Government of Canada Supports Red Deer Area Women's Project

June 5, 2009

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RED DEER, Alberta - The Government of Canada is pleased to support Shining Mountains Living Community Services in carrying out its pilot project Wicohkamawew – First Phase: Women's Residential Support Model, to increase access to community supports and services in Red Deer for Aboriginal women who have experienced abuse and are currently living in transitional housing.

“I am proud of our Government's support for Wicohkamawew, a much-needed project that addresses the issue of safety and economic security for marginalized Aboriginal women by increasing their access to community supports and services," said Minister Guergis. “As an organization dedicated to ensuring every marginalized individual is a valued and full participant within the Red Deer community, Shining Mountains Living Community Services is breaking down barriers for women everywhere."

“Our work has grown organically from the grassroots of our community, through consultations with Elders and a range of other community members and a 95-per-cent representation of Aboriginal members on our Board of Directors," said Ms. Raye St. Denys, Executive Director, Shining Mountains Living Community Services. “Through this project, we will increase women's safety by developing effective and traditional strategies for safe living, as well as by linking women to appropriate social, employment and educational services in the Red Deer area."

Wicohkamawew – First Phase: Women's Residential Support Model will receive $81,308 through the Women's Community Fund of the Women's Program of Status of Women Canada. This Fund supports eligible organizations in carrying out projects at the local, regional and national levels. To qualify, the initiatives must work toward the equality and full participation of women in the economic, social and democratic life of Canada.

Shining Mountains Living Community Services is a non-profit organization that provides a wide range of community services to people at risk of and living with HIV/AIDS and/or hepatitis C, homelessness, domestic violence and/or addictions. Services offered include outreach, a healing and recovery shelter, counselling, education, and referral programs.

Status of Women Canada is a federal government agency working to promote equality for women, and their full participation of women in the economic, social and democratic life of Canada.

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For more information, please contact:

Sherine Mansour
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State (Status of Women)
819-956-4000

Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General, Communications and Strategic Planning
Status of Women Canada
613-995-7839

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