The Moose Jaw and District Transition House has been chosen by an anonymous jury as the Moose Jaw & District Chamber of Commerce’s 2021 Group of the Year.
Transition House is an incredibly active advocate in the community of Moose Jaw for those experiencing interpersonal violence and abuse. Saskatchewan has one of the highest rates of domestic abuse in Canada, and Transition House is almost always at capacity. It provides an emergency shelter, a 24-hour crisis line, a community outreach program, a program for children who have been exposed to violence, and a shelter support and follow-up program.
Information on Transition House’s programs can be found at www.mj-transitionhouse.com/services. Their 24-hour crisis line is (306) 693-6511, and those unable to call can text (306) 631-0962.
Transition House’s board, dedicated volunteers, and staff are supported in their efforts by community fundraising partners. Together, they raise awareness of the effects of interpersonal violence and abuse, the supports available to those affected, and ways the community can act toward ending cycles of abuse and violence.
Community outreach programs include a wellness group for women struggling with isolation, creating COVID comfort kits for children, individual and group counselling, parenting courses, and men’s anger groups.
“Thank you so much for this honour!” said Jenn Angus, executive director of Transition House. “All of these groups are so fantastic to be nominated alongside of. They do such fantastic things for Moose Jaw. So, I’m shocked.”
Angus continued, “I have to say, the staff and the board of directors of the Moose Jaw Transition House, they are an incredible group of individuals who just work tirelessly to provide support to those experiencing violence in our community. And I’m so very, very proud of them. It’s their work that has led to this (award).”
Angus said she was proud to be a member of the city of Moose Jaw. “This city is the most generous and has the most caring people.”
Recognizing the other nominees for Group of the Year
The Kinsmen Café’s Imagine Employment Program is dedicated to providing meaningful employment to persons with varying abilities. It teaches employment skills and develops independence. Skills taught include sanitization, mopping floors, polite conversation with customers, keeping orders accurate, and delivering food to customers.
The Moose Jaw & District Food Bank is a vital part of the community in the city. In 2021, they helped feed almost 9000 people. They prepared 4,250 food hampers. Last year, they fundraised to acquire and renovate a new building, including making it more accessible to those with disabilities. It took the combined efforts of staff, volunteers, and community business partners to finish the project. The food bank receives no provincial or federal help – it is entirely community-funded. It supplies everything needed to help families through hard times, including support in finding the other services needed to get back on one’s feet.
The Moose Jaw & District Seniors’ Association was a safe, welcoming place for vulnerable seniors in and around Moose Jaw in 2021. Years of COVID-induced isolation have damaged the physical and mental health of seniors in particular. The Seniors’ Association enabled seniors to meet and socialize with each other. Its membership has grown to over 380, proving its value in Moose Jaw.
River Street Promotions raises funds for youth mental health wellness and education by organizing entertainment events. Their major event last year was Homestand ’21, a concert in Ross Wells Park, attended by over 1000 people. It raised $50,000 for mental health wellness and education in Prairie South School Division. Another $15,000 went to help beautify Ross Wells ballpark.
