WHY WE EXIST

PAR / Crossroads Women’s Van

Last night five men attacked Jodi as she walked alone near the old hockey arena. They hit her over the head with a beer bottle and laughed as she ran away in tears, fearing they would follow her.

Vulnerable women living in high-risk situations have few options and little to no support and hope. The PAR / Crossroads van is staffed by female volunteers and provides a caring environment where women facing sexual exploitation, violence, addiction, poverty and trauma can feel safe and accepted. We respond to the immediate needs of the women we meet on the street, offering relief from their current circumstances with open hearts, a bagged lunch and warm clothing if they need it. If they want nothing more, we respect that. If they’re looking for a chance to become involved with the community, we are prepared to help. We invite them to take part in supportive community events and share information about Adeara’s residential addiction recovery program.

The Crossroads Women’s Van volunteers found Jodi hiding in an alley downtown with a large bump on her head and a dislocated shoulder. Jodi accepted their offer for help and waited in the warm van while they called her an ambulance.

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The Carus Community Centre

Rafiq came to Alberta from Syria with his wife and kids to escape the violent civil war in his country. He has been looking for full-time work for months and struggles to pay the rent on his family’s cramped apartment.

The Carus Community Centre is a facility created through the alliance of PAR, The Salvation Army and Adeara, intending to be a welcoming multipurpose facility that empowers and supports men, women, children and families through a range of services and programs and opportunities for positive and meaningful social interactions.

Our mission is to build an active hub for compassionate community engagement at the heart of the city that is responsive to the diverse needs of the community. Carus will be a vocal advocate for achieving and sustaining social justice in our community and throughout Edmonton.

Rafiq has been attending a free ESL class for newcomers to Canada, and he and his family have found the support and friendship they need at The Carus Community Centre. As a result, Rafiq has found full-time work, and his family is thriving. Rent is no longer a worry.