We're building!
Stepping Stones is a non-profit organization who offers:
-
-
A 27 bed emergency shelter dedicated to assisting women and their children in need of short-term emergency accommodations.
-
-
-
Joie’s Phoenix House, a Second Stage Women’s Shelter Program, offering safe, affordable housing and programming to families choosing to leave an abusive relationship.
-
-
-
A community support program that offers 1:1 supports to all women who are struggling with an unhealthy or abusive relationship or have left one.
-
-
-
Public Education, bringing community awareness and education about Family Violence to the Lakeland area.
-
-
-
A 24-hour helpline offering confidential support, information, and referrals to anyone who calls.
-
Helpline: 780.594.3353
-
-
About DR. Ella Margaret Strang Savage
The centre was named in honour of Dr. Ella Margaret Strang Savage who was born in 1907. She graduated from medical school in 1929 and was the only woman in her graduating class. She was appointed by the Presbyterian Home Mission as the physician for the Alberta Peace Country.
She moved to Cold Lake in the mid 1940’s. Appointed by the Women’s Missionary Society as a doctor to John Neil Hospital, Dr. Savage’s practice included Cold Lake, Grand Centre, Riverhurst, Ethel Lake, Beaver Crossing, Cherry Grove, Elizabeth Settlement, Le Goff Reserve and Pierceland, Saskatchewan.
In addition to her medical duties, Dr. Savage served as a minister of the United Church as well as establishing several youth groups such as Sunday Schools, Trail Ranges and Wolf Cubs. Her remarkable energy enabled her to play an active role in the establishment of the John Neil Hospital, the nurses’ residence, and the United Church Manse.
Her courage and determination remain an inspiration long after her passing in 1970. She was named Physician of the Century in 2006 and we commemorate her and the incredible work she accomplished within our organization.
How to Help
Our Mission
- Provide safe and secure shelter and support to women and children in crisis.
- Assist individuals and families by providing resources and advocacy.
- Educate the public and create partnerships to prevent family violence and build stronger communities.
Our Vision
Prevention of family violence through public awareness, outreach and supports.
We can help you.
All callers are treated with respect and dignity. Calls are confidential and free of charge.
About the Helpline
The Helpline was established in October 1978. The goal is to provide a telephone service to deal with crisis intervention, support, and referrals to those that call in. The Helpline is available and monitored 24/7 to provide immediate support and information about services available to all residents of the area. We work in cooperation with local agencies and professionals to aid those individuals experiencing problems.
We help callers meet their immediate needs and to talk about pressing concerns. We communicate with acceptance, understanding and care to all callers and our hope is that everyone will feel comfortable and safe to be able to talk about any issues. We believe that this supportive attitude provides an atmosphere in which the callers can begin to examine, understand and cope with their concerns.
Ethical Standards
All callers are treated with respect and dignity. The caller is assured that their information is treated with absolute confidence as all calls are confidential and free of charge. If a call received could result in a crime, injury or death, the listener will access telephone security so that an intervention can occur.
