About Us

Vision

A community free from fear, neglect, violence, and abuse.

Mission

To support all people to live free from fear, neglect, violence, and abuse.

Beliefs

Creating Safety and Healing Together: We believe it is a privilege to participate with individuals and families on the journey of creating safety and healing.
Social Redress: We believe upholding the dignity of victims and supporting perpetrators to change is central to restoring individual and community well-being.
Language Matters: We believe using accurate language to describe violence and clarify responsibility has the power to achieve social justice.
Collaboration: We believe that one agency cannot stop family violence alone.
Leadership: We believe in using evidence and practice experience to prevent family violence while ensuring a healthy culture and organization.
Social Change: We believe that all of us are change-makers and can influence our environment so that children and adults can feel safe and be provided opportunities to thrive.

The evolution of the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter is FearIsNotLove

Click here to learn more about how our organization is growing

HISTORICAL TIMELINE

In 1973, a group of visionary women opened a small volunteer-run shelter for women and families in Calgary. The following year, the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter registered as a charity, formally taking over the operations. Since our origins as a 13-bed facility in the Beltline area, the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter, now known as FearIsNotLove has expanded to serve over 20,000 Calgarians annually.

1973

A Group of visionary women open a small volunteer-run shelter for women and families in Calgary

1974

Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter becomes a registered charity

1978

Services for children developed

1986

Calgary Women's Emergency Shelter moves to a new facility

1990

Outreach Counselling Program begins

1991

Beginning of Men's Counselling Service

1993

Start of youth prevention program: Healthy Relationships

1994

First Turning Points Fundraising Gala

1997

Shelter burns to the ground

1998

New Shelter opens

2001

24-Hour Family Violence Helpline piloted

2003

Shelter increases bed spaces from 35 to 40

2004

Start of Children’s Outreach Program
& Men’s Counselling Service begins partner support program

2008

Court Support program initiated
& In-house wellness clinic accessible for clients

2009

Response Based approach embraced by agency

2014

Calgary Women's Emergency Shelter commemorates 40 years of service to the community

2017

Programs accredited for the first time

2018

Start of child, youth, and family therapy program

2021

Launch of children's book "Stanley on the Shoulders of Giants"

2022

FearIsNotLove branding launched

Thank You to our Supporters!

We are extremely grateful for our wonderful volunteers and supporters. Without them, FearIsNotLove would be unable to provide the wide range of services that we are so proud to offer. Click below to view the full list of those who generously support our initiatives.

Our Supporters

Programs

Connect Domestic Violence and Abuse Helpline

Men's Resource Line

Calgary Women's Emergency Shelter

Child, Youth and Family Therapy Program

Court Program

Community Services Counselling Program

Healthy Relationships Program