Who We Are
Providing compassionate and specialized counselling, education, and advocacy for those impacted by sexual violence as we journey together towards healing and justice.
Saffron Centre is a non-profit charitable organization working to support the healing and empowerment of those who have been affected by sexual violence. Delivering sexual assault services for over 23 years, we are a dedicated team committed to creating a community free from sexual violence where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
Our beginning can be traced back to the late 1990s when the staff and board at Sherwood Park’s family violence organization became aware of a significant need or services for those who had experienced sexual violence. A counsellor, trained and experienced counselling those with sexual violence related trauma was hired and “A Safe Talk” was born. As word spread in the community, demand for those services grew leading to the establishment of the Strathcona Sexual Assault Centre in 2000.
In 2008, a name that would reflect the strength and resilience of survivors was chosen, and Strathcona Sexual Assault Centre became Saffron Centre. The saffron is a crocus flower which is the first flower to emerge from the bleakness of winter showing the first signs of spring. Saffron crocuses are uniquely special, frequently blooming in the fall and sometimes even showing their beauty in a field of frozen snow. The crocus symbolizes renewal, health, and new beginnings – Saffron Centre exists to support the healing journey of those who have experienced sexual abuse.
We have three major service pillars: prevention education, police and court advocacy, and counselling. Our education team offers presentations to schools and youth community groups as well as training sessions for adults. These important educational sessions teach people about boundaries and consent, online exploitation, disclosure training, and more. Our police and court support team offers advocacy and knowledge in navigating the criminal system from reporting sexual violence to filling out paperwork all the way to support through court appearances. Saffron’s specialized counselling services offer our clients affordable counselling services that are tailored to trauma and healing from sexual violence.
Our Vision
We aspire to live in safe communities free from sexual violence, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
Our Values
Collaboration
Working together to build community, spark creativity, inspire change.
Compassion
Delivering empathetic care for all those who have been impacted by sexual violence.
Excellence
Providing exceptional and dependable services to meet client needs and ensure sustainability.
Integrity
Ensuring accountability through transparency, honesty, and ethical practice.
Respect
Honouring individuals through active listening, sincere consideration, and without judgement.
Land Acknowledgement
We respectfully acknowledge that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, the traditional and ancestral land of the Blackfoot (Niitsitapi), Gros Ventre (A’aninin), Cree (Nehiyawak), Saulteaux (Anishinaabe), Dene, Nakota Sioux, and Métis (Region 4). With deep respect and in the Spirit of reconciliation and truth, we are grateful to the many Treaty members who have lived in and cared for these lands for generations and whose histories, languages, and cultures continue to influence our community. We recognize our responsibility as Treaty members to each other, to the land, to the resources and to Treaty 6 “as long as the sun shines, the grass grows, and the river flows.”