Church of Jesus Christ donates furnishings for new LaSalle women’s shelter supporting women and children fleeing violence

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has pledged to provide all furnishings for the new LaSalle Women’s Shelter, currently under construction in Edmonton. The donation will support a second-stage shelter that provides mothers and their children, who have left abusive situations, with a safe place to live while transitioning from front-line crisis services.

LaSalle offers fully furnished suites where residents can stay for up to a year. During their time at the shelter, women and children have access to group workshops, one-on-one counselling, childcare, Indigenous support services, and community outreach programs. The shelter’s programs are designed to help break the cycle of violence while connecting residents to a broad support network and fostering new friendships.

Founded in 1988 by the Grey Nuns and overseen by a volunteer board, LaSalle joined Catholic Social Services in 2009. Over more than two decades, it has helped more than 200 women and 350 children rebuild their lives.

Dianna Drews, Vice President of Catholic Social Services, said the donation will bless the lives of women and children seeking refuge from violence, providing comfort, dignity, and peace. She called the collaboration between the Church and Catholic Social Services “inspiring,” highlighting the impact of faith-based and community partnerships in supporting vulnerable populations.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provides humanitarian relief around the world while helping individuals and families build long-term self-reliance through service, donations, and partnerships with organizations committed to compassion and respect. According to Drews, prioritizing the needs of women and children strengthens families and uplifts entire communities, creating hope, stability, and lasting change.