Key Priorities:
Populations served:
Our work
Who We Are
The Brenda Strafford Foundation Ltd. (BSF) was established on August 15, 1975, by Dr. Barrie I. Strafford, to honour his late wife, Brenda Strafford, who tragically passed away in a car accident in 1974.
BSF owns and operates Heart Home Network (HHN), a shelter for women and children fleeing domestic violence. HHN is one of the largest second stage shelters in Canada serving a diverse group of women, youth and children who are disproportionately impacted by family violence including 29% Indigenous families and the overarching 79% people of colour (POC). HHN provides shelter, safe housing, comprehensive counselling, child/youth/parenting programs, first necessity items, education/recreational programs and wrap-around support services.
In 2022, Heart Home Network (formerly The Brenda Strafford Society for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, BSS), founded by Dr. Strafford in 1996 to meet service gap needs for women and children impacted by domestic violence, officially amalgamated with The BSF as a united entity reflecting a new strategic direction under the banner ‘BSF Cares’ with a specific focus on innovation and response to emerging social needs and gaps in service. We serve people who have been impacted or at risk of abuse by providing a safe housing environment and comprehensive support services for residents, so that they can transition to living stable lives free of abuse in the community.
Our Programs
Secure Housing: Second-Stage Shelter (34 units) and Progressive Housing (51 units). Primarily two-bedroom units for mothers and their children.
Food Program: Food Pantry with staple foods, fresh refrigerated food, spices, and non-perishable items from the Calgary Food Bank are stored. The Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Centre located nearby provides free fresh produce weekly. We also have a bread pantry that is replenished weekly.
Adult Services: Counsellors help clients settle into the building, provide emotional support, and assist with finances, education, and employment. Parenting Group and Women’s Support Group is a judgement-free place for women to learn more about themselves and how to care for their children. Workshops are available for resume building, interview preparation, and legal matters. Our Brighter Futures program helps foster workplace and life skills development.
Child Services: Child and Youth Counsellors offer play and art therapy for kids ages 4+ as well as referrals. Outcomes targeted in counselling range from mental health to social skills, confidence, and education.
The Child Development Center provides trauma-informed supervised programming for children 0-12, free of cost. The curriculum focuses on attainment of positive attachments as well as developmental and social-emotional milestones. We provide a safe environment where children can engage in positive learning opportunities, which values children as co-creators of their environment and the world around them.
Counseling and Case Management
Counsellors and Case Managers address needs, set goals, and develop programming to help our clients build resiliency. Even with the increasing demand for counseling services, residents typically attend at least one appointment per week. If a client has a need or is facing a barrier, the team will work creatively to find resources and support to meet that need or to remove the barrier.
Housing Locator and Landlord Coordinator
After the Second Stage period has ended, clients decide whether to move into Progressive Housing or find alternative housing in the community. Our Housing Locator helps clients decide what is best for them and their families, based on their monthly finances. Our Landlord Coordinator is here to help clients with day-to-day matters, necessary repairs, signing leases, move in and move out inspections, and ensuring timely payment of rent.
Critical Capital Infrastructure Needs – 2026/27
We currently have three priorities that have been identified as critical needs.
Overview
- Integrated Capital Renewal
A two‑phase capital reinvestment strategy that first stabilizes core building systems, then restores interior unit dignity. Together, the phases protect a critical community housing asset, reduce operational risk, and create safe, trauma‑informed homes for women and children rebuilding after violence.
- Transportation for Stability & Access
Reliable transportation is a foundational support, not a convenience. A dedicated HHN van ensures residents can safely access court, medical care, counselling, employment, childcare, cultural connections, and community supports—reducing isolation and missed opportunities during recovery.
Includes:
- 12–16 passenger van (purchase or donation)
- Insurance & licensing
- Winter & summer tire sets
- Scheduled maintenance for 5 years
- Secure Foundations – Security & Community Safety
A prevention‑focused, trauma‑informed security model that reduces risk before crisis occurs. Delivered through Garda Canada Security Corporation, this initiative provides consistent trained presence, centralized emergency support, governance oversight, and reduced staff and resident exposure to unsafe incidents.
Impact: An aligned investment supporting risk reduction, operational stability, and community resilience.
At Heart Home Network, dignity is not an abstract value—it is built into walls, lighting, safety systems, and the everyday experiences of families healing from abuse. We are inviting community members, corporate partners, foundations and philanthropic partners to help complete a transformational investment in safe housing, secure environments, and access to community life.
Your generosity can directly restore dignity—through a renovated home, a safe journey to medical care, or the reassurance of trained security presence. Each gift has a tangible, human outcome.
We would be honoured to share how your values can be reflected in this work.
Registered Charity
CRA Registered Charity Number: #105198873RR0001