From time to time, I offer my services to non-profit organizations – I worked with TEDxSaskatoon last year, which was really rewarding, and this year I was able to design a logo for a new non-profit organization – a women’s shelter. The logo you see above was their choice of the five or so possibilities I drew up for them, and I’m really pleased with the simplicity it has.  I’d like to tell you a little about this shelter, in the words of the women who are dedicating so much of their time to making it a reality:

Women who are victims of sexual exploitation often suffer from addictions, poor nutrition, psychological and physcial conditions, and frequently lack safe housing. In order to begin their process of recovery, many of these women seek to enter residential addictions treatment programs. Most of these programs require an application process and wait time of at least one month. During this waiting process, many applicants lack safe accomodation and are in danger of being drawn back into their high risk lifestyles. Many of these women are homeless, lack family support and basic necessities and are exposed to repeated violence. These women often return to using drugs or alcohol to forget or cope with these circumstances. Aurora Home’s goal is to break down some barriers women face in their attempts to make dramatic life changes. Since dealing with their addictions is often the first step in making these changes, Aurora Home will offer short term accommodations for women who are in the process of applying for residential treatment programs. The home will be located in a residential area in Grande Prairie and leased by the Northern Alberta Home for Women Society. Capacity will be 4-6 women.

The home will be staffed 24/7. Staff will assist clients to connect with existing services in the community which could include health care or other appointments and self help groups. NAHWS is a faith based society and we are currently seeking board members who are passionate about helping women who are victims of sexual exploitation.

1. To provice safe temporary accomodations and ongoing support for sexually exploited women experiencing addictions.
2. To assist and serve women as they begin the process of recovery and to faciliate their entry into a residential addictions treatment program.
3. To provide a non-judgemental, caring and sensitive environment where women are able to begin rebuilding their lives.
4. To build and maintain working relationships with community partners to ensure that the Society is better able to meet the needs of the women being served.The Vision of NAHWS is for sexually exploited women to know that they are valuable and to find freedom, hope, and love while rebuilding their lives.

Check out their Facebook Page: Northern Alberta Home for Women Society – Aurora Home
And I have more