Stepping Stones Crisis Society

What Stepping Stones Crisis Society does

Stepping Stones Crisis Society is a registered non-profit charitable organization (Registration: 108080029 RR0001) headquartered in Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada, providing emergency shelter, housing, and support services to women and children affected by family violence. Founded in 1982 and rebranded from the Dr. Margaret Savage Women's Crisis Centre Society in 2022, the organization operates as the only crisis shelter serving the Lakeland region (Cold Lake and Bonnyville area). Its service portfolio includes a 63-bed emergency shelter, Joie's Phoenix House second-stage housing program (12 accessible apartments), 34 affordable housing units, a 24/7 crisis helpline, and community outreach programs serving 50+ families monthly.

The organization's product surface spans direct service delivery, community education, and social enterprise. Core programs include the EmpowerHer workforce readiness program, In-House School for children, Cultural Navigator Program (for Indigenous clients who comprise 75-80% of the client base), Legal Navigator Program, and public education curricula such as A Better Way, Healthy Youth Relationships, and Leading Change at Work. Social enterprises Orbiting Trends and Ella's Closet operate as thrift and consignment stores in Cold Lake, generating supplemental revenue to fund shelter operations. Fundraising events include Walk a Mile in Her Shoes and the Festival of Peace Gala.

The business model is a hybrid non-profit revenue structure: charitable donations (primary), social enterprise retail revenue, annual memberships ($20), event ticket sales and sponsorships, and emerging corporate training revenue through the ACWS partnership. All crisis services are provided free of charge to clients. The organization completed a $34.5M Building Better Futures capital campaign to fund a new facility that opened in 2026, effectively more than doubling its emergency shelter capacity from 27 to 63 beds. It is governed by a Board of Directors with no parent entity or external ownership.

Name

Stepping Stones Crisis Society

Legal name

Stepping Stones Crisis Society

Website

https://steppingstonessociety.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

1982

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Stepping Stones Crisis Society is a non-profit in Cold Lake, Alberta operating the only crisis shelter in the Lakeland region, providing emergency shelter, second-stage housing, and wraparound support services to women and children fleeing family violence.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Domestic Violence Shelter and Crisis Intervention Services

NAICS

Emergency and Other Relief Services (624230), Community Housing Services (62422), Individual and Family Services (6241), Temporary Shelters (624221)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYBPAGAEAD

Domestic Violence & Abuse Support Services

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Social Services & Community Support (Food, Housing, Family)

SECONDARYBPAGACAD

Mental Health & Crisis Support Services

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Health & Medical Nonprofits

SECONDARYBPAGAEAH

Mental Health & Crisis Support Services

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Social Services & Community Support (Food, Housing, Family)

SECONDARYHLAEAHAK

Behavioral Health Crisis Services Management (988/Hotlines/Mobile Crisis Coordination)

Healthcare & Life Sciences/Health Insurance & Managed Care/Managed Behavioral Health (MBHO)

SECONDARYBPAGAEAB

Housing Assistance & Homeless Services

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Social Services & Community Support (Food, Housing, Family)

Keywords

• Crisis shelter services
• Domestic violence support
• Second-stage housing
• Community crisis intervention
• Social enterprise thrift

Headquarters

HQ city

Cold Lake

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Fundraising: The organization relies heavily on charitable donations from individuals, corporations, and community members. Cash donations, recurring donations, in-kind donations, stocks and securities, and multi-year pledges are accepted. Donations directly fund shelter operations, counseling services, and essential resources for clients.
2. Social Enterprise Revenue: Orbiting Trends and Ella's Closet thrift stores generate revenue through the sale of donated goods. Proceeds support shelter programs, second-stage housing, and community support services.
3. Membership Fees: Annual memberships are sold for $20, providing voting privileges, community connections, leadership opportunities, and eligibility to apply for board positions.
4. Event Revenue: Fundraising events such as the Festival of Peace Gala generate ticket sales revenue ($100 early bird, $125 regular). Sponsorship opportunities are also available for events.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Stepping Stones Crisis Society provides free, confidential emergency shelter (63 beds), second-stage housing, 24/7 crisis helpline, counseling, safety planning, advocacy, and community support programs for women and children escaping family violence in the Lakeland region of Alberta. The organization supplements these direct services with social enterprises (Orbiting Trends and Ella's Closet thrift stores), public education programs, and fundraising events to sustain operations. All crisis services are provided at no cost to clients, with funding derived from donations, grants, memberships, and social enterprise revenue.

Product overview

Stepping Stones Crisis Society operates as a coordinated suite of shelter, housing, and support programs for women and children affected by family violence. The core offerings include a 27-bed Emergency Shelter and Joie's Phoenix House second-stage housing program, both providing trauma-informed care alongside specialized services such as the In-House School for children, EmpowerHer workforce readiness program, Cultural Navigator support for Indigenous clients, and Legal Navigator guidance through court systems. Community-based programs including the 24-hour helpline, Community Support outreach, and Public Education initiatives extend reach beyond residential services. Social enterprises Orbiting Trends and Ella's Closet thrift stores generate funding while the Festival of Peace and Walk a Mile in Her Shoes events engage the community. Together, these programs provide a full spectrum from crisis intervention to long-term independence.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Orbiting Trends: A thrift store selling gently used clothing and household goods, with proceeds supporting Stepping Stones shelter and housing programs.
• Ella's Closet
• Joie's Phoenix House
• EmpowerHer Program

Products and services

• Emergency Shelter Emergency shelter with 63 beds providing safe accommodation, meals, crisis intervention, and support services for women and children escaping family violence. Includes pet-friendly accommodations and an in-house school for children. All services are free and confidential.
• Joie's Phoenix House Second-Stage Housing Second-stage housing program offering fully furnished apartments and long-term support services including counselling, life skills workshops, child development programs, and community integration for women and children recovering from family violence. Includes 12 accessible apartments and 34 affordable housing units in the new facility.
• 24-Hour Confidential Helpline 24/7 crisis helpline providing immediate assistance, safety planning, and referrals to anyone in need at 780.594.3353. Free and confidential.
• Community Support Program Free, confidential outreach services offering safety planning, healthy relationships education, parenting support, legal guidance referrals, financial coaching, and self-care resources for individuals and families in Cold Lake and Bonnyville. Available in-person, by phone, or through community outreach, reaching 50+ families monthly.
• Orbiting Trends Thrift Store Community thrift store in Cold Lake selling gently used clothing and household goods. Open Monday-Saturday 10AM-5PM, Thursdays 10AM-6PM. Proceeds support Stepping Stones shelter and second-stage housing programs. Phone: 780-594-5777 ext. 1.
• Ella's Closet Consignment Store Designer and specialty consignment shop featuring gently used ladies clothing and accessories in Cold Lake. Proceeds support Stepping Stones mission. Phone: 780-594-5777 ext. 2.
• Festival of Peace Gala Annual fundraising gala featuring dinner, live and silent auctions, and entertainment. The 'Winter Glow' theme celebrates light and hope for families experiencing violence. Tickets: $100 early bird, $125 regular; Tables of 8: $800; Tables of 10: $1,000.
• Walk a Mile in Her Shoes Annual men's march fundraiser raising awareness of gender-based violence where participants wear red high heels to symbolically step into the experience of those impacted by domestic violence. Raised $6,137 in 2026 and $10,000 in 2024 with 50+ participants.
• Annual Membership Annual membership program at $20/year providing voting privileges, community connections, leadership opportunities, eligibility to apply for board positions, and discounted event tickets.

Quantifiable outcome

• 300+ women and children helped annually
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Alberta Council of Women's Shelters (ACWS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Stepping Stones partners with ACWS to deliver the Leading Change™ at Work program, a 120-minute course that equips employers and HR professionals with tools to recognize, respond to, and support employees affected by domestic violence. This partnership enables access to standardized training curriculum and ACWS network resources.
• Legal Aid AlbertaminorOthersLegal Aid Alberta is referenced as a resource for survivors who cannot afford legal representation, providing referrals to qualified clients navigating family court proceedings.
• Canadian Women’s FoundationminorOthersReferenced as providing culturally sensitive resources and support for domestic violence survivors across Canada, aligned with Stepping Stones' mission.
• Ending Violence Association of CanadaminorOthersReferenced as an organization working to educate communities and promote awareness of domestic violence, supporting Stepping Stones' public education mission.
• Cold Lake Agricultural SocietyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVenue partner for the annual Festival of Peace Gala. Located at 4608 38 Ave, Cold Lake, the society provides event space for Stepping Stones' largest annual fundraising event.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Awo Taan Healing Lodge Society: Calgary-based Indigenous women and family shelter offering emergency shelter, counseling, and cultural programming — comparable in mission, Indigenous-focused cultural services, and shelter-plus-housing continuum.
• YWCA Canada: National federation of women's shelters and transition houses across Canada providing emergency shelter, housing, and crisis support for women and children fleeing violence — directly comparable mission and service model to Stepping Stones.
• WIN House (Women In Need) - Edmonton: Edmonton-based women's shelter network providing emergency shelter and second-stage housing for women and children fleeing domestic violence — highly comparable Alberta peer in scale and service model.
• Sagesse: Calgary-based organization supporting those impacted by domestic and sexual violence through housing, counseling, and education — comparable Alberta peer with shelter and community-education programming.

Others

• Marda Loop Justice Film Festival / Family Violence non-profits (collective): Collective of Canadian family-violence and gender-based-violence nonprofit organizations that share advocacy, education, and fundraising models comparable to Stepping Stones' public-education work.

Broad incumbents

• Canadian Women's Foundation: National funder and advocacy organization supporting domestic violence shelters and survivors across Canada — comparable mission and a strategic partner of Stepping Stones.
• Shelter Safe (Shelter Safe Network): Canadian directory and coordination network for women's shelters and transition houses — broad incumbent peer connecting shelters to women seeking safety, including Stepping Stones' listing.
• Alberta Council of Women's Shelters (ACWS): Provincial umbrella and training body for Alberta women's shelters; partner of Stepping Stones and a broad-incumbent peer representing the wider shelter network across the province.

Regional players

• Bissell Centre: Edmonton-based community social-services organization offering shelter, housing, and wraparound support — comparable operational model of shelter-plus-outreach, though with broader mandate than Stepping Stones'.
• Native Women's Healing Circle / Native Women's Shelter (Toronto): Indigenous-focused women's shelter in central Canada serving women and children fleeing violence with cultural programming — comparable cultural-navigation and Indigenous-service model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/SteppingStonesCrisisSociety
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/stepping-stones-society
• Instagraminstagram.com/steppingstonescrisissociety

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Stepping Stones Crisis Society