Women’s Resource Society to hold an open house and offer free services in December

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — In early December, the Fort St. John Women’s Resource Society will hold an open house, free HIV tests, and educational workshops for residents. 

According to a November 27th press release from the society, the open house will be held on Friday, December 6th, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

Executive Director Amanda Trotter says the open house allows people to meet with donors, partners, and community members personally.

“It’s an opportunity to share who we are, what we do, and how we’re evolving to meet the needs of our community. Most importantly, we’ll highlight how you can make a lasting difference in the lives of children who need our help most,” said Trotter.

According to Estefania Albornoz, the society’s Manager of Fundraising and Community Engagement, the event will also introduce new programs offered by the society. 

“We have a partner with a partnership with Northern Health. We currently have three members who are paid by them, but they work from here to provide services to our clients,” says Albornoz.

Albornoz also mentions that the open house provides the opportunity to fund its online therapy sessions, which help people who have difficulty finding it. 

“Here in the North, it’s hard to find a therapist, and it’s also very expensive,” said Albornoz.

“The idea of the open house is to share that we have these programs, but also to open the opportunity to people to give as donations to keep funding these programs.”

A new fundraiser, the “Bricks of Hope” initiative, will be introduced at the open house to raise funds for children in second-stage housing who are recovering from trauma.

Open house attendees can purchase a “brick” for $500 or more. 

The commemorative framed brick will be personalized with their family name or business logo, symbolizing their support for building a brighter future for our community. 

“These bricks represent more than just a donation; they symbolize hope, resilience, and the tangible impact of helping children in second-stage housing who are recovering from trauma,” says the press release. 

The Society hopes to raise $25,000 in December.

Funds will go directly to support children affected by violence and trauma and provide them with the healing and support they need to rebuild their lives.

The society will also hold two free educational sessions on Tuesday, December 10th, 2024. The first will be at 1 p.m., and the other at 5 p.m. 

Free HIV testing will be offered the same day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

The clinic is located at 9912 96th Avenue in Fort St. John.