Submitted
On June 26 2019, the Revelstoke we held our Annual General Meeting, which gave us a chance to look at the growth that has occurred over this past year. 2018-19 was one of our busiest years since incorporation in 1989. Our bed nights (occupied beds) doubled from last year’s 760 bed nights to 1734, and the transition house provided shelter for over 77 women in crisis. As we raise awareness about our services, increased use means women in need are reaching out and engaging more, rather than suffering in silence.
Pet pilot
This year we trialed allowing pets in the shelter in an effort to acknowledge the importance they hold in people’s lives and their healing. Not allowing pets has previously been an obstacle for women wanting to stay at the shelter.
Shelter upgrades
The staff continually work hard to make the Forsythe House a safe, welcoming and healing space for women and children. The garden is lush and abundant and its newest addition is a meditation area and fountain, created in part by one of our in-house clients. Inside the house, our basement was renovated to allow a family space with its own kitchen and full bathroom. B.C. Housing also kept up on maintenance, replacing the roof.
Temporary cold weather shelter
The Revelstoke Women’s Shelter, BC Housing, and the City of Revelstoke are currently working on a temporary cold weather shelter, set to open its doors in November, with consultations are currently under way. The basement of the United Church will provide 10 beds for those in need on cold winter nights.
Fundraising grows programming
Not only was this one of our busiest years, it was also our most successful for fundraising. In total, we raised over $20,000 through our fundraising efforts, which helped cover the costs of three additional shelter beds. Our first Annual Halloween Fundraiser party raised over $4000. (Details for this year’s event, which will take place on October 26, coming soon!)
We are grateful to the Revelstoke community for their ongoing support throughout the years. This year we received donations from Edward Jones, La Nina Sled Camp, the Revelstoke Freemasons, and Royal LePage. We also thank longstanding financial contributors B.C. Power Pioneers, Speers Construction, and Selkirk Mountain Helicopters, as well as our core funders Columbia Basin Trust, Revelstoke Credit Union, City of Revelstoke and Revelstoke Community Foundation, who fund our ever-growing outreach programs and community involvement.
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