COLD LAKE - After years of planning, advocacy, and community support, the Stepping Stones Crisis Society is nearing a major milestone – the completion of its new facility.
Stepping Stones’ new building, located at 5305 47 Street in Cold Lake, is now 89 per cent complete and on track to be complete by the end of July.
The organization plans to begin a phased move-in starting in August, with the first and second floors opening for services first, followed by programming on the third and fourth floors rolling out this fall.
Long-awaited expansion
“This project began in 2020 with research that clearly showed the need for our services was outpacing our capacity, and that need has only grown,” said Sabine Gorecki, marketing and communications specialist for Stepping Stones Crisis Society.
“For Stepping Stones Crisis Society, opening this new facility is nothing short of transformational. It marks the culmination of years of advocacy, planning, and community commitment to ensuring no one is turned away when they need safety and support the most.”
The new building represents a leap forward in how the organization delivers care. The current facility has been described as aging, overcrowded, and lacking modern infrastructure.
“This new building is more than just a space, it’s a trauma-informed, purpose-built sanctuary that will allow us to meet growing demand and provide holistic, wraparound care to every individual who comes through our doors,” Gorecki said. “It’s a lifeline for our clients and a proud, powerful step forward for our community.”
With the expansion, Stepping Stones will increase its capacity, growing from 27 emergency shelter beds to 63 and from seven second-stage housing units to 12.
Also, for the first time, all of the organization's programs - including emergency shelter, counselling, outreach, child and youth supports, and housing assistance - will be housed under one roof.
“Bringing all of our programs under one roof is a major step forward in how we support women and children. Instead of navigating multiple locations or service gaps, clients can now access emergency shelter, counselling, outreach, child and youth supports, housing help, and more - all in one place,” Gorecki said. “This creates a seamless experience and reduces barriers to getting the help they need. It also improves internal coordination among staff, making it easier to provide consistent, wraparound support that’s tailored to each individual’s situation.”
Community support
The City of Cold Lake, the MD of Bonnyville, and local businesses have played a key role in making the new facility a reality.
“The community is excited for our new building,” Gorecki said. “We have received generous support from local governments, local businesses, and community members.”
As the project nears completion, Stepping Stones encourages the public to continue supporting its mission by attending events, sharing information, and raising awareness about the services available.
“We are much more than an emergency shelter. We operate a 24/7 helpline that’s available to anyone in need at 780-594-3353, and we offer a range of community programming, including our Outreach Program and Community Kitchen,” said Gorecki.
Financial contributions are welcomed to support ongoing programs and client needs.
“For those looking to give back, we welcome donations in support of our ongoing programming or directly for client needs. We also have community-level giving opportunities to support the new building. Every contribution helps us continue to meet the growing needs in our region,” Gorecki added.
Grand opening to mark a new era
A grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony is set for Sept. 6 and will be followed by an open house where the public can tour the new facility. That evening, a soiree at the Cold Lake Agricultural Society will celebrate the supporters who made the project possible.
“This new building will allow us to respond with the dignity, safety, and support that every survivor of family violence deserves,” said Melissa Francis, CEO of Stepping Stones Crisis Society.
“Our vision is a future where every woman and child seeking safety has a place to go and the opportunity to build the skills and confidence they need to move forward. When we invest in safety, healing, and growth, the impact ripples through families and communities for generations.”
