Advocating for Safe and Respectful Relationships
When it comes to fostering safer communities and nurturing respectful relationships, the St. Albert Stop Abuse in Families (SAIF) Society stands as a cornerstone of support in our city. Founded on the principle that every individual deserves to live free from the threat of abuse, SAIF has spent decades dedicating its resources, expertise, and compassion to those who need it most.
A Brief History and Founding Principles
The SAIF Society emerged in 1989 as a grassroots response to the escalating concerns around family violence in St. Albert. Originally championed by a collective of community members, law enforcement representatives, and caring citizens, SAIF’s founding vision was clear: provide a safe, nonjudgmental space for victims of family violence to access support, while simultaneously educating the broader public on prevention and awareness.
Since its inception, the organization’s mandate has expanded. Today, SAIF not only provides direct services like counseling, crisis support, and referrals, but also leads educational initiatives within schools, workplaces, and community groups. By addressing the root causes of family violence through public awareness, SAIF seeks not just to respond to incidents of abuse, but to prevent them from happening in the first place.
A Dedicated Management Team
At the heart of SAIF’s operations is a dedicated management team committed to upholding the highest standards of service delivery. Led by an Executive Director who brings extensive experience in social services and nonprofit leadership, the SAIF team includes program coordinators, trained counselors, educational facilitators, and administrative professionals who work collaboratively to ensure clients receive timely, compassionate, and confidential support.
This management team continuously evaluates the Society’s programs and approaches, adapting them in response to evolving community needs and emerging research in the field of family violence prevention. Through professional development and partnerships with like-minded organizations, the team stays current with best practices, ensuring that SAIF’s resources remain effective and relevant.
A Dynamic and Passionate Board of Directors
Overseeing the strategic direction and governance of SAIF is a volunteer Board of Directors—a group of committed community members who bring a diverse range of skills, knowledge, and perspectives. Each board member shares the Society’s deep-rooted passion for building a safer, healthier community.
Author’s Note: I, John Carle, am a proud member of the St. Albert SAIF Society’s Board of Directors. Serving in this capacity has given me firsthand insight into the dedication, expertise, and empathy that drive the organization’s work every day.
Goals that Shape the Future
The SAIF Society’s goals are both immediate and long-term. In the short term, it endeavors to provide accessible, confidential support for individuals facing abusive situations. By offering counseling, referrals, and safety planning, SAIF helps clients navigate crises and begin the journey to healing.
Looking ahead, SAIF aspires to create a sustained culture of awareness and prevention. Through educational workshops in schools that teach youth about healthy relationships, workplace seminars that highlight respectful communication, and community forums that break the silence surrounding abuse, SAIF is steadily eroding the stigma and misunderstanding that enable violence to persist.
How You Can Get Involved
Stopping abuse in families is a collective responsibility. Whether you choose to volunteer, attend a fundraising event, or share SAIF’s resources with someone in need, your support matters. Donations help keep the Society’s services free and confidential, ensuring that no one is turned away because of financial barriers.
SAIF also welcomes partners and collaborators—other nonprofits, local businesses, and community organizations—to join forces in making St. Albert an even safer place to live, work, and raise a family.
A Community United Against Violence
The work of the St. Albert SAIF Society is a testament to the strength, empathy, and resilience of our community. As SAIF continues to evolve, refine its services, and expand its reach, it does so with an unwavering commitment to ensuring that every person in St. Albert has the opportunity to live a life free from abuse. Through compassion, education, and a shared sense of purpose, we can create a brighter, safer future for everyone.
