By rdnewsNOW staff

Opened Dec. 1, 2023

CASASC opens doors on new facility

Dec 13, 2023 | 11:46 AM

The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) has opened the doors of its new space within the Sheldon Kennedy Centre of Excellence (SKCE), marking a significant milestone for the organization and the community it serves.

Officials say the state-of-the-art space, situated on the Red Deer Polytechnic Campus, integrates CASASC’s services that were previously spread across two locations. Key features of the new location include dedicated spaces such as a sensory room and play-therapy room, providing an enhanced environment for therapy, and support services.

“The support and understanding of the clients, staff, and volunteers have been tremendous, and we want to thank them for being patient with us during our relocation and as we settle in. We are here, and we are open and ready to help.” said Patricia Arango, executive director of CASASC.

Officials note, ground broke on the unique and innovative facility June 21, 2022. The SKCE is said to be strategically designed to bring together organizations addressing mental health, addiction, and child maltreatment and will be home to CASASC, the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre, the Lindsey More Youth Mental Health and Addiction Hub, Move Your Mood (MYM), and the StepUp, Step Down youth live-in addiction and mental health program.

Officials say the SKCE follows an evidence-based model that aims to reduce the long-term impacts of abuse on children, youth, and families while cutting back on systemic costs. This groundbreaking approach, officials point out, is expected to have a positive impact on up to 15 different Red Deer Polytechnic curriculums, with unlimited potential for in-house training across various disciplines.

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Central Albertans are invited to stop by for a tour of the new facility as part of their Holidays of Respect campaign. CASASC says it will be collecting monetary donations for programs and comfort items for clients. Donations can be made online at casasc.ca/donate or in person at #220 70 College Circle in Red Deer until December 22.

For more information on CASASC programs and services contact 403-340-1124.

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