About Us
A Legacy of Care, A Vision for Tomorrow
Mission, Vision, & Values
Our Vision
Build and provide a community where every individual feels safe, supported, and free from violence.
Our Mission
The South Central Committee on Family Violence, Inc. exists to provide education, shelter, and support around gender-based, intimate partner, and family violence.
Our Core Values
Make Each Other Stronger
We believe in the power of connection and community. Healing does not happen in isolation. It grows through relationships where people feel seen, supported, and valued. We walk alongside each individual, recognizing their strength while offering encouragement and practical support. Together, we build one another up, fostering confidence, independence, and a renewed sense of possibility for the future.
Lead with Compassion
Compassion is at the heart of everything we do. We meet each person with empathy, respect, and without judgment, recognizing the courage it takes to seek support. Our approach is rooted in understanding the complex impacts of trauma and violence, and responding with kindness, patience, and care. We honour each individual’s story and create space for healing at their own pace.
Create Psychological Safety
Safety goes beyond physical protection. It includes feeling emotionally secure and respected. We are committed to creating an environment where individuals can express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of blame, shame, or harm. Through trust, consistency, and trauma-informed practices, we foster a space where healing, growth, and empowerment can truly take place.
How We Serve
Emergency Shelter
Safe, confidential shelter at Genesis House for women and children in abusive situations. Immediate support is available in a secure and compassionate environment.
Transitional Housing
Stable, supportive housing through Clearwater Place, helping women and families rebuild with dignity and independence.
Programs & Resources
Access to counselling, support groups, advocacy, education programs, and community resources.
We Are Members Of
Manitoba Association of Women’s Shelters
Women’s Shelter’s Canada
Our History
Genesis House, formally known as The South Central Committee on Family Violence Inc., was founded to address the critical need for safe spaces and support systems for women and families experiencing abuse in our community.
Over the years, our organization has grown from a crisis line, rotating from home to home, into a trusted community resource offering a wide range of programs and services.
Today, Genesis House continues to evolve, expanding our reach through initiatives like Clearwater Place – a new transitional housing development designed to provide longer-term stability and support for women and their children.
Timeline
Genesis House Through
The Years
Founding
With no formal services in place, they operated a rotating crisis phone line from their homes, offering support, safety planning, and even opening their doors to women and children in need. Their compassion and determination laid the foundation for Genesis House.
Current Shelter Opens
This marked a significant milestone for the region, creating a safe, confidential refuge where women and their children could escape violence and begin to rebuild their lives. The shelter quickly became a lifeline for families across southern Manitoba.
Expansion of Outreach Services
Outreach programming was developed to provide:
• One-on-one counselling and support
• Advocacy and system navigation
• Safety planning for women remaining in their homes
This shift marked an important evolution – ensuring support was accessible, flexible, and responsive to diverse experiences of violence.
Prevention, Education, and Community Partnerships
Key developments included:
• School and community-based education on healthy relationships
• Training and collaboration with local service providers, law enforcement, and healthcare systems
• Increased focus on early intervention and breaking cycles of violence
Through this work, Genesis House became not only a place of refuge, but also a leader in community awareness and prevention.
Launch of Sexual Assault Program
This program provides trauma-informed, survivor-centred support for individuals who have experienced sexual violence as well as training for local healthcare providers to improve response and care. Survivors now have access to timely, compassionate care closer to home, reducing the need to travel to urban centres.
Clearwater Place Opens
Clearwater Place will provide:
• Safe, stable housing for up to 25 women and their children
• Longer-term support beyond emergency shelter stays
• Programming focused on life skills, healing, parenting, and housing stability
This development bridges the gap between crisis and independence, supporting families as they build safe, sustainable futures.
Annual Reports
2024-2025 Annual Report
2022-2023 Annual Report
2021-2022 Annual Report
Board Members
Genesis House is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors who bring leadership, expertise, and a shared commitment to our mission.
Their guidance ensures that we continue to operate with integrity, accountability, and a strong connection to the needs of our community.
Denise Thiessen
Board Chair
She was inspired to get involved by the critical need for safe spaces and meaningful supports for women and children, and she is especially passionate about helping women of all ages live their best lives.
The heart of the Genesis House mission, providing safety, healing, and a path forward for families experiencing violence, is what Denise finds most meaningful. As a board member, she is committed to strengthening and expanding survivor supports, including long-term solutions such as transitional housing, while helping ensure Genesis House remains a strong, stable organization for years to come.
Family is at the center of Denise’s life, and she credits their constant encouragement and support for making her community involvement possible. She also loves bringing people together through community activities and events—whether to build awareness, foster connection, or simply create moments of shared joy.
Courtenay Winning
Board Chair
Courtenay has served on the Genesis House Board since September 2023. Through her work with diverse communities, she has seen the widespread impact of gender-based violence and the barriers individuals can face when seeking support. She was inspired to join Genesis House because of its strong commitment to compassion, inclusivity, and advocacy.
Courtenay is particularly passionate about Genesis House’s focus on safety, dignity, and empowerment. She values the organization’s survivor-centred approach and its commitment to supporting individuals through both immediate crisis and the longer journey of rebuilding their lives with autonomy and hope.
Kristin von Reisen
Secretary
Kristen has served on the Genesis House Board since September 2023 and has been the Board Secretary since May 2024. She was drawn to Genesis House because of its commitment to giving women a voice, raising awareness about gender-based violence, and providing a safe and supportive place for those experiencing violence.
Kristen hopes to help increase awareness within the community and among local leaders about gender-based violence and the importance of accessible support services. She is proud to contribute to Genesis House’s work and to be part of an organization committed to creating meaningful change and moving the community forward.
Shawna Dobbelaere
Treasurer
Shawna joined the Genesis House Board in 2024 after attending the Genesis House Gala, where she learned the Board was seeking new members. Having previously supported Genesis House through donation drives at her workplace, she wanted to become more involved with an organization that plays such an important role in the community.
Shawna is particularly inspired by Genesis House’s commitment to providing safety and compassionate care to individuals and families during vulnerable moments. She is proud to contribute her time and support to an organization that helps people access the resources and support they need to move forward.
Danika Fehr
Member at Large
Danika has served on the Genesis House Board since 2024. She was inspired to get involved by the meaningful support Genesis House provides to individuals and families in need, as well as the compassionate care offered during some of the most difficult moments in their lives.
Danika values Genesis House’s commitment to creating safety, providing support, and helping individuals and families move forward. She is proud to contribute to an organization that plays such an important role in the community and is committed to supporting its ongoing work and impact.
Jessi Vireo
Member at Large
Jessi has served on the Genesis House Board since October 2025. She was inspired to join because gender-based violence is an issue that has directly impacted her life, giving her a deep understanding of how it can affect individuals and families. She is honoured to support an organization whose mission reflects both her values and lived experience.
Jessi is passionate about expanding access to safety, resources, and education while ensuring services continue to reflect the needs of the community. Through her role on the Board, she hopes to help raise awareness, empower individuals to seek support, and contribute to creating safer communities.
Jade Runne
Member at Large
Jade joined the Genesis House Board in Fall 2025, inspired by the meaningful impact Genesis House has in the community. As a social worker, she is passionate about advocating for vulnerable populations and wanted to contribute her experience to an organization that supports and strengthens services for women and children.
Jade is particularly drawn to Genesis House’s commitment to safety, support, advocacy, and empowerment. She values the organization’s focus on dignity and healing and is proud to serve on a Board that helps ensure individuals and families can access the support they need during challenging times.
Jenessa Unrau
Member at Large
Jenessa rejoined the Genesis House Board in September 2025 after previously serving for six years, the maximum board term. Her involvement began through her work as a Financial Literacy Coach with Access Credit Union, where she facilitated a financial literacy workshop with Genesis House and quickly felt drawn to contribute further.
During her previous term, Jenessa was part of the decision to purchase the land for transitional housing. She is excited to see that vision become a reality through Clearwater Place and is proud of the dedication of the Board, staff, and community. She looks forward to seeing the lasting impact this project will have on the families Genesis House serves.
Angela Braun
Executive Director
Bio coming soon!Â
