May 29 marks a significant milestone for the Aimee Beaulieu Transition House, a vital sanctuary for women and their dependent children fleeing violence and abuse.
As the program celebrates its 30th anniversary, it reflects on three decades of providing support and safe shelter to over 2,000 women and children in Nelson and surrounding communities, as well as providing support and resources to over 20,000 callers in times of crisis.
The Transition House program was named in memory of Aimee Beaulieu and her twin babies, David and Samantha, who were tragically murdered in Nelson in April 1992 — a heartbreaking case that remains unsolved. Today, the legacy of Beaulieu and her children lives on through the house’s steadfast commitment to supporting survivors of domestic violence.
Every other day, a woman in Canada is killed by femicide. Across the country, more than 3,000 women and 2,900 dependent children are living in emergency shelters daily to escape violence. While support services have grown, domestic violence continues to rise — in our communities and across Canada.
Former program director Anna Maskerine played a pivotal role in establishing the Transition House in 1995 and provided unwavering leadership to the program for three decades. A program of Nelson Community Services, the Aimee Beaulieu Transition House offers a range of critical supports, including safe shelter, safety planning, emotional support, and access to resources. Its mission is to empower women to break free from the cycle of abuse and rebuild their lives with strength and dignity.
Over the years, the program has evolved to meet the changing needs of the community. It now welcomes women fleeing with pets, either onsite or through community partnerships, and operates a chat and text support line available daily from 8:30 a.m. to midnight.
Recognizing the disproportionate impact of violence on Indigenous women — who are five times more likely to be victims of violence than non-Indigenous women — the Transition House has partnered with local Elders and through a Four Feathers grant has created culturally safe spaces and practices.
Current program manager Milena Bieri says that one of the biggest barriers women are facing in leaving an abusive relationship is a lack of affordable housing.
“For many women, leaving an abusive partner is already an incredibly difficult decision — there’s fear, uncertainty and risk. But today, the lack of access to safe, affordable housing has become one of the biggest barriers to leaving. When women turn to us for support, they’re not just seeking safety — they’re searching for a place to begin again. And too often, there’s nowhere to go.”
The success of the Aimee Beaulieu Transition House has been made possible through the unwavering support of community partners and generous donors. This ongoing support has played a vital role in empowering women and their children as they rebuild their lives through the program. To contribute to the continued impact of the Aimee Beaulieu Transition House, please visit servicesfyi.ca/donate-now.
To commemorate its 30th anniversary, the Aimee Beaulieu Transition House will host a Ride for Refuge fundraiser on Oct. 4. This special event offers a meaningful opportunity for the community to come together in support of the program and to take a stand against gender-based violence. More details will be shared soon on the Nelson Community Services website and social media pages.
As the Aimee Beaulieu Transition House enters its fourth decade, its legacy of compassion, resilience, and community-driven support continues to make a difference. The program reaffirms its commitment to creating a safer, more equitable future for women and children escaping violence. The 30th anniversary is not only a time to reflect on the past but also a call to action — reminding us all of the vital role we play in supporting survivors and building a community where everyone can thrive in safety.
For women in need of assistance, the Aimee Beaulieu Transition House in Nelson can be contacted 24-7 at 250-354-4357. A text option is available at 778-608-3900, seven days weekly from 8:30 a.m. to midnight. An online chat and more information is available at https://www.servicesfyi.ca/aimee-beaulieu-transition-house/.
For residents outside Nelson, VictimLinkBC is a 24-7, confidential, multilingual service that can connect calls to various resources. It can be called or texted at 1-800-563-0808, or emailed at victimlinkbc@bc211.ca.
Women at immediate risk of harm should call 911.
