My sister was murdered just a few days before her daughter's 6th birthday. Her body was found buried in a shallow grave not far from our community. Our mom then died a few months later- with so many health complications after my sister's death, her heart just gave out.
-Victim
Imagine being sent to a strange place for the first time.
You arrive to find you don’t understand the language, customs or rules. You don’t know where you’re supposed to go or what you’re supposed to do.
You also don’t know anyone, and there’s no way of knowing whether the people you meet in this foreign place are here to help or hurt you.
And now imagine that the only reason you’re even here is to re-live your worst nightmare in excruciating detail again and again.
For victims, survivors, and loved ones impacted by violent crime, this is reality.
With twenty-five to forty deaths by homicide or driving offense taking place in our community every year, the impact for the hundreds of families and loved ones affected over the past few decades is staggering.
But numbers don’t begin do justice to the unimaginable pain…
Parents, spouses and partners, siblings, children and friends go through gut-wrenching, can’t-breathe-can’t-think-can’t-focus trauma when they lose a loved one to shocking violence.
The world as they previously knew it is gone, never to return.
On Easter Weekend of 2000, our daughter, Cory, 20-years-old, was murdered by an ex-boyfriend…We took our grandson into our care the same day that Cory’s body was found stuffed under a cottage.
My wife went into a deep depression soon after Cory’s death, angry at God for allowing this tragedy to befall our family. She reached an all-time low in 2004. She was put on medical leave, never to return to her chosen profession as an intensive care nurse.
By early 2007, our careers were decimated, increasing the anxiety level in our struggle to support our grandchild.
–Victim
And the struggle doesn’t end there.
Loved ones already coping with the effects of this loss are now thrown into the long, arduous and unchosen journey through the criminal justice system and court process. A journey that last months, and sometimes years.
Others take over telling the story of their loved one’s life, with families left to observe.
Even after a verdict may be reached, appeals, re-trials, and parole board hearings can continue.
And while grieving this loss is hard enough, repeatedly hearing details about the event means victims are hurled back into the chaos of first hearing about the death.
Our son was killed by an impaired driver who then fled the scene and left him to die. I think people need to understand what victims go through. First, finding out what happened. Then, waiting for the justice system to do its work. Which itself was a shock. We had no idea what we were about to go through. The talks with the Crown, hearing all the details surrounding what took place, and then finding out most of it can’t even be used in court.
The effect on our family of having to go through a preliminary hearing, postponements, the trial itself, and then sentencing was profound- the tears, the depression. And while the person who killed our son was found guilty, we will never have “closure.” My son is dead.
-Victim
The courthouse has little that indicates support and comfort.
Victims stand in line with strangers and pass through airport type security. All around, grey stone, cold cement, large echoing hallways, and hard furniture. It’s a place that instills fear and anxiety.
It’s hard to find a safe place to take a break or wait during adjournments to cry, laugh, be sick, decompress or just “be human.” There’s no private space to participate in healing and sacred traditions or ceremonies.
And even something as simple as finding lunch or a snack is hard. It becomes expensive to dine out, and there aren't many places to eat food brought from home.
During jury trials, deliberations can take hours to days. Loved ones wanting to be present for the verdict must stay close, as the courts will not wait for their return. While the judge returns to their chambers, lawyers go back to their offices, and the accused goes back to their holding cell, victims are left to wander and wait in the halls or washrooms.
And to top it all off, after a day spent in court, victims have no access to a comforting place to try and understand what just happened, to ask questions, to find answers, or to just feel utterly broken.
While attending the trial for one of people who murdered my son, I had to leave the courtroom- the testimony too difficult to hear. But where do I go? I have to go sit in the marble hallway with sheriffs and prisoners in shackles and chains walking right by me. It’s the most intimidating place to be.
So, I laid down on the bench because of tremendous back pain caused by the stress of grieving and court, and by accident I fell asleep. I awoke to security asking me to leave, apparently, they thought I wasn't supposed to be there.
-Victim
So, whose story is this?
Who are the mothers, fathers, partners, spouses, sisters, brothers, daughters and sons, that continue to face such overwhelming challenges after having had loved ones ripped from their lives?
It could be you.
No one chooses to be a victim of violent crime. The loss of a loved one because of homicide or driving offense could happen to you, your family, your friends, your colleagues, or your neighbours.
Nothing can take away the pain of having a loved one murdered, nor can the outcome of court be controlled. But with your gift we can create a first of its kind place to offer victims support and comfort.
With you, Candace House is the future.
Every day, Candace House will welcome guests. Victims, survivors, and loved ones, all affected by violent crime, will now have a place to take “take their shoes off” and receive emotional support, information, and access to services and programs they need.
Healing Haven
The Healing Haven recognizes the need for a safe space to take a break and debrief in a setting of love, care, privacy and confidentiality. The Healing Haven offers a day refuge with all the amenities of a home for victims, survivors, and loved ones who are attending court proceedings and appointments, with access based on referrals from our partner agencies and organizations.
Located within one block of the Winnipeg Provincial Law Courts, the space is above all for victims.
The Haven features:
-
a living room, a soothing place to talk or rest
-
a dining room and kitchen for guests to prepare and eat meals together, or have a snack
-
proper ventilation for smudging and burning of candles and incense
-
artwork and décor that brings together different cultures and backgrounds
-
an accessible washroom with face towels and disposable toothbrushes and toothpaste
-
a meeting room for guests to speak privately with Victim Services staff or support workers from other organizations.
We’re creating a place for agencies and organizations to work more closely together and keep victims from falling through the cracks.
Education & Workshops
Together with other agencies, organizations and professionals who have extensive experience and knowledge, we’ll work to provide seminars and workshops for victims and survivors on topics and issues that affect them and will help in their daily lives.
Resources & Referrals
We’ll promote access and connect victims, survivors and loved ones to important and relevant information through online resources, brochures, pamphlets and books.
Putting information in simple terms, we’ll help them grasp what’s happening to them and where they can find the help they need. We’ll be there to answer their questions and hear their pain.
Victim & Survivor Support Services
It’s important to share stories with others who have similar experiences as part of healing and recovery. Candace House will work with skilled facilitators and practitioners to offer and coordinate support, and to be a welcoming place to meet where victims and survivors can know they’ll be understood and cared for. And when other victim support groups may not have access to their own place, we’ll work with them to make ours available.
Healing Haven
The Healing Haven recognizes the need for a safe space to take a break and debrief in a setting of love, care, privacy and confidentiality. The Healing Haven offers a day refuge with all the amenities of a home for victims, survivors, and loved ones who are attending court proceedings and appointments, with access based on referrals from our partner agencies and organizations.
Located within one block of the Winnipeg Provincial Law Courts, the space is above all for victims.
The Haven features:
-
a living room, a soothing place to talk or rest
-
a dining room and kitchen for guests to prepare and eat meals together, or have a snack
-
proper ventilation for smudging and burning of candles and incense
-
artwork and décor that brings together different cultures and backgrounds
-
an accessible washroom with face towels and disposable toothbrushes and toothpaste
-
a meeting room for guests to speak privately with Victim Services staff or support workers from other organizations.
We’re creating a place for agencies and organizations to work more closely together and keep victims from falling through the cracks.
Education & Workshops
Together with other agencies, organizations and professionals who have extensive experience and knowledge, we’ll work to provide seminars and workshops for victims and survivors on topics and issues that affect them and will help in their daily lives.
Resources & Referrals
We’ll promote access and connect victims, survivors and loved ones to important and relevant information through online resources, brochures, pamphlets and books.
Putting information in simple terms, we’ll help them grasp what’s happening to them and where they can find the help they need. We’ll be there to answer their questions and hear their pain.
Victim & Survivor Support Services
It’s important to share stories with others who have similar experiences as part of healing and recovery. Candace House will work with skilled facilitators and practitioners to offer and coordinate support, and to be a welcoming place to meet where victims and survivors can know they’ll be understood and cared for. And when other victim support groups may not have access to their own place, we’ll work with them to make ours available.
I attended my first support group meeting a few weeks after my dad was killed. We met in a room at a library, it was bare, with just a few chairs and tables. The people were amazing though and I felt so supported as I cried and shared about my experiences and anger with the so-called justice system.
Towards the end of the meeting, I was still talking when the library staff person came and banged on the door, telling us we needed to leave- that we should know better than to go over our time. I felt so embarrassed.
It wasn’t the group’s fault. It would just be nice if there was a place that understood if I needed more time to talk.
-Victim
And our community benefits...
When we take care of the most vulnerable in our community, we all benefit. We say to them: “We are here, your story is important, your healing matters, you are resilient.”
With your gift to Candace House, you show in a very concrete way that you stand in support with those who have been victimized. Because one day, it could happen to you.
But together, we can be strong.
Absolutely central to fulfilling our vision of creating a safe place for victims and survivors of crime going through the court process and justice system is a location within very close proximity to the Winnipeg Law Courts.
And we've found one.
Just one block away from the doors of the Law Courts, Suite 1B at 183 Kennedy is a main floor, physically accessible location that is being designed to meet our vision and offer all the comforts of a day suite. Landing here will allow us to begin offering much needed support and services.
Your gift is critical to us being able to open our doors and keep them open. Here's what we mean by that, and how we plan to use your gift to make this happen.
To experience violent crime is earth-shattering. Your whole world falls apart, and life feels like it will never be the same again. Victims and survivors need the support only you can offer.
We invite you to change the world with us, by changing lives.
Give to Candace House online. If you would like to make a donation via mail, please send your gift here.
Set up easy and automatic monthly donations to Candace House.
We are delighted to receive pledge gifts. Please contact us and we'll be happy to talk with you about this further.
Why do victims need a place?
Because everyone needs a place.
There is nothing more secure, grounding, and healing than being connected to a place. Everywhere else in the justice system there are houses; the courthouse, the big house, half-way houses- everywhere. Crime victims are part of the justice-making process, so it only seems appropriate that they have a house as well. Candace House needs to be comparable in presence and importance.
–Wilma Derksen
Find out more about the origins of Candace House.
GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC FOUNDATION PARTNERS
Government of Manitoba
The Winnipeg Foundation
United Way Winnipeg
Winnipeg Committee for Safety
Winnipeg Police Services Endowment Fund
Department of Justice Canada
LEGACY ($25,000 - $49,999)
DeFehr Foundation
The Winnipeg Foundation - Anonymous Donor Advised
Denise and Dave Wall
Qualico
BUILDER ($10,000 - $24,999)
100 Women Who Care Winnipeg
Wellington West Foundation - Anonymous Donor Advised
Thomas Sill Foundation
Judy and Jim Wiens
Sparrow Hotels
Boston Pizza Enright Group
T2K Enterprises
Pat and Lee Meagher
SUPPORTER ($5,000 - $9,999)
Dufresne
Aaron and Maureen Penner
Cardinal Foundation
Bert & Lee Friesen Foundation
Assiniboine Credit Union
Ted & Mary Paetkau
Karl & Gayda Loepp
Tactica Interactive
B Derksen Family
Austin Abas
Erv & Lorraine Petkau
Hilda & Elmer Hildebrand
FRIEND ($1,000 - $4,999)
Jake & Jean Rempel
IBEX Payroll
Lola Construction Management
Costco Wholesale
Helmut & Andrea Plett
For Group Chartered Accountants
The Winnipeg Foundation - The Mustard Seed Fund
Winnipeg Golden Chordsmen
Herb Peters and Donna Peters-Small
The Winnipeg Foundation - Candace Derksen Fund
Matthew & Colleen Kroeker
WM Dyck & Sons
Gregg & Mary Hanson
Debbie Grenier
Thank you to our many other anonymous donors and those who made gifts gave under $1,000. We can't do this without you!
*Note
Total funds towards $1 million goal include pledges made over up to 5 years.
To view our generous core supporters and project funders, visit Our Supporters.