From its beginning four decades ago with a handful of volunteers, the Lakeshore Family Resource Centre has grown into a vital hub of support for communities along Manitoba’s Highway 6.
This month, the Centre is celebrating its 40th anniversary with an event titled You Matter – 40 Years of Serving the Community, inviting residents to join in recognizing the milestone on July 29.
Based at 9 Main St. in Ashern, the Centre offers confidential, no-cost services to individuals and families—women, men, youth and children—facing a wide range of challenges including gender-based violence, trauma, mental health issues, addictions, and poverty.
“Our message is simple: You matter,” said executive director Linda Schroedter.
The Resource Centre’s support model is deeply rooted in the community. Most clients are self-referred, often encouraged by family or friends. Services are available by appointment, phone, or drop-in, with counselling and advocacy tailored to each individual’s needs.
In addition to in-house services, counselling staff travel weekly to provide outreach in Lake St. Martin, Moosehorn, Ashern, Eriksdale and Lundar. Supports include both short- and long-term counselling for individuals, couples, and families, with a focus on building healthy relationships and coping skills.
“We strive to be a safe, supportive place where people can be heard and helped,” said Schroedter.
The Centre also plays a key role in connecting clients to other public supports, providing referrals and assistance with programs such as SARAH (Sexual Assault Recovery and Healing), Manitoba Housing, EIA, CFS, family courts, health services, Victim Services, and Legal Aid.
A new addition to the Centre’s offerings is the on-site Protection Order Designate, available after Aug. 25 to help clients file protection orders without having to travel to Winnipeg.
As a Harvest Manitoba food distribution partner, the Centre operates a monthly food bank with support from a local freighting company. Pre-registration is required, and donations of garden produce from community members help round out the hampers.
The Centre also distributes emergency food supplies and personal hygiene products, provides emergency shelter transportation, and operates community garden plots for families to grow their own vegetables.
Its New to You Thrift Store, stocked with donated clothing and household items, helps offset rent and hydro costs—another example of “community helping community,” Schroedter said.
Cash donations have gone toward child car seats for emergency shelter transports, youth programming, and purchasing milk for adults in food hampers.
To learn more about the Centre’s programs, visit lwrc.site or follow “lfrc Ashern” on Facebook.
“The Resource Centre wouldn’t be here without the dedication of our board, volunteers, and the generosity of the community,” she said.
“We invite everyone to join us on July 29 to acknowledge 40 years of providing support to the community.”
