ABOUT DISCOVERY HOUSE

Discovery House is a non-profit organization that concentrates on the prevention of family violence in Calgary and area. Our unique role in the scope of violence prevention is providing families with long term emotional, economic, and practical support when leaving a violent home or situation.

Discovery House was created in 1980 under the name of the Calgary Family Support Society. It was created to provide families who had experienced repeated violence a safe place to recover for an extended period of time. Discovery House reconfigured an existing apartment building, provided furnished suites at a subsidized rental rate, and began hosting families for up to six months. Twenty five years later, these core services continue to be provided. Along with safe and secure housing, families also receive free individual and group counseling.

Discovery House's approach to recovery is unique compared to emergency shelter facilities. Emergency shelters provide immediate safety and security for up to three weeks, after which families must look elsewhere for housing. Those families who are at high risk for injury or death are referred to Discovery House. In this way, emergency shelters and Discovery House work together in their unique areas of expertise to serve families in the community.

Discovery House's residential program is only a part of the entire violence prevention work being done. Discovery House also provides help to over 120 families through our Outreach services. Follow up services are provided to ex-residents of Discovery House who require support after leaving the shelter. In addition, we serve members of the community who have not been residents of our shelter, but have experienced family violence and are in need of support to successfully live violence free in the community.