:
Recreation, crafts and on-site playroom is available.
Advocacy:
Accompaniment to appointments is available to the women. We also liaise with other resource agencies as requested.
Education Program:
Workshops and presentations are available within our catchment area.