Welcome to Cantara House - Brooks, Alberta
Domestic Abuse Emergency Accommodations and Outreach Services
About Us
Our Staff
- Our 24-Hour Family Violence Crisis Support Line is always available. Phone: 403-793-2232
- Cantara House Outreach appointments can be referred by emailing crisis@cantarahouse.net or calling 403-793-2232.
- Administration hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Phone: 403-362-2766
Our History
- Cantara House was incorporated on March 24, 1997.
- In 1998, the 24-hour Crisis Line started.
- In 2001, the Shelter officially opened with beds.
- 2003, the thrift store 2nds on 1st (now 2ns on 2nd) opened.
- 2011, Healthy Families Program started.
- 2013, the Domestic Violence Intervention Team began.
Cantara House is a short-term emergency shelter for those fleeing domestic violence.
Our Mission and Vision
Mission: To empower individuals in Brooks and surrounding communities to make informed choices for themselves and their children about ending the cycle of abuse by providing local, temporary, safe accommodation, support services, resources and community education.
Vision: Individuals and families in our community live free from abuse.
About Us
24-Hour Crisis Line
Cantara House, Crisis Intervention Workers, are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide telephone support to distressed individuals. Workers will offer emotional support and guidance to assist clients in exploring their options, provide information on family violence, and direct people to services in the community.
Contact: 403-793-2232
Crisis Intervention and Outreach - Drop-in Services
Cantara House offers short-term peer counselling and information on family violence issues for men and women and their children. Individuals may contact the shelter to arrange a face-to-face appointment with a worker. These appointments are scheduled Monday through Friday during administrative hours (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM) and are typically conducted by an Outreach Worker; however, in some cases, the crisis team may be utilized in emergent situations requiring immediate intervention.
Contact: 403-793-223
Accommodations Program
Cantara House offers short-term safe shelter for individuals with children or without fleeing abuse or family violence. With the help of an In-House Outreach worker, the Crisis Team will actively assist clients in developing a Service Plan to return to community living. This includes providing information on community resources, referrals and advocacy.
Contact: 403-793-2232
About Us
Safe Youth Program
Safe Youth Outreach supports children and youth at risk due to exposure to family violence. The program defines "at-risk" as children with behavioural issues, family issues, problems at school, criminal justice involvement or personal relationships. The goal is to support the child in developing protective factors that encourage positive functioning and personal growth. The Safe Youth Coordinator maintains crisis intervention and case management.
Contact: 403-793-2232 OR Email: crisis@cantarahouse.net
Community/In-House Outreach Services
Cantara House is committed to providing Outreach programming for individuals that choose not to come into our Emergency Accommodations or do not need to based on family and friends. Supports like transportation, client accompaniment to appointments, advocacy, crisis intervention, case management, public education, and Family Court support are some of the main functions of Cantara Outreach Services. However, due to the vast cultural, socio-economic and diverse demographic in the community, the Outreach Program is divided into several specialty areas to meet the vast needs of the individuals we support.
Contact: 403-793-2232 OR Email: crisis@cantarahouse.net
Domestic Violence Intervention Team (D.V.I.T)
The Domestic Violence Intervention Team (D.V.I.T.) consists of multiple organizations that work closely together to provide services for families who have experienced domestic violence. Cantara's part of D.V.I.T. involves advocacy by working directly with clients and community organizations. A unique aspect of Cantara's involvement is our willingness to work with both the victim and the abuser if consent is given. Cantara provides peer counselling, emotional support, domestic violence/healthy relationship education, and appropriate referrals to other community services. Our dynamic team approach is a significant part of how we achieve success.
Contact: 403-793-2232 Or crisis@cantarahouse.net
About Us
Healthy Families Outreach (H.F.O.)
The Healthy Families Outreach Program (H.F.O.) works directly to meet the needs of the Newcomer demographic that has experienced current or historical domestic violence or trauma that has left them with barriers to living healthy, whole lives or relationships. H.F.O. works with both parties as we believe there is an excellent possibility for change when both parties actively work toward the same goal. The H.F.O. program provides peer counselling, emotional support, domestic violence/healthy relationship education, and appropriate referrals to other community services.
The H.F.O. program will offer extra support due to the multiple barriers that the H.F.O. clients can face in navigating the community agencies and the judicial systems due to language or cultural barriers. Some extra supports include funded counselling from LifeTalk Counselling Services, life skills training, parenting skills, etc. The Language Line's help for those with language barriers supports the work. The service is free to clients, and professional and anonymous translators perform translation from outside the community. Healthy Families Outreach program is part of the Domestic Violence Intervention Team (D.V.I.T.), which consists of multiple organizations that work closely together to provide services for families who have experienced domestic violence.
Contact: 403-793-2232 OR Email: crisis@cantarahouse.net
2nds on 2nds Thrift Store
2nds on 2nd is a thrift store operated by Cantara as a social enterprise. Donations of clothing and small household items can be taken to 2nds on 2nd and sell them at the thrift store. The proceeds aid the organization in operating revenue. Clients receiving service from Cantara are welcome to items free of charge if they are in need. Clients are offered a voucher for any or all family members with maximum limits of goods listed.
- The address for the store is 111 2nd Street West.
- Store hours are Monday to Friday, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Saturday 12:00 pm (Noon) - 5:00 pm
- Closed Sundays and holiday weekends.
Contact: 403-362-8338
Volunteer Program
Volunteers are an essential part of the services offered. Volunteers are recruited and trained to provide various services, including fundraising activities, picking up and sorting donations, reception, and client support. Cantara House has benefited from the efforts of at least 140 volunteers on average. They are trained and coordinated by the Volunteer Coordinator.
Contact: 403-362-2766 OR Email: crisis@cantarahouse.net
About Us
Educational Groups
Cantara can provide short-term education and support to individuals benefitting from a group counselling format. Topics range from self-awareness and self-esteem, positive communication, conflict resolution, education about power and control in relationships, abuse and healthy relationships. However, groups have not run consistently due to low interest but may start again shortly.
Contact: 403-793-2232 OR Email: crisis@cantarahouse.net
Public Awareness and Education
Part of the function of the Outreach program is public education. Research has shown that most individuals exposed to family violence seek support and assistance from family and friends rather than trained professionals. These natural supports play an important role in positive outcomes for those fleeing violence and abuse. As a result, Cantara offers community members of all ages information on abuse, healthy relationships, resources and general information on safety in relationships, elements of danger, early warning signs, etc., to prepare natural supports in the community to provide knowledgeable, sound advice.
School DV and Dating Violence
The Safe Youth Program offers a wide range of education and awareness programs to all students from K-12 in the city of Brooks and the County of Newell. These age-appropriate presentations focus on issues
related to family violence, healthy relationships, safe ways to express anger and feelings, and digital safety.
For more information on how to book a presentation, please get in touch with our office at 403-793-2232 or email safeyouth@cantarahouse.net