non-judgmental support for everyone targeted by family violence
Through compassion, empathy, and non-judgmental listening, our trained Family Violence Specialists can help clients navigate their risks and increase safety through directing to appropriate legal assistance, exploring options for emergency shelters, providing education around family violence and its impact, etc. This can support an individual’s safety plan and increase an individual’s toolkit and knowledge around family violence and existing supports.
Through our Public Education program we help service providers and community members gain knowledge and skills to better recognize and respond to family violence.
Where we came from and what we’re doing
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In 2004, representatives from 26 family violence stakeholders across the city came together to determine a more collaborative approach to offering resources and services to Edmontonians experiencing family violence.
The stakeholders included other not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous and Ethno-cultural communities, women’s shelter organizations, and all three levels of government. After considerable planning, consultations, and community involvement, a new, all-encompassed organization was created to bring about a more succinct and accessible means of connecting victims of family violence to the help they need – all in one place.
This new organization was named The Today Family Violence Help Centre and we opened our doors officially in 2009.
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After much thought and consideration at the start of 2020, The Today Family Violence Help Centre chose to re-brand itself and became simply, The Today Centre.
The Today Centre offers short-term support for those who are experiencing family violence. We offer safety-planning, education on family violence, and connection to other resources in Edmonton and surrounding area. We offer non-judgmental support for everyone targeted by family violence regardless of situation, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, culture or religion.
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For many families, the pandemic increased stress and hardships, and for those who are living with family violence, these impacts may have, in turn, worsened the abuse.
That’s why, at The Today Centre, looking towards ‘tomorrow’ and what those days may look like for victims of family violence and abuse, is vital. We need to ensure that those who need us can continue to find us, regardless of what future challenges may come our way as an organization. The Today Centre continues to work hard every day to meet the changing needs of our clients and our community.
A Collaborative Approach
Working with a Collaborative Community Response (CCR) model, The Today Centre works in partnership with over 300 client-focused agencies to provide seamless support to those impacted and experiencing family violence. In doing so, we are able to provide additional supports, resources, connections, and guidance to our clients so that they may find what they need in one place.
Operating in a collaborative manner enables The Today Centre agency affiliates the opportunity to deliver services designed to support the needs of those experiencing family violence, within the context and landscape of their homes, school, place of employment, and community
We work collaboratively with others through community partnerships, Linking Protocols (referral agreements), group case consultation, and interagency networks. For more information about collaborating with The Today Centre, contact us.
Message from the Executive Director
Cindy Furlong
If you’d like to reach out to our Executive Director please inquire through info@thetodaycentre.ca.
At The Today Centre, we know family violence puts children at risk, can destroy families, and can teach patterns of violence that are often repeated generation after generation. We also know it impacts extended family, neighbours, co-workers and whole communities.
We are taking action at The Today Centre by providing a place where victims and survivors of family violence can feel safe knowing they are not alone and are very much connected to our community and the services and resources available to them. I invite everyone to share in our vision of a “healthy community safe and free of family violence” by learning how we can come together to help victims of family violence and abuse find their strength, purpose, and hope.
Welcome to The Today Centre
TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR OF OUR OFFICE AND LEARN A LITTLE MORE ABOUT THE TODAY CENTRE!
Vision, Mission and Values
Vision
A healthy community, safe and free of family violence
Mission
The Today Centre provides immediate, integrated, and inclusive services to individuals impacted by family violence and raises awareness, educates, and builds capacity in the community.
Values
Collaboration: We work together in communities to build safer and stronger families and individuals.
Integrity: We strive to build trust through maintaining high moral and ethical standards.
Safety: We prioritize all aspects of safety for the individuals we serve, employees, and volunteers.
Knowledge and Education: We continuously work to stay current with trends and research and use this information to enhance our programs and services.
Empathy: We appreciate the uniqueness of each person’s experiences and recognize they are the experts in their own lives.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: We acknowledge that people are impacted by inequalities and privilege and that marginalization impacts access to supports. We are committed to promoting a sense of belonging for everyone.
Flexibility: We work with clients to respond to their individual needs and believe in each person’s capacity to make positive changes in their personal situation. We strive to provide barrier-free services.
