Advocacy Normalizing Sex Work through
Education and Resources Society (ANSWERS)
ANNOUNCEMENT: Dissolution of ANSWER Society
It is with a heavy heart that we announce that ANSWER Society has ceased operations, a decision that was made after much reflection and careful consideration. This decision was agreed upon by our Board of Directors on July 2, 2024, and by our members on August 30, 2024. Our website will remain active for the next few years to assist those who have received or are seeking support.
Since 2020, ANSWER Society has proudly provided a wide range of support services, including subsidized counselling, financial aid via gift cards, rent relief, health spending reimbursements, Sobriety Without Stigma support groups, vetted allied directory and help with tax filing. We also offered respite space access, art therapy groups, resource directory and safe sex supplies. In total, we have supported over 650 people through these essential services.
One of our most significant accomplishments is the Sex Work is Work Bias Prevention training, which has reached over 750 participants since its inception in 2021. This training has been instrumental in breaking myths, reducing stigma, and nurturing a deeper understanding of the sex work industry.
While this marks the end of our current operations, we are taking this time to reflect, regroup, and explore the possibility of reviving ANSWER Society in the future.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with us and being a part of this important work.
As ANSWER Society transitions towards dissolution, we are dedicated to ensuring that the sex work community continues to have access to crucial services. Below is a directory of trusted allied organizations across Edmonton, Calgary, and Red Deer that offer a variety of supports, from emotional and legal advocacy to practical assistance like safe sex supplies and transit help. We encourage you to connect with these organizations for continued support and resources.
Our public allied directory, current as of September 2024, provides a list of vetted allies offering services tailored to support sex workers. We encourage you to explore it for assistance. If you have any questions or need to update your information in our allied directory, please email admin@answersociety.org (monitored monthly).
A Message from a Co-Founder: Gratitude and Hope
As the last remaining co-founder on the board, writing this as we cease operations is a deeply bittersweet moment. I am filled with immense gratitude for the privilege of co-founding this non-profit and for the opportunity to stand beside such a resilient, diverse, and vibrant community. The strength and perseverance of this community, in the face of ongoing injustices, have been a constant source of inspiration to me.
For the past four years, I have poured my heart and soul into this work, and while I wish I had the capacity to continue, I understand how heavy the burdens have been—not just for me, but for all of us. The struggles our community faces daily were often reflected in the challenges the organization confronted. This made the work profoundly real, but also deeply draining.
As we close this chapter, I remain hopeful that this organization will rise again when the time is right. Tara, our president, and I have worked tirelessly to ensure that its revival will be as seamless as possible for the next team of brave souls who may carry this work forward.
Thank you to everyone who believed in this mission, stood with us, cared for this community, gave their time, energy, and passion to this work. Your contributions have been invaluable, and this journey unforgettable. I hope its impact continues to live on in the hearts and actions of those it has touched.
Sophie Hallée, September 2024
A Goodbye Message from Our President
Dearest community members,
The decision for ANSWERS to cease its operations was not an easy decision to make. It was heartbreaking. Being a part of ANSWERS has been a highlight of my career as a human services worker. With all my heart, I feel the ANSWERS team has greatly impacted the sex worker community, by supporting those we required services and vetting allies.
I want to say thank you for all the support and love that ANSWERS has received since opening opening our doors. Thank you to those who we have worked with us and who has become allies.
I truly hope that one day, ANSWERS will be be able to open the doors once more to provide services.
Sincerely,
Tara Chalifoux
President of the Board of Directors
Email: admin@answersociety.org
©Advocacy Normalizing Sex Work through Education and Resources Society 2020