What is Intergenerational Trauma?

We can pass many things onto our children: our genes, our heirlooms, our values... Did you know that trauma can also be transmitted through generations?

Intergenerational trauma refers to the legacy of trauma passed down through generations. Intergenerational trauma can appear in younger family members whose parents or grandparents experienced traumatic events such as war or persecution, even though the younger family members never experienced those events themselves.

For many Indigenous peoples in Canada, this means that the trauma caused by residential schools and colonialism can still be felt by current generations today. The traumatic experience of residential schools continues to impact Indigenous peoples experience of domestic violence, building a present that is dictated by a traumatic past.

"The cycles of intergenerational trauma... are a root cause of domestic violence in Indigenous communities today."

Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

At Sonshine, we continually strive toward operating in a way that is both culturally relevant and responsive. We take a trauma-informed approach to service delivery, recognizing that all of our clients come to us with their own unique story, barriers and challenges.

Sonshine is proud to support Indigenous families, and we recognize that our commitment to reconciliation is an ongoing journey.

On September 30th, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Sonshine's offices were closed. We observed this day to reflect on the impact that the residential school experience, colonialism, and other injustices has had on the Indigenous community, as well as to consider how each of us can walk Truth and Reconciliation every day in our personal and professional lives.

Strong Like a Woman

We are so excited to announce the Strong Like a Woman campaign.

Witnessing women make a courageous decision to leave an abusive relationship and start rebuilding their lives truly embodies what it means to be Strong Like a Woman.

November is Family Violence Prevention Month in Alberta. From November 1 to November 30, 2021, the Brenda Strafford Centre, Discovery House and Sonshine Community Services will join together to create awareness and raise funds with the 'Strong Like a Woman' campaign.

We are partnering with fitness studios and gyms to make this campaign a success and benefit the women and children facing domestic violence who need our support!

From now until November, we are partnering with fitness instructors and studios to host a charity class to donate funds to this cause. If you know a studio or instructor who may be interested, let us know at donation@sonshine.ca!

Learn more about Strong Like a Woman

Inspiration and Commitment

Luke Groeneveld has been a dedicated Sonshine supporter for a very long time. From Board involvement to hands-on volunteering to advocacy in the community, he is an inspiration to us all. He even inspired his colleagues at RJC Engineers to get involved with Sonshine! RJC sponsors one of the 24 suites in the Sonshine Centre, and we are glad to count some of their staff members amongst our volunteers.

We are happy to share that RJC recognized Luke's outstanding contribution to his community with the Gino Ferri Community Service Award. We couldn't think of a more deserving recipient!

Congratulations Luke!

We are thankful each day

Sonshine Children’s Program Team has been and continues being busy creating virtual ways to connect with the children living in the Sonshine Centre. In this video, Miss Bose is reading “I am thankful each day” and, with Thanksgiving just around the corner, we thought to share the story with you. We are thankful each day for your support, for your willingness to engage with us and with a vision of a future without domestic violence.

Change for the Earth

Throughout the month of October, when you shop at Community Natural Foods with a reusable bag Sonshine will receive

2 cents, which will then be matched by Community Natural Foods!

CNF has three locations throughout the city so your shopping needs can be satisfied with ease while supporting Sonshine. Why not see for yourself...

And don't forget your reusable bags!

Adopt-a-Family

Would you like to help lighten the load for vulnerable families this Christmas season? Sonshine is still accepting sponsors for Adopt-a-Family 2021! Sign up to adopt a family using our online form or learn more on our website.

Sonshine is on Instagram!

Sonshine has joined Instagram @s onshinecommunityse rvices! Be sure to follow us for regular updates and glimpses from behind the scenes of our services.