Organizations Make the Season Bright

Every year, in anticipation of the holidays, the editorial committee of Law Matters highlights firms and organizations that are making meaningful changes in their communities.

This year, we are highlighting three organizations in Edmonton that spoke at CBA Alberta’s Women’s Legal Forum on November 6, 2025. The purpose of that event was to profile several local organizations whose vision and mission uplift women and gender-diverse communities.

Elizabeth Fry Society of Northern Alberta

The Elizabeth Fry Society of Northern Alberta provides life changing services to women, girls, and non-binary people who have been criminalized, are dealing with the justice system, or are facing other poverty related issues. The organization provides court support, employment and financial literacy training, assistance with record suspension, and, in most recent years, runs a 100-bed emergency shelter as well as transitional and other housing programs that have helped countless individuals experiencing homelessness find safe, stable housing. Rani Berg, a partner of Dentons Canada LLP, has volunteered as a director of the organization over the last six years and has witnessed the organization grow substantially in that time, even in the face of constant cuts and changes to its funding. She has chaired several committees, including the policy and governance committee, which creates and implements policies for the society's operations, and lends guidance to the organization as it continues to grow, addressing risks associated with its expanding work force, locations, and service offerings. Rani is incredibly proud to be a part of an organization that advocates for and lifts up some of the most marginalized and forgotten individuals in our region, offering kindness, hope, and stability to each one of its clients.

SACE

Supporting survivors. Strengthening communities. Building a safer Alberta.

That is the work of SACE: an organization that has responded to sexual violence with compassion, expertise, and leadership since 1975. Every year, people of all ages, backgrounds, and identities reach out seeking safety, understanding, and a path toward healing.

At its core, SACE provides free, trauma-focused counselling for anyone who has experienced sexual violence, whether the harm occurred recently or years ago. These services are delivered by skilled professionals who understand the deep and lasting impacts trauma can have on individuals, families, and communities. By removing financial barriers, SACE ensures that those who need support can access it.

Another essential service is the SACE Support and Information Line (SIL), available daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. This confidential line offers immediate emotional support, crisis intervention, and guidance for anyone who has experienced sexual assault or abuse, as well as for those supporting someone impacted by it. By allowing people to connect with a trained volunteer from wherever they are — at home, at work, or in a moment of uncertainty — the SIL ensures that no one has to navigate fear or trauma alone.

In addition to individual counselling, SACE offers group-counselling programs that help survivors heal together in community. Groups for youth and adults, including specialized circles for men, Indigenous women, BIPOC, and 2SLGBTQIA+ survivors, provide structured, supportive environments to process trauma, share experiences, and build connection in a safe and inclusive space.

SACE’s mission also extends far beyond counselling. Through its Public Education team, SACE delivers workshops, presentations, and training for youth, adults, professionals, and community groups. This includes school-based programs like WiseGuyz, a year-long, evidence-informed program for grade nine boys and masculine youth that encourages participants to examine traditional norms around masculinity, learn about healthy relationships and sexuality, and challenge attitudes that normalize sexual or dating violence.

SACE also provides tailored educational sessions for caregivers, schools, workplaces, diverse ethno-cultural communities, and service providers — helping them recognize, respond to, and prevent sexual violence, and better support survivors with dignity and respect.

Recognizing that healing and justice often intersect, the SACE Police & Court Support program walks alongside survivors who engage with the justice system, offering explanation, accompaniment, and emotional support during what can be overwhelming and re-traumatizing processes. As a trusted leader on issues related to sexual violence, SACE also uses its voice to advocate for systemic change, working to improve responses, reduce barriers, and ensure survivors are met with dignity and understanding.

In countless everyday ways — through counselling, group programs, education, outreach, and advocacy — SACE helps build a more informed, compassionate, and just society. At a time when the need for support continues to grow, SACE remains a trusted pillar in Edmonton and across Alberta: believing survivors, walking with them through healing, and working to bring about lasting change in our communities.

YWCA Edmonton

YWCA Edmonton has been a community leader in building equity for women and girls since its founding in 1907. Responding to the needs of the community and evolving with Edmontonians, YWCA Edmonton serves over 10,000 people every year through programs and services that are designed to foster equity and build stronger, safer communities.

YWCA Edmonton’s programs and services are an affordable and accessible way to help reduce barriers to the most at-risk Albertans. These programs change the lives of thousands of Albertans every year, who can then take their learnings and skills to support countless people in their lives and communities.

• Counselling Services connects survivors of gender-based violence with subsidized, trauma-informed mental health supports to equip them with the skills they need to break the cycle of violence.
• Disability Services provides holistic, wrap-around support to Individuals living with disabilities and medically fragile children to help them meet and exceed their potential.
• Youth Programming provides youth ages 10-17 with essential life skills, empowering them to navigate life’s complex challenges.
• Camp Yowochas is an esteemed outdoor education facility offering year round programming and summer camp to instill in all our visitors respect for themselves, others, and the environment.
• Healing retreats support women and families as they recover from trauma in a nurturing, land-based setting focused on emotional recovery and empowerment.
• DirectHER empowers all women with the knowledge, confidence, and community to take their seat at the board. Removes barriers and creates space for women and gender-diverse individuals in leadership.

YWCA Edmonton is also an advocate for building equity in our community for all. Through working closely with community champions, like-minded organizations, and government agencies at all levels, YWCA Edmonton aims to end gender-based violence, achieve economic equality, reduce barriers to social supports and foster leadership in women and girls.

To learn more about YWCA Edmonton and how to get involved in upcoming 2026 events like the Women of Distinction Awards, Aim for Adventure, and the Rose Campaign, visit the website and follow YWCA Edmonton on all of your favorite social media platforms.

From all of us at CBA Alberta Law Matters, we wish you a restful and peaceful holiday season.