News Announcing the 2024 Alberta Women’s Shelter Award Winners: Recognizing the Shelter Staff and Volunteers Supporting Survivors of Domestic Abuse Announcing the 2024 Alberta Women’s Shelter Award Winners: Recognizing the Shelter Staff and Volunteers Supporting Survivors of Domestic Abuse Edmonton, Alberta, October 10, 2024 – The Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters’ (ACWS) Joie Dery and Volunteer Awards are presented annually at their AGM to recognize the tireless service of domestic abuse shelter staff and volunteers. On September 26, 2024, ACWS announced this year’s winners: Fran Story, a long-serving, dedicated crisis intervention worker from Fairview’s Crossroads Resource Centre & Women’s Shelter, takes home the Joie Dery Award. Kimberly Cardinal, a tireless volunteer for Lac La Biche’s Hope Haven Society, has won the volunteer award. Joie Dery Award Winner: Fran Story, Crossroads Resource Centre, Fairview Pictured: Cat Champagne (Executive Director, ACWS), Sandy Vander Ziel (Board President, ACWS), Wendy Biegel (Executive Director, Crossroads Resource Centre), Fran Story (Crisis Intervention, Crossroads Resource Centre), Jan Reimer (Executive Advisor, ACWS), Gaye Warthe (Former Board President, ACWS). Fran Story is described as a “mentor” and a “role model” at Crossroads Resource Centre. On September 26, 2024, she was thrilled and surprised to accept Alberta Council of Women’s Shelter’s (ACWS) Joie Dery Award recognizing shelter staff who bring tireless commitment to social justice and ending domestic abuse in Alberta. “Fran Story has worked for Crossroads Resource Centre & Women’s Shelter for over 37 years,” says Wendy Biegel, Executive Director at Crossroads Resource Centre. “In that time Fran’s unwavering and exceptional commitment to advocate on behalf of the women and children experiencing domestic violence is nothing short of remarkable.” Biegel says: “Fran has an exceptional ability to support and inspire others to find their strength and courage in the face of overwhelming barriers, and limited resources. Fran continues to possess an unwavering commitment to excellence, a willingness to collaborate and uplift others, and resilience in the face of everyday challenges.” “Because of frontline staff like Fran Story, shelters can continue supporting so many people impacted by violence and abuse,” says Cat Champagne of ACWS. “The work that shelter staff do can be heavy and to have someone like Fran dedicated to this work for so long is rare and invaluable.” Volunteer Award Winner: Kimberly Cardinal, Hope Haven Society, Lac La Biche Pictured: Jan Reimer (Executive Advisor, ACWS), Cassandra Putnam (Board, Hope Haven Society), Kimberly Cardinal (Volunteer, Hope Haven Society), Lana Howse (Executive Director, Hope Haven Society), Cat Champagne (Executive Director, ACWS). Kimberly Cardinal started volunteering with Hope Haven Society 5 years ago, lending a hand wherever she was needed in fundraising, advocacy, outreach and more. On September 26, 2024, she was proud to accept Alberta Council of Women’s Shelter’s (ACWS) Volunteer Award that recognizes women shelter volunteers who bring tireless commitment to social justice and ending domestic abuse in Alberta. Lana Howse, Executive Director at Hope Haven Society says, “Kimberly’s hard work, compassion and commitment make it possible for events to be successful in many areas. Kimberly steps up and volunteers whenever there is an event taking place and she always helps to make it a success.” Cat Champagne of ACWS says, “Kimberly demonstrates the importance of supporting shelters in their vital work for survivors of domestic violence and abuse, whether that be through fundraising, advocating, or volunteering on the frontlines, there is always something people can do to help and support shelters in their area.” “She is very supportive and empowering for the women and children that she comes in contact with in her work and volunteering efforts,” says Howse. “Kimberly works hard on many levels and shows a sound use of professional judgement on a continuous basis within the shelter and community. Kimberly is a real asset to Hope Haven.” About Joie Dery: Joie Dery was a member of the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters for more than 25 years, playing a key role in growing the association into what it is today. Joie worked for two decades at the Dr. Margaret Savage Crisis Centre in Cold Lake, helping women and children in that community escape and heal from domestic violence. She was a member of the Board of ACWS and President of the Council for a number of years. Under her leadership, the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters not only successfully advocated for increased salaries, benefits and training for shelter workers but also committed to the first-ever world conference of women’s shelters. Joie’s tireless commitment to social justice and to abused women is an example for us all. -30- For further information or to arrange for an interview, please contact: Chantal Cooknell, Development and Partnerships (587) 686-5855 Email: chantal.cooknell@acws.ca About ACWS ACWS is the provincial network organization of domestic violence shelters in Alberta. We bring over four decades of experience and knowledge to serve our 41 members operating over 50 shelters across the province for women, their children, and seniors facing domestic abuse. We advocate for ACWS members and work with them to end domestic violence through culture-shifting violence prevention programs, collective data and research, and front-line training. With support from ACWS, Alberta shelters are helping to provide safety, support families, and improve communities.
