New Directions | SAIF Main Site

SAIF's New Directions

Our New Directions program is a group counselling program for parents & their children (ages 5-17) who have experienced and/or witnessed domestic abuse. We have changed the model to better accommodate the current needs of families. There are 2 sessions of 10 weeks each. One session is for women identifying persons (moms) and their children. The second session allows for all genders of parents and their children. Weekly group sessions are 2 hours in length with a communal meal, group/parenting support & education.

There are 2 intakes done each year:

The first set of intakes are conducted in August/early Sept for the Fall 10 week session (which ends mid Dec).
The second set is conducted in December/early Jan for the Winter 10 week session (which ends mid March).
Special 4 week parents only group in June of each year.

We accept self referrals (those parents calling on their own behalf) as well as referrals from other organizations, and medical professionals. Please contact our New Directions Coordinator for more info or to schedule a program intake.

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 for children too young to participate in the program & 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 but 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 or based on availability.

How is the 10 week program structured from week to week?

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.

Parent Education Group

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

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

4 Week Parenting Group

Wed 6-8 pm: June 9 - 30

We are doing a special 4 week group in June for those parenting children/youth (ages 5-17) who have experienced/witnessed family violence. This group is for parents only, and will focus on 4 specific topics such as emotional regulation & safety planning.

Book an Intake

10 Week (FALL) Group

Wed 5-7 pm: Sept - Dec

This is a condensed version of our popular New Directions program. For moms & their children who have witnessed/experienced family violence.

Intakes are conducted in August/ early Sept. Group ends mid Dec.

Book An Intake

10 Week (WINTER) Group

Wed 5-7 pm: Jan - Mar

This is a condensed version of our popular New Directions program. For parents (any gender) & their children who have witnessed/ experienced family violence.

Intakes are conducted in Dec/ early Jan. Group ends late March.

Book An Intake

"Parenthood is about guiding the next generation & forgiving the last." - Peter Krause

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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, Parkland County & the surrounding areas. At this time, we are not able to provide counselling services to Edmonton , Spruce Grove, & Stony Plain residents.

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