The Hope Resource Centre (HRC), which supports women and families in the Westlock region through incidents of family violence, will be celebrating its 10-year anniversary in September.
HRC executive director Sylvia Yoder said it all began when more than 80 area women joined forces in order to create an organization which offered support to the community.
"Our official incorporation date is January 2009, but the inception of the concept and the birth began in the fall of 2008," she said.
At that time, there was no existing support group, but the community came together to set up the organization.
Yoder said the charity was supported by former member of parliament Brian Storseth and then-MLA3333 Ken Kowalski.
"They took a very, very active interest in our success. They lobbied for this need that represented what rural areas in Alberta deserved," Yoder said. "They really helped get this organization on its feet."
The HRC is the only organization of its kind in the region and is critical for the community, said Yoder.
"It would be nice to not be needed, but we are. Sometimes Barrhead and Athabasca will have a person who can provide so many hours, but we are the only brick and mortar. The only constant," she said.
Despite the consistency in clients, HRC hasn't always found it easy to get by. They receive annual funding from Westlock County and hold one annual fundraiser. This year, HRC fundraised close to $13,000.
"We've managed to survive for 10 years, and there have been moments when we thought we were done. We're still alive," Yoder said.
HRC is run by volunteers and contracts employees for any extra service that is required. In the past, they also put in a water system in the community garden, which provides a sustainable source of food for the community, Yoder said.
Whether the HRC will continue to exist in another 10 years is yet to be seen, said Yoder.
"I have no idea. I’ll be grateful if I’m here for another year. I’m hoping for another 10 years," Yoder said.
"But I just don't know."
