About the Episode

In this episode of United Way’sDo Local Good podcast, hosts Baichi Chaki and Yawa Idi are joined by Emma Potter from Canadian Mental Health Association and Ashley Baxter from WIN House for a vital conversation on gender-based violence and the strength it takes to survive and rebuild.

Together, they explore the layered realities survivors face and the essential role of trauma-informed support. From emergency shelter to long-term outreach, this episode highlights the importance of meeting people where they are, with compassion, consistency, and connection. Listeners will also learn about how 211 Alberta helps survivors navigate resources like shelter, food, and mental health support, making sure no one has to face violence alone.

Featured Programs and Resources

211 Alberta

211 Alberta is an essential service that helps Albertans find the right resource or service for whatever issue they need help with, at the right time. Access local resources by calling 211, texting INFO to 211, or chatting online.

Learn More --> https://ab.211.ca/

Canadian Mental Health Association Edmonton

Canadian Mental Health Association Edmonton offers a variety of programs and services that assist individuals with reaching their short and long-term mental health goals.

Learn More --> https://edmonton.cmha.ca/

WIN House

WIN House offers women, non-binary individuals, and children a safe place to flee domestic violence where they can access safety, support, relief, and resources.

Learn More --> https://www.winhouse.org/

Join the Movement

Get Involved with GenNEXT

United Way’s GenNEXT is a volunteer-led initiative designed to inspire the next generation of leaders to drive meaningful change in our community.

Learn More --> https://www.myunitedway.ca/take-action/join-a-group/gennext/

Special Acknowledgments

We extend our deepest thanks to Emma Potter from Canadian Mental Health Association and Ashley Baxter from WIN House for sharing their insight and expertise on what it truly means to support survivors of gender-based violence with compassion and care.

Our gratitude also goes to hosts Baichi Chaki and Yawa Idi for leading this vital conversation, and to the teams at WIN House, CMHA, and 211 Alberta for the life-changing work they do every day.

And to every listener — thank you for tuning in, for showing up for survivors, and for continuing to champion what it means to do local good in our communities.

Land Acknowledgment

This episode was recorded in Edmonton, Alberta, on Treaty Six Territory and the Métis Nation of Alberta North Saskatchewan River Territory. We acknowledge that this land has long served as a meeting place, gathering ground, and travel route for the diverse Indigenous Peoples who have called it home for generations. These include the nêhiyawak (Cree), Blackfoot, Dene, Anishinaabe (Saulteaux), Nakota Sioux, Inuit, and Métis. We are deeply grateful for the resources, knowledge, and culture shared by Indigenous communities, as we walk together on the path toward reconciliation. We honour and respect their contributions, which help guide our work to ensure no one in our community is left behind.