By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

CULTIVATING A COMMUNITY BUILT ON RESPECT

Red Deer’s sexual assault support agency to relaunch as ‘Sendero Centre’

Oct 25, 2024 | 4:13 PM

A pillar of the Red Deer community — the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) — is forging a new road.

The organization announced today that effective Nov. 1, it is changing its name to the Sendero Centre.

‘Sendero’ is Spanish for ‘path’ or ‘trail,’ and along with a new logo featuring a winding pathway, the new brand encapsulates the diverse healing journeys of individuals.

The logo’s path is surrounded by orange and teal, evoking thoughts and feelings of optimism, renewal and empowerment, officials say.

“At Sendero Centre, clients navigate their own figurative pathways, moving through various stages from intake to counselling and support,” says Executive Director Patricia Arango, who was just named Business Leader of the Year.

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“We want the Sendero Centre to continue to be a place where clients feel welcome and feel empowered to choose the path that is right for them.”

The original support centre was opened in 1982 with a $35,000 government grant, and sparse equipment.

Over 40 years, the agency has grown and added crucial programming such as a 24-hour support line (call and text), youth and adult counselling services, police and court support, and other educational opportunities.

The Sendero Centre also prides itself on providing people with services at no-cost, and barrier-free.

Last year, the centre successfully supported and educated 22,921 people through 2,215 support line calls and messages. It provided 2,554 counselling sessions, support to 196 police and court clients, and did 816 education presentations.

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READ MORE: CASASC opens doors on new facility

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It’s long-term vision, they say in a release, is to continue cultivating a community built on respect, understanding, and support for those affected by sexual violence and abuse.

“We need the support of the community to do that,” says Christi Albers-Manicke. “Individuals or businesses can help by volunteering or donating, especially with the Christmas season and New Year just around the corner.”

For more information on the centre’s new look, or the programs and services available, visit the new SenderoCentre.ca and watch social media @SenderoCentreRD.