As we wrap up 2022 and look towards the holiday season, I want to take some time to reflect on this past year and all the wonderful opportunities, accomplishments and growth we’ve had here at HomeFront.
HomeFront continued to draw international attention in 2022. We had several visitors from all over the globe to learn about our unique response to domestic violence. We hosted Police Superintendent Andrew Hurst from New South Wales Australia, Detective Constable Lucy Chapman from the UK, and Yukon Justice Wellness Centre Executive Director, Joanne Green. We also visited Halifax in June to present to the Halifax Domestic Violence Group about the HomeFront model. We look forward to welcoming more visitors and continuing to share our framework to different countries and jurisdictions in the new year.
2022 saw the return of many in person events including the Pride Parade and Calgary Corporate Challenge, which are two events we are always so thrilled to be part of. In May, we participated in a luncheon with investigative journalist and domestic violence advocate, Rachel Louise Snyder, and a Rural Response to Domestic Violence roundtable organized by Big Hill Haven. We also hosted our first annual Hike For HomeFront event and loved seeing all the photos of people hiking, walking, biking and cycling to support our clients.
In September, Franny’s Fund hosted their inaugural gala and raised over $60,000 to support specialized funding for both HomeFront and the Luna Centre. Rebecca Snukal who spearheaded the initiative felt compelled through a personal experience to give back and we were honoured to be part of such a successful and remarkable event.
Finally, in November we held an open house at our newly refreshed office space. We focused on creating a trauma-informed environment for our clients by adding a bit of new paint, furniture and plants. We also completed our new remote testimony room which was made possible by the Government of Alberta Victims Services, the federal government and HomeFront donors. We welcomed partners, stakeholder, founders, board member and donors to hear all about what we’ve been up to, check out our refreshed space and learn about our goals and plans for the future.
For these and many more highlights, and achievements, I thank all of you for your unwavering commitment and support of HomeFront. As we approach the New Year, I am excited for what is to come and eager to share and celebrate those successes with you.
From all of us here at HomeFront, we hope your holiday season is filled with happy memories, good food, laughter and joy. We wish you the best for the New Year and look forward to our continued work together in 2022 to support families in our community to live safe and healthy futures free of domestic violence.
– Maggie MacKillop, Executive Director