By rdnewsNOW staff

Kirsten's Place

MVESS to launch county-wide response to domestic violence through new Collaborative Hub

Nov 26, 2025 | 3:25 PM

The Mountain View Emergency Shelter Society (MVESS) has announced the launch of a county-wide outreach response to domestic violence through its new Collaborative Hub for Trauma-Informed Domestic Violence Supports.

Officials say the Collaborative Hub will provide prevention, education, risk assessment, safety planning, individual support, and coordinated access to Kirsten’s Place, the newly built domestic violence shelter serving rural central Alberta.

The enhanced outreach program aims to provide support to every community within Mountain View County—Olds, Didsbury, Carstairs, Sundre, Cremona, and surrounding rural areas.

According to officials, MVESS will also take a regional approach by partnering with and serving additional rural communities between Red Deer and the county, ensuring individuals across central Alberta have consistent access to support.

“Kirsten’s Place has shown us the depth of need in our rural communities through the overwhelming response from residents, the stories and disclosures we continue to hear, and the clear gaps identified by our partners,” says Raelynn Notley, Chair of the MVESS Board, in a press release. “Rural families deserve accessible, compassionate support close to home. We are expanding on our current outreach program to bring prevention, education, and individualized support directly into the communities where people live.”

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About Kirsten’s Place

Officials say Kirsten’s Place represents nearly 20 years of community advocacy. They say the shelter became a reality after the tragic death of Kirsten Gardner, who lost her life to domestic violence. Her father, Brian Gardner, approached MVESS shortly after her passing and offered to act as the contractor for the build—turning a long-held vision into a tangible project. Since then, officials say community members, organizations, and local businesses have come together to raise the funds needed to make this possible.

As the only shelter along the Red Deer–Calgary corridor, officials say it will soon open its doors to provide safe, trauma-informed support for individuals and families fleeing violence across central Alberta.

“The support from our communities has been overwhelming,” says Bob Phillips, a founding member of MVESS and former RCMP Detachment Commander. “Because of the people of Mountain View County and their commitment to helping others, we can open our doors and be there for individuals who are experiencing violence. This shelter exists because our community made it possible.”

Rural Communities Face Unique Barriers

Board member and former Victim Services Director, Rhonda Kearns, emphasizes that rural survivors often face barriers not experienced in larger centers.

“I have seen firsthand how intimidating it can be for someone from a small rural community to walk into a city-centre shelter,” says Kearns. “For many, that barrier alone is enough to stop them from reaching out at all. That’s why having a rural shelter created specifically for rural Albertans is not just helpful—it’s necessary.”

“But just as important is the prevention and outreach work we do in these communities,” she continues. “People often struggle long before a crisis, and having support that is local, accessible, and community-based can make all the difference in helping them feel safe enough to ask for help.”

How to Help

At this time, officials acknowledge that MVESS has not received financial support from the provincial government for shelter operations. The society says it continues to advocate to the Province of Alberta, demonstrating the urgent need for accessible, rural-focused domestic violence services. Until government bed funding becomes available, officials point out that MVESS relies entirely on fundraising events, community donations, and sponsorships to continue building and sustaining these lifesaving programs.

Community members wishing to help can make secure donations directly through the MVESS website or contact them to learn more about sponsorship opportunities and ways to support outreach services and shelter operations.

Hiring & Growth

MVESS officials say they are actively preparing for the opening of Kirsten’s Place and the launch of the Collaborative Hub.

“We are currently hiring for all staff positions and are looking forward to the new year as we prepare to launch the Collaborative Hub,” says Andrea Durnan, Program Director for MVESS. “People interested in employment opportunities within MVESS can reach out through our website. We are still accepting applications and welcome inquiries.”

Accessing Support

Officials say individuals with questions or in need of assistance can visit the MVESS website for confidential contact options and information about available programs. Outreach workers can arrange private meetings in community locations, offer telephone or online consultations, and support individuals in meeting their needs.