Annual Report

Our agency mandate is to provide client-centred support for people who experience sexual violence through crisis support, counselling, police and court support, and advocacy, and to foster prevention of sexual violence through direct public education and advisory consultation with groups and agencies undertaking their own prevention efforts

Greetings From Our
Chief Executive Officer

In 2022, I celebrated my 15th anniversary with SACE. Like most of us, someone that I know and love was impacted by sexual violence, in 2007. I realized as I was trying my best to support this person that I really didn’t know much about the issue, the prevalence of the issue, and how to help someone who has been impacted.  

I reached out to SACE, and I took their volunteer training. After a month or so responding to calls on the SACE crisis line, I started volunteering in the office too. This led me to a part-time position. I worked 13 hours a week, and at that time, there were 15 staff members, and a budget of about $800,000. In September 2015, the Board offered me the Executive Director position. I really had no idea of the complexity of the job, but, by then, I knew more about sexual violence than I ever cared to know. I was determined that we needed to grow from our grassroots, humble beginnings to a professional organization that would be recognized and legitimized by funders and our community.  

It took some time, but here we are. We have tripled our services, we have professionalized our centre, and we are, most definitely and most proudly, recognized as “experts” in the field of sexual violence prevention and response. 

This past year our momentum continued, with a growing team, and expanding services. Along with our many accomplishments and successes, we made a monumental decision that will shape our agency’s future: to leave our current office space, and create a new “home” in the centre of our city at Princeton Place on 124th Street.  

None of this would have been possible without our many past and present staff, volunteers, Board members, and community advocates. I can honestly say that I love being a part of this amazing team of exceptionally brilliant and caring individuals. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for standing beside me and walking with me.  

We also could not do the work that we do if it were not for the generosity and commitment of our funders: Alberta Community & Social Services, Alberta Health, Alberta Justice and Solicitor General, United Way of the Alberta Capital Region, and the City of Edmonton Family and Community Support Services. There are also many individuals, organizations and corporations who, consistently but quietly, demonstrate their financial support and belief in what we do. For this, we are deeply grateful. 

As I reflect on my 15-year tenure at SACE, it would be dishonest to say that there were not tough times. There have been countless sleepless nights, challenging decisions, and devastating stories. But what really stands out to me are the moments of hope. For every story of tragedy, there is a story of healing. On the hard days, these are the stories that keep me steadfast in my commitment to creating a world free of sexual violence. 

Mary Jane James
(she/her)
CEO

Greetings From Our
Board Chair

Dear Supporters, Partners, and Community Members, 

It is my privilege as the Board Chair of the Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton (SACE) to offer greetings to you on behalf of the board in this Annual General Report for 2023. This report aims to provide an overview of our organization’s activities, achievements, challenges, and financial status over the past year. 

The past year has been both challenging and rewarding for SACE. We remain committed to our mission of providing comprehensive support, advocacy, and education to people impacted by sexual violence while working towards the prevention and eradication of sexual violence within our community. 

Key Achievements: 

• Support Services: Our dedicated team of counsellors and volunteers provided vital support to people impacted by sexual violence, ensuring their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. In addition to individual and group counselling, we offer support line phone, text, and chat services to support people impacted by sexual violence. 

• Community Outreach: We conducted numerous community outreach initiatives, workshops, and seminars to raise awareness about sexual violence, consent, and healthy relationships. We collaborated with schools, postsecondary institutions, and local organizations to reach a wide audience and promote a culture of respect and safety. 

• Police and Court Support: We continued our efforts to support people impacted by sexual violence through the legal process. Our advocates provided information, guidance, and support during police investigations and court proceedings.  

• Public Education Initiatives: Prevention remained a key focus for SACE. We deliver comprehensive education programs targeting pre-schoolers, youth ages 12 and up, and adults. These programs emphasized the importance of consent, bystander intervention, and fostering respectful relationships. 

We are immensely grateful for the support and financial contributions we received from individuals, businesses, and government grants during the year. These funds allowed us to continue our operations and deliver crucial services to people impacted by sexual violence. Our audited financial statements provide a detailed breakdown of our financial position, and a high-level revenues and expenditures table is included in the financials section of this report. 

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our dedicated staff, volunteers, and board members who worked tirelessly to fulfill the SACE mission. We are also grateful for the unwavering support of our community members, donors, and partners. Your contributions and belief in our cause have made a significant difference in the lives of people impacted by sexual violence. 

As we move forward, we are committed to expanding our reach, enhancing our programs, and advocating for systemic changes that address the root causes of sexual violence. We will continue to collaborate with community partners, engage in public awareness campaigns, and provide support to people impacted by sexual violence on their healing journey. Excitingly, SACE is preparing to move to our new location on 124 St., ensuring our services remain accessible to clients needing our services.  

The past year has demonstrated the resilience and determination of SACE. We remain steadfast in our commitment to creating a safer and more equitable society, free from sexual violence. Together, we can make a difference. 

Thank you for your continued support. 

Dr. Barb van Ingen
(she/her)
Board Chair

Thank You to Our
Core Funders