Genesis House is usually known for working with at-risk and abused women and children, but they're diving into the heart of many domestic abuse situations by launching a group intervention program for men.

"While it's a very exciting time, it's also kind of scary because it's quite an intense program for 17 weeks, but we're excited to see what type of feedback we get," says Executive Director Ang Braun.

Usually, they struggle to get enough funds to keep the doors open, but funds from the Morden Foundation's 'Power of the Purse' event was set aside specifically to start the 'Caring Dads' program.

"The principles of the program really are around the fact that the men are taking responsibility for their behaviour in the relationship and their behaviour as a dad. And then really looking at their actions as a role-model for their children," she says. “The statistics in our programming have remained consistent for the past 30 years . . . [and] many of the women we see have been asking for some type of intervention for men for a long time. It was important for our agency to hear the voice of the women and now that the option is available locally it made sense to try it.”

Braun notes, that if there is no one working with the abused and abuser then nothing will change in these tough relationships.

"Crossing my fingers that it does go off well, because if it does then you can make a case for doing it a second time, or building on what you've done."

She also has some hopes for the future if the program proves to be successful.

"In my dreams, we would have an umbrella organization that works at arm's length from us with some interested men to start a committee that would work under our board . . . [and] work together to see if we can make some real impact. I think the opportunities are out there."

The program has room for 10 people and will launch on Oct 3, 2019, with the registration deadline on Sept 18, 2019.

Those who would like to learn more or register can call Genesis House at 204-325-9800.