“What we know about trauma and individual recovery is that it doesn’t happen in short-term cycles.” — Christa Baron, SOFIA House.
Article content
Christa Baron, executive director of SOFIA House, smiles as she sits in the spacious, empty suite that is waiting to be filled by the next person hoping to further distance herself from a past filled with abuse.
Article content
Article content
People outside passing by this two-bedroom Regina apartment — one of 20 “third stage” units in the 39-unit SOFIA House located in a comfortable suburban neighbourhood — have no idea who is residing here.
Advertisement 2
Article content
There is no reason they should, given that the building not only accommodates SOFIA House clientele but also higher-end private renters.
The thought that women coming here might have more normality and be able to intermingle with others is one that makes Baron happy.
“I can imagine the kids art that will hang on the wall and the other personal touches,” Baron said, picturing what the home might look like for the next guest who could spend as much as two years there while attempting to get their life back together.
Instead of a communal kitchen, like in other shelter facilities, these apartments have fully equipped kitchens. Some, like this particular apartment, have their own washers and dryers. And the family pet is also welcome in SOFIA House’s new apartments that — while hardly luxurious — certainly offer a comfy, homey feel.
Different than Regina Transition House, WISH Safe House and the YWCA’s Isabel Johnson Shelter (all sponsored by the Regina Leader-Post Christmas Cheer Fund), SOFIA House is less about dealing with women in immediate transition.
Baron, who took over SOFIA from former executive director Tmira Marchment earlier this year, is especially happy the organization can offer more while providing clientele with the dignity, respect and compassion they so deserve.
Headline News
Article content
Advertisement 3
Article content
That seems basic enough, but many outside the women’s shelters picture sometimes struggle with what that means.
“Sometimes we have a particular picture as to what that looks like,” said Baron, explaining that recovery is more than a short-term stay, food, shelter and a few toys for kids at Christmas.
SOFIA House — through its partnering with female-led real estate developer Avana — is now able to better help women in their stages. Whether that means helping develop better life skills, assisting with a job search or dealing with PTSD, it is SOFIA House’s role to help meet all of those next-stage challenges.
“We help to meet whatever those needs are,” Baron said as a tour of the facility moves to a room for children ranging from infancy to 18 years.
“What we know about trauma and individual recovery is that it doesn’t happen in short-term cycles. You can’t always put an end date on it.”
The Regina Leader-Post wishes to thank the following who have generously donated to help with these sometimes long journeys.
Joyce Schuett $100
Jerome Renneberg (in memory of Lucille) $200
Advertisement 4
Article content
Judi and John Ironside (in memory of John) $100
SaskPower Superannuate Christmas Fund $894
Endsin family $300
George Peters (in memory of Graham Tuer) $125
Dave and Joy Smith $200
Pat and Joanne Connolley $200
Jim Toth $100
Arthur Petrovitch (in memory of Art and Marg Petrovitch) $200
Beverly Langton $100
Griffin, Thomas and Helen Household (to help the children and pets that need care) $50
Keith Schneider (in memory of Ron Hilton) $100
Anonymous (in honour of Angie Wangler) $50
Morley Wagner $200
Alvin and Angela Murray $100
Lynda Wolfe $25
Diane Secoy Smith $750
Lynette Sackvie (in honour of Anita Toews) $50
K. Buitenhuis $150
Sam and Erika Berg $200
Wayne McElree (in memory of Wendy Davis) $100
Ralph and Pamela Goodale $500
Roger and Erica Dumont $125
Kenneth Smith $200
Elayne Bennett Fox $150
Rita and Mark Geiger $200
Bernie and Delia Matsalla $200
Nannette and Steve Choboter $200
Brian Burrows (in memory of Beverley Burrows) $150
Bruce and Charlene Welsh $150
Esther Sandercock $200
Jim and Judy Rogers $100
David Powell (in memory of Barbara) $120
Gaylene Diekrager $100
Advertisement 5
Article content
Ken and Barb Galger $100
From Alice and Jack $250
Olive Stadnick $100
Marga Cugnet $200
Tony and Patti Kuffner $200
Marlene Y. Hall $100
Sheri A. Hupp and Geoff G. Brown $200
Noreen Leitner $100
Garry Deters $75
Rosalind and Jullian Olenick $100
Lorne Scott $50
Mervyn and Gloria Lang Household (in loving memory of our parents) $100
Rayna Gellner (in memory of Brad) $100
Christine Nelson $150
E & R Properties Ltd. $300
Richardson House Of Fixtures and Supplies Ltd. $300
Dr. Natalie Preikschat $50
Anonymous (in memory of Curtis Kobsar) $50
Anonymous (in memory of Dennis Zohner) $50
Anonymous $5,555
GRAND TOTAL: $47,927
Due to the ongoing Canada Post strike and its impact on mail-in donations, we kindly request that, if you are able, you consider making a donation online. It’s quick, easy, and secure.
Simply visit leaderpost.com/cheerfund and click on the DONATE HERE button. You’ll be directed to a safe and secure payment platform managed by the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation, where you can enter donation details and payment method. Your generous contribution will be processed right away, ensuring it reaches us without delay.
Alternatively, cheques can be dropped off at the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation (1911 Broad Street) during office hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). The front doors of the building are locked, so please call 306-751-4756 upon arrival, and someone will meet you at the door.
We truly appreciate your continued support and thank you for helping us make a difference!
Recommended from Editorial
Article content
