Haven Society

Dare to be Courageous

Violence happens often in our community. We all wish it didn’t. But for many people, experiencing violence is a harsh reality.

For over 30 years, Haven Society has been there to support women, youth and children in their courageous efforts to rebuild their lives. Haven Society’s dedicated staff and volunteers – along with its many committed donors – have been a powerful force for good in our community. Among many things, Haven has saved the lives of women and children fleeing abuse, taught essential anti-violence messages to school children and the greater public, and helped support those rebuilding their lives. Haven’s vision, courage and leadership have made an indelible difference in the lives of individuals, families and our community.

Last year, Haven staff and volunteers examined how the agency could better serve the community and its clients. In order to become more streamlined and able to meet tomorrow’s challenges, came a new vision for Haven that will be unfolded over the next few years. 

The first step in this new vision is simple…bring all of Haven’s community-based services into one building specifically designed and built to suit the needs of Haven’s clients, staff and numerous programs.

The new Community Services Building will be built on the site adjacent to the existing Transition House. Combining all of Haven’s programs and administration into one public location will not only be more efficient and accessible for clients but will also help to raise the profile and support of the services.

The new 7431 sq ft. building will:

·        greatly improve integration of services, interaction, and resource sharing between staff,

·        accommodate for the demand of services in years to come,

·        enhance existing programs with a commercial kitchen available for teaching and for preparing food,

·        provide a fully accessible location for staff or clients who are disabled

·        create a community resource for anti-violence work, including meeting rooms available to Haven’s many community partners,

·        create a warm, safe, and functional atmosphere specially designed for the needs of the many women, youth and children who come seeking support,

·        make administration more cost effective

The City of Nanaimo is fully supportive of this new vision. The City has given Haven a significant extension on the lease for the land where the Community Services Building will sit. A 60-year lease at $1 per year is a strong commitment from the City of Nanaimo to Haven’s anti-violence work and to the many citizens who need Haven’s support.

The cost for the new building is $1.75 million. This includes security fencing, landscaping, equipment and furnishings inside the building. Haven staff and volunteers are excited to launch the Campaign for Courage, a fundraising campaign to raise $1 million to complete the construction and furnishing costs for the new building.

We know that Haven’s incredible donors – the individuals, foundations, service clubs and companies – will continue to support women and children through annual giving to Haven. Today, we ask them, along with inviting newcomers, to also consider supporting this new vision by making a gift or multi-year pledge to help build the Community Services Building.

It takes great courage to turn your back on violence and start a new life. It takes great courage to help people break the cycle of violence. Dare to be courageous and join us in our Campaign for Courage.