Save Haven - Life Skills Program

At Taber Safe Haven, the Life Skills Program addresses barriers to participation in physical activity for those accessing Safe Haven due to domestic violence and homelessness. During their stay as Safe Haven, opportunities are offered to create positive habits and new learning. This project supported Safe Haven to purchase washable/reusable running shoes for women during their stay and for some to continue to use after they leave. This basic necessity item of running shoes supported participation in physical activity and self care through a gym membership and a walking community group.

Safe Haven aids a diverse population and when women and their families arrive, they often carry the weight of their past experiences and are in dire need of support, both physically and emotionally. The Life Skills Program works to create a safe environment for women to share and bond with others in the program.

• Through walking, the Life Skills Program offers an opportunity to build relationships not only with others in the program but also among women and their children.
• Many women in the program reflect on how the simple act of taking the time to go for a walk together inspired a closer bond of trust between mom and child.
• Women who participated in weight training and/or indoor cardio at the gym transitioned fears of inadequacy in that environment to mastery, taking inspiration from the broader community of gym goers who shared those values.

The physical activity portion of the Life Skills Program has demonstrated that daily excursion walking in nature reduces anxiety, helps with problem-solving, uplifts spirits and promotes bonding and closer community between women and children of all backgrounds. It was so successful, it has been outlined as a necessity for Safe Haven residents, and will continue to operate the program while looking for more funding to purchase running shoes for women and girls in future.