It's an unfortunate fact that families from nearly all communities, even small towns, experience domestic abuse and shelters are required to house people fleeing abusive situations.
Karen Pease and the staff at the Wheatland Shelter in Strathmore do their part to support those who need assistance after escaping hostile environment.
The Wheatland Shelter, a community initiative, provides children a safe place to stay after they and one of their parents fled domestic abuse.
Twenty years ago, a group of Strathmore residents were discussing the need for a shelter while Karen Pease, a young mother, was considering a return to her career as a social worker.
“It wasn't an issue that was easily talked about, especially in a rural community,” explains Karen, executive director of the shelter. “We didn't know what the need would be. I came on shortly after that group got together. I was the first employee hired and, little did I know, it would lead to a calling for me.”
Karen is quick to credit others for providing the inspiration for the shelter, but those who work with her say she's the captain of a team that's having a positive impact in the community east of Calgary.
Team member Laura Bakken has high praise for the shelter’s executive director.
“She is a very inspirational leader,” said Laura. “She always challenges us to do a little more than we think we're capable of.”
“If you come to her with an idea, it's never ‘Oh, that won't work because’, it's okay ‘What if we could do this’, you know, ‘What would things be like?’.”
One thing that sets the Wheatland Shelter apart from other shelters is its policy to accept both male and female clients.
“We're really proud of that,” said Karen. “Originally, it was very controversial but we help men every year, men with their children.”
“She's always been a really big picture person,” said Laura. “She sees the big vision of things and then we deal with the little details. It's a good team, the team here is wonderful.”
Karen takes great pride in the shelter’s contributions to the community of Strathmore and treasures her position with the organization.
“It's a job in my community, a chance to give back and it's ended up really being something that has been so much more.”
For her dedication to parents and children fleeing abuse, Karen Pease is this week’s Inspiring Albertan.
With files from CTV's Darrel Janz
