Chrysalis Fund grant gives women dignity

Victims of domestic violence in Steinbach have access to a new clothing experience thanks to a grant from the Chrysalis Fund.

A local organization made up of people who have donated at least $1,000 to be a member, the Chrysalis Fund in partnership with the Winnipeg Foundation offers annual grants to a variety of causes focusing on children, youth and families.

Agape House was one of the recipients of grant money in 2024, and the domestic violence shelter used it to create a community closet, renovating the unused basement of their local outreach office for that purpose.

The revived space features racks and shelves of clothing, decorative touches, a changing room, washroom and kids’ area.

Debbie Krahn and Simone Penner are co-founders of the Chrysalis Fund, and during a tour of the space on Monday, described the impact as overwhelming.

“One of the ladies who came down there was just so emotional because she had never been able to, I’ll use the word shop, though there’s no money exchanged,” Penner said.

Krahn said the experience of leaving an abusive home and coming to the shelter is hard.

“It’s such an affront to your dignity, and to have such a beautiful space to come and get clothing that maybe you’re missing… I think it’s just a step towards getting a little bit of dignity back,” she said.

Being able to see the results of their grants is also important.

“When you get the grant (application), you sort of get an impression of what the ask is,” Krahn said. “But when you hear different stories from the organization that’s when things start hitting your heart.”

The Chrysalis Fund was formed in 2009 by 11 people. Since then, they’ve grown to 86 members and granted a total of $119,000.

Intake for grant applications usually begins in March with grants announced later in the year.

Impact felt

Tracy Whitby, executive director of Agape House and Lisa Fast, outreach and housing coordinator said the renovated space has an impact for people that need to know they are valued.

“Our hope is when they walk in, they feel special and that they matter to us and to everybody,” Whitby said. “It’s like a boutique experience a little bit.”

Fast said they knew the unfinished basement had potential.

“We thought it would be a perfect beautiful place for our clothing that had up until then been stored in totes,” she said.

She added that this can be a very big deal for women who haven’t had a chance to shop for clothing in a very long time.

“We’re restoring their autonomy by giving them their power back,” she said.

As the shelter continues to respond to rising demand, a project like this can only be accomplished from outside funds. Core funding comes from the province, but fundraising is key.

Whitby said they’ve been seeing increases of between 40 and 60 percent year over year over the last five years.

“We are always full,” she said. “We’re having to work and network with out sister shelters across the province to make sure that everyone has a safe place to go.”

“Right now, if a bed opens up, it’s filled the same day just because the need is that urgent here,” Fast added.

Those in need of Agape House services can call the crisis line at 204-346-0028 or chat live using a link on their website agapehouse.ca. Both are monitored 24 hours a day.