The Outreach Centre has been providing support to central Albertans experiencing some of the most traumatic events such as domestic violence, suicide, and homelessness. Recently, the organization has released their annual report and despite some staggering numbers, Executive Director Ian Wheeliker says the data provides only a limited perspective of the past year.  

“I think the biggest thing to note is, is that the numbers are still sort of pre-pandemic. What we've been thinking about over the last year anyway is that with the lockdown and with the message to stay at home, a lot of people have not been reaching out,” said Wheeliker. 

Here’s a look at some of the statistics from that report:  

  • 307 clients served through a Domestic Violence Intervention Response Team  
  • 153 new clients accessed Domestic Violence Outreach services  
  • 967 phone calls for information  
  • 670 new intakes  
  • 20 families and 40 children resided in Julietta’s Place 

You can view several more statistics and highlights by following the link here.  

With more families at home Wheeliker believes it has been challenging for some people to reach out for help when they have been spending more time at home. With many other different non-profit organizations closing, some people may not know what resources are available for them.  

“The big message to people is that we're open. We're back to normal operating. Our staff are all in the building. We're here we have all the programs up and running. There is face to face contact. For those that have the challenge in actually coming to our center, we've continued to offer our services by phone or through the Internet like on Zoom or on Teams. The big messages is that our programs are all up and running,” explained Wheeliker.  

The Outreach Centre services a huge portion of the central Alberta area providing a variety of programs for Albertans experiencing the effects of domestic violence, suicide, homelessness, and the effects of poverty. Froom Rocky Mountain House, to Olds, Stettler, and the Camrose area the Outreach Centre works to alleviate the pressure for Alberta’s most vulnerable.  

“We get lots of people from the surrounding communities like Ponoka, Innisfail, Delburne, Eckville and all those sorts of close communities in proximity to Red Deer,” said Wheeliker.  

You can learn more about the Outreach Centre by visiting their website here.  

Stay tuned to Sunny 94 for A Holiday Hope Radiothon for the Outreach Centre which will be happening on November 15th.  

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