About the Jessica Martel Memorial Foundation
Crisis Line/Shelter intake (24/7): 1-866-939-2850
Mission
To break the cycle of domestic violence through the actions of advocacy, awareness, community engagement, education, and safe housing.
Vision
A future free of domestic violence for all individuals.
Values
Safety: We value a safe environment that allows us to challenge each other and explore ideas.
Partnership: We value and seek partnership whose values align with those of the Foundation and together we can reach our vision.
Empowerment: We value innovative and creative thinking as a means of serving the best interests of the individuals and families we serve.
Awareness: We value positive, continual messaging that highlight healthy relationships.
Statement of Principles
🟣 We are committed to healing, truth, and reconciliation for all people of Turtle Island — past and present, Indigenous and non-Indigenous.
🟣 We promote safety, accessibility, and inclusion for individuals of all races, genders, sexual orientations, religions, nationalities, ages, and disabilities.
🟣 We foster a culture of respect for all clients, staff, and visitors to Jessie’s House.
🟣 We honour and respect the lived experiences of everyone.
🟣 We celebrate and value the resiliency, successes, and teachings of Indigenous people, as well as the unique contributions of every culture.
Strategic Priority 1: Breaking the Stigma of Domestic Violence
Strategic Priority 2: Financial Sustainability through a Diverse Funding Strategy
Strategic Priority 3: Create a Second-Stage Housing Strategy
Community Reports
Click below to read more about how far we have come and what we have been up to!
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
November is Family Violence Prevention month in Alberta. JMMF commemorates it with the Light in the Window Campaign. The Light in the Window Campaign encourages healthy and respectful relationships and calls on the community to declare that family violence in our neighbourhoods, schools, and homes is unacceptable. We share information about the impacts of family violence, as well as available resources, on social media and in the community.
In 2023, the Share the Light fundraiser brought in $4,283.
Global Edmonton has offered The Give Me Shelter campaign for the past 20 years. Give Me Shelter benefits A Safe Place, Jessie’s House, LaSalle Shelter, Lurana Shelter, WIN House, and WINGS of Providence. The purpose of this campaign is to raise funds to support our mission and vision and provides exposure to the issues of domestic violence and the resources and supports available to a very large audience. Last year, Give Me Shelter brought in $14,336 for JMMF!
The We Hear You Too campaign shares information about how members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community experience gender-based violence uniquely and disproportionately. This campaign shares information about gender-based violence, barriers in place, and resources that are available (including Jessie’s House!). The We Hear You Too campaign also shares information about how cis-het men are impacted by family violence.
While most of our clients are women and children, we welcomed 21 men and their children in 2022 and 10 trans or nonbinary individuals since opening Jessie’s House.
The Moosehide Campaign is a grassroots movement for Indigenous men and boys to take a stand against violence. Each May, JMMF takes part in the annual Moosehide Walk with the local school and other community members to stand up against violence.
24/7 Crisis and Intake Line
The 24 Hour Crisis and Intake Line is often the first point of contact for people and families facing domestic violence. We offer support 24 hours a day, every day of the year, in more than 200 languages.
In 2024, we answered 2,573 calls. That’s a 2% increase from the year before.
Jessie’s House
Jessie’s House is a 9,000 square foot emergency safe house with 11 rooms and 35 beds. It’s open to all genders and helps people and families leaving domestic violence. It’s also home to our Child & Youth Program and the 24 Hour Crisis and Intake Line. Our team provides support that is trauma-informed and led by each client’s needs. Most people stay between 31 and 60 days.
In 2024, we supported 208 children and 149 adults.
Eileen’s Place
Eileen’s Place is our second-stage housing program. It offers longer-term housing for people transitioning out of shelters like Jessie’s House. Survivors can stay for 6 months to 2 years while working toward their goals in a safe and supportive environment.
Supports include rent subsidies, food access, help finding long-term housing, affordable child-focused programs, employment readiness, education, cultural programming, peer groups, and counselling.
Eileen’s Place opened in April 2024. In our first year, we supported 3 adults and 9 children.
Outreach Program
Our Outreach Program supports people living in the community who are facing domestic violence, and it also provides continued care after someone leaves Jessie’s House. We also do education and community work with local partners.
In 2024, we supported 126 adults and 117 children.
Child & Youth Program
The Child & Youth Program supports kids connected to our shelter and outreach services. The program is about helping the whole family heal. It gives kids space to play and learn while allowing parents time to attend programs and appointments.
Inspire Program
Inspire is a school-based program run in partnership with Sturgeon Public Schools. It’s for students in grades 7 through 9 and covers topics like leadership, healthy relationships, bullying, body image, pressure, and wellness. The goal is to help students build self-worth and make healthy choices.
We launched the boys’ cohort in 2024 after two years of running the program for girls.
Break Free 5/10K Run & Walk
Break Free is our annual 5K run and 10K walk that brings the community together to support survivors of domestic violence. Whether you run, walk, or roll, every step helps raise awareness and funds for the Jessica Martel Memorial Foundation’s programs. Together, we’re moving toward a future free from violence.
JMMF Charity Golf tournament
Each year, the Jessica Martel Memorial Foundation hosts our Charity Golf Tournament in support of survivors of domestic violence. This event brings our community together for a day of connection, competition, and impact. Funds raised directly support our programs, including shelter, outreach, education, and advocacy.
Jessie's Crowns
Jessie’s Crowns is our annual luncheon dedicated to empowering women and supporting those affected by domestic violence. This event brings the community together to celebrate resilience, strength, and the importance of safe, independent futures.
