WOMEN IN TRANSITION HOUSE

 

What is Women in Transition House (WiTH)? 

Women in Transition House is a safe and confidential emergency shelter for women (and their children) who have experienced domestic and intimate partner violence (DIPV).

We know that every journey to safety begins with a courageous decision to seek help, and no one should have to face that journey alone. Every woman who walks through our doors is welcomed with compassion, dignity, and respect. At WiTH, we are here to listen without judgment, provide essential resources and advocacy, and stand beside each woman every step of the way as she moves toward stability, well-being, and renewed confidence. Our clients can share at their own comfort level, and everything happens at their pace. We are here to help them feel safe and supported, whenever they are ready.

WiTH provides emergency accommodations for up to 8 women and their children (up to 19 people total). During their stay of up to 30 days, residents are provided with a secure and stable environment where they can access resources, and work with staff to explore options for longer-term housing and support.

Food, personal care items, and other essential needs are provided at no cost to residents. To create a shared and supportive living environment, residents participate in household responsibilities and share common areas, including living spaces and bathrooms. Each woman is provided with her own bedroom, while mothers and their children share a bedroom during their stay.

Mission statement

Through individualized and compassionate support, education, and advocacy, in a safe and welcoming space, we help women move beyond crisis toward self-empowerment, resilience, and independence.

Main objectives

The objectives of the house are to:

  • Provide services such as lodging, advocacy, and referrals to survivors of DIPV, and

  • Inform the public and promote awareness of the mandate and objectives of Women in Transition House. 

Our role

  • Respond to crisis calls with compassionate, 24/7 support and assistance

  • Offer a safe, temporary, welcoming space for women and their children experiencing DIPV

  • Provide emotional support, crisis intervention, and compassionate, trauma-informed care

  • Conduct individualized risk and threat assessments to help identify safety concerns and support informed safety planning

  • Facilitate pet fostering services to help address barriers to women seeking safety

  • Provide information, referrals, and connections to community resources, including housing, legal supports, counselling, healthcare, and financial assistance

  • Work collaboratively with police, child protection, and community agencies to help reduce barriers and improve access to supports

  • Support and empower women in their parenting roles while recognizing their strengths and experiences

  • Help children navigate the effects of domestic violence while promoting safety, resilience, and healthy development

  • Ensure women are treated with dignity, respect, and without judgment throughout their stay

  • Provide opportunities for women to learn about the cycle and dynamics of abuse while exploring its effects on their well-being and relationships

  • Support women in identifying their needs, strengths, and personal goals as they move forward

  • Provide basic necessities, including food, personal care items, and other essential supports

  • Support women in rebuilding confidence, independence, and a sense of empowerment

  • Provide guidance and referrals to help women navigate economic challenges and access available financial supports

  • Provide accompaniment to some appointments (court, lawyers, etc.)

Our team

During your stay, you (and your children) will have access to a dedicated team, working together to provide a comprehensive, wrap-around network of support tailored to your unique journey toward stability and a bright future. Our entire staff operates as a compassionate community dedicated to your safety, comfort, and success. We are here to support you throughout your journey with care, respect, and understanding.

Support Workers: Our team of full-time and part-time support workers provides 24/7 on-site compassionate care and a listening ear. They balance crisis response, emotional support, and assistance with everyday needs throughout your stay.

Case Manager: Our case manager will work collaboratively with you to help navigate the practical steps toward stability and independence. You will participate in weekly meetings together to focus on your personal development plan, which will include creating short-term and long-term safety plans, developing clear, achievable goals, and securing stable housing.

Child and Family Support Worker: Our child and family support worker focuses on empowering you as a parent. They provide a bridge to the tools and services that will help your family move from surviving to thriving, connecting mothers to individualized resources, customized strategies, personalized guidance and education, and providing facilitated community connections.

Childcare Worker: Our childcare workers focuses on creating a safe, nurturing, and joyful environment for your children, ensuring they are cared for and engaged while you attend appointments or focus on important steps forward. They provide childcare during appointments, engage in indoor activities and crafts, and outdoor exploration and adventures.

In-House Counsellor: To support your emotional well-being, you will have the opportunity to meet weekly with our in-house counsellor. These sessions provide a private, compassionate space centred on your emotional needs, where you can access professional therapy, deepen your understanding of DIPV through education and awareness, and process your experiences in ways that feel safe and supportive for you. Together, we focus on fostering self-trust, strengthening emotional resilience, and supporting your healing in a way that honours your unique experiences and needs.

Executive Director: Our executive director oversees the organization's operations, supports and mentors staff, and advocates for IPV survivors, ensuring every person who reaches out for support has access to compassionate care, meaningful resources, and opportunities for healing. They work collaboratively with community partners to strengthen the network of services available to survivors. They also advocate for systemic change, work to secure funding to sustain and expand programs, ensure accountability and organizational excellence, and foster a culture of safety, respect, and inclusion.

Admin Support: Our admin support coordinates the day-to-day administrative operations at WiTH. They support all staff, oversee bookkeeping and financial records, support budgeting and reporting requirements, create and maintain in-house documentation, manage payroll, process and track incoming donations, and support the overall financial and administrative needs of our organization.

Our history

Women in Transition House first opened its doors in 1980 as a result of the hard work and dedication of a group of individuals led by Anne Crocker. Fredericton was the first city in New Brunswick to open a shelter for women and children experiencing domestic violence. In 1991 the shelter was able to move to a newly renovated facility offering more room for clients. The services offered and provided have changed over the years as new resources and programs have been created and implemented throughout the province. 

Today, there are thirteen emergency shelters across New Brunswick offering secure, temporary accommodations and support for women and their children experiencing domestic violence while they transition to more permanent housing. Women in Transition House, along with the other shelters in the province are non-profit organizations and are overseen by a board of directors. The shelters are partially funded by different levels of government, and most rely on the generosity of the community.

Our board of directors

President: Elizabeth McAllister
Vice President: Reegan McDougall
Secretary: Jocelyn Pike
Treasurer: Kathy Boyd

Directors:
Janice Campbell
Lori Hayward
Jeff Melanson
George Nickerson
Kenneth Pike
Lucia Scalco
Doyin Somorin
Bob White

Executive Director: Jan Hicks