Organization that helps survivors of sexualized violence opening physical location in area
Survivor’s Hope Crisis Centre is a sexual assault and violence resource centre that provides some pretty important programs in the Interlake Eastern Region of Manitoba. They currently work out of Pinawa but have supported Selkirk and area for many years with great events, education, and support resources. Soon, their staff and residents of our region will be able to connect a little more easily as they are opening an office in Selkirk this summer called SARAH’s House.
Construction has started at the new Survivor’s Hope location opening in Selkirk
“This new location in Selkirk is really a central hub for the Interlake-Eastern region, for our services at Survivor’s Hope that already exist in other communities. It’s a continuation and a central, accessible spot for those same services that include our SARAH Counselling Program, our SARAH Wellness Circle, SARAH Crisis Services and other training workshops and outreach opportunities, as well as more opportunities for drop-in and more community-focused events as well,” said Coral Kendel, Co-Executive Director of Survivor’s Hope Crisis Centre.
It’s important to have resources like these in our communities, and by having a central hub like this in Selkirk, our entire region will benefit.
“One reason it’s vital is because there’s a need for (a physical space) that doesn’t yet exist, and especially in rural communities, where resources are so limited, to have a central spot where survivors know they can go and get compassionate trauma informed care is so valuable to reduce barriers to accessing those services. It’s also incredibly important because of the message it sends that as a community, we’re not tolerating violence, and that we are standing up to support survivors in a central location, and our community is supporting this work,” said Kendel.
Getting the space was the first part of their plan, but taking the space from blank walls to cozy and comfortable enough that people who need their services feel welcome is Survivor’s Hope’s next task. For that, they are livening up the place and are hoping the community will support their 50/50 fundraiser, the proceeds of which will help them buy items to make the new location home.
“For the 50-50, all of the 50 per cent of the proceeds go directly towards SARAH’s House and supporting it being open for folks and all of the pieces that go into supporting its operation, the other 50 per cent, of course, goes to one lucky winner. Tickets are available on the Funding Change platform (fundingchange.ca/hope), and it runs until June 30, which is the draw date,” said Kendel.
The grand opening of the new location will take place on July 22 at 360 Eveline St. in Selkirk.
Kendel hopes that people take advantage of their services, and if they want or need to, stop by SARAH’s House when it opens.
“We know the prevalence of sexualized violence isn’t accurately represented in the official statistics that we see, and that this is an issue that impacts everyone who is either personally affected by it, or knows someone who is. Our doors are open to support anyone who feels impacted by this or feels drawn to contribute to this cause as well. And, of course, we do our prevention programs for youth and really want to support youth to see a better future and less violence and harm experienced. We’re looking for opportunities to have more youth programming out of this new center as well,” said Kendel.
If you’d like to learn more about Survivor’s Hope Crisis Centre, make a donation, or learn what services they provide for those affected by sexual assault and violence, visit survivors-hope.ca.
