New Directions | SAIF Main Site

SAIF's New Directions

Our New Directions program is a group counselling program for moms & their children (ages 5-17) who have experienced and/or witnessed domestic abuse. It runs for 22 weeks (including intake & exit interviews). Weekly group sessions are 2 hours in length with a communal meal, group counselling & education.

Intakes are completed by the end of August with the program running from the fall-spring of each year. We accept referrals from other organizations, medical professionals as well as individuals calling on behalf of themselves or a loved one. Please contact our New Directions coordinator for more info or to schedule an intake for the program.

Please note: not everyone is ready for this counselling program & our intake process is designed to help us determine program readiness. Unfortunately, we are not able to provide childcare & participants must be able to demonstrate they have reliable transportation to attend the program on a weekly basis. When you call or email us, we'll put you on a waitlist to be scheduled for an intake. Preference is given for those families who have never participated in the program. Prior participants may be considered if they have children who were not eligible when their families attended previously, but are old enough to attend now.

THIS PROGRAM HAS NOT BEEN RENEWED FOR FUNDING FOR 2020/21 BY THE GOVERNMENT OF ALBERTA. CHECK HERE FOR UPDATES AND WE WILL MAINTAIN A WAITLIST SHOULD FUTURE PROGRAMMING FUNDING BE SECURED.

How is the program structured from week to week?

"When we talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary." - Mr. Rogers

Communal Meals

Each week starts with a communal meal (provided free of charge) with all our families participating in the program. It is a chance for our families to connect & support the healing process. All participants are expected to attend the communal meal.

Please note: we do ask for dietary concerns & food allergies at time of intake.

Adult Women's Group

After the communal meal, moms will be led to a separate room for group counselling - each week focusing on a theme to address the impacts of abuse for families. Focus is on developing coping strategies; parenting children who have been touched by abuse; & healing.

From time to time within the program, both moms & their children will be brought together for coordinated activities based on the work being done in group.

Children & Youth Groups

After the communal meal, children & youth are separated into age groups for counselling, with each week focusing on a theme to address the impacts of abuse for them. Focus is on supporting children; healing; & healthy communication.

From time to time within the program, both moms & their children will be brought together for coordinated activities based on the work being done in group.

We do not accept

walk ins

With a small team, we are simply not staffed to meet the needs of drop in clients. Please call or email to make an appointment with an intake worker. Thank you.

Appointments to access our services

The best and most direct way to access our services is to call or email us. We do require informed consent which we share with you during our intake process.

Who can we offer services to?

We serve residents of St Albert, Sturgeon County & the surrounding areas. At this time, we are not able to provide counselling services to Edmonton residents.