SOUTHEAST SASK. –The Envision Counselling and Support Centre is marking years as a non-profit service organization in the southeast.
Alongside their anniversary celebration, Envision will be recognizing and honouring Victims and Survivors of Crime Week from May 12-18.
They are welcoming the public to join them in celebrating this milestone. They also welcome the public to join them in honouring those who have been impacted by violence, and those who provide support to the victims and survivors of crime, including social workers, fire departments, police, emergency staff and more.
"We want a large focus of our 30th anniversary to include nurturing network connections as well as an awareness component including knowledge of supports but also knowledge of the issues that individuals are facing within our province," said Envision executive director Lynda Rideout.
"We want to ensure that our communities are aware of what support services are readily available to them so that we are meeting the needs of as many southeast Saskatchewan residents as possible, all while continuing to strengthen our relationships with individuals and partners who reside in the communities that we serve. This is important to us."
Envision Counselling and Support Centre provides therapeutic counselling and support services to individuals, couples, families, caregivers and children all across southeast Saskatchewan. The Interpersonal Violence and Abuse program, Family Intervention program, Children Exposed to Violence program and many more important programs and services are crucial to the communities in which they serve.
Most of Envision's programs are free of charge. They can provide these services at little to no cost largely on behalf of government funding, sponsorships and donations.
"Envision came to me at a time in my life when I felt insecure and doubtful of my own judgement," stated an anonymous client. "The counsellors at Envision have helped me through grief and understanding of boundaries and family dynamics. They have given me tools to validate my feelings and make me feel seen. Safety and discretion are of utmost importance, and I feel safe and secure to share and rely on them to help me move forward. Thank you and thank you for all you do in our community."
As part of the 30th anniversary celebrations, Envision Counselling will be hosting grand reopening open houses within three of their office locations during the month of May.
"This is a great opportunity for folks in the community to come to view our spaces, connect with us and share in some brief discussion about our counselling programs while enjoying some food and beverages," said Rideout.
The Carlyle event will feature a free community barbecue, running from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on May 17. Envision will be serving hot dogs and burgers for the duration. Pre-orders and donations are welcome.
"We thought it would also be a good opportunity for community partners and local businesses to view the renovations that have occurred within all three locations, as well as view our vision boards for our future wishes and dreams to make our offices more inclusive and welcoming spaces, that also function better for our staff as well as the individuals whom we serve."
Weyburn and Estevan will also feature open houses. Envision counsellors and support staff will be providing tours of the facilities and speaking to their programs. Estevan's open house will be held on May 24 and Weyburn's will be May 31. There will be refreshments and dainties provided from 10 a.m.-noon.
Everyone from the public is encouraged and welcome to attend. More details can be found on Envision Counselling's website at www.envisioncounsellingcentre.com and social media platforms closer to the date.
The first 30 people at each location will receive a personalized Envision swag bag in honour of the celebrations.
"We are so excited and fortunate to be celebrating 30 years as a non-profit agency, and to have been graciously accepted as a pillar of strength, support and empowerment throughout the southeastern corner of the province," Rideout said. "This is a large milestone for our agency, and we would be grateful to have the community share in this celebration with us.
"So, come down to our offices, take a tour and get to know our staff. We want the community to feel welcome and invited into our spaces."
