Our History: Support for the Courage to Change

Haven Society was incorporated as a non-profit society and registered charity on December 22, 1978 to answer a growing awareness that violence and abuse within the family was a reality for many women and children in our community.

For the first two and a half years, women who called Haven's crisis line were given shelter in the homes of community vol­unteers. It quickly became apparent that, in spite of the gen­erosity and commitment of the volunteers, such a service was neither safe nor adequate and lobbying for funding became a focus. On July 1, 1981, in a house provided by the City of Nanaimo and with operational funding from the Ministry of Social Services, Haven House officially opened its doors.

In December 1985 the Society purchased a four bedroom house. Demand quickly exceeded the space available with women and their children often being housed in motels. In 1991 a seven bedroom house was acquired through CMHC's national 'Project Haven' initiative. A child care centre and a large bedroom for families with three or more children was subsequently added to the existing building through funds from the Altrusa Club of Nanaimo and the Vancouver Foundation. In 1993, the Society began offering counselling services for women experiencing physical and emotional violence in their relationships, as well as individual counselling and support groups for children who witness abuse in their homes.

As a public community outreach site, Haven’s Community office has been a wonderful addition. It houses the Children Who Witness Abuse, Stopping the Violence, Community Victim Services, and Volunteer programs and the administration staff. The space is also used for volunteer training sessions, Board, staff, team and volunteer meetings.

Haven Society also has a Community Victim Services office in Parksville, and, in partnership with other non-profit agencies, operates Willow WAI. Willow WAI provides transitional housing and an integrated day program for those who are at risk of homelessness due to violence, their experience of sex trade activity, addictions or incarceration.

Since 1978 Haven Society has supported thousands of women and children to make choices that have enabled them to live free from vio­lence and abuse. We have been supported in this work  by the generous support of the Province of British Columbia, the Government of Canada, the BC Gaming Commission, the United Way of Central Island and the dedication of staff, board, and volunteers, busi­nesses, service clubs, churches, com­munity groups and individuals from the communities of Nanaimo, Oceanside and beyond. We celebrate and thank you. We know that by continuing to work together we can create a community in which families are safe.