In an effort to help local women who suffer from the disease of addiction, the Sunshine Coast Avalon Society has recently established itself and opened its doors to those seeking assistance.
Originally founded in Vancouver in 1990, the not-for-profit society operates a drop-in centre that hosts weekly meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) for women only.
The facility is unique in that it offers the only non-residential, peer-support services available.
Located in Sechelt, the space is warm and welcoming and includes a recovery library and sharing closet where women in need of clothing can access items.
Mary Beth Knechtel, chair of Avalon's board of directors, said the Sunshine Coast centre was in the works for three years before getting off the ground on June 1.
Knechtel said the needs of women in recovery can differ from those of men, and that is the reason why Avalon offers meetings for women only.
"When women are suffering from alcoholism or drug addiction, there tends to be other issues that go along with it, like abuse or violence," she said. "Really, what the centre provides is a meeting place for women who sometimes find it easier to be away from the influence of men. In this kind of sheltered place, women do feel more at ease and feel safe and more comfortable."
In addition to AA, Avalon also offers meetings for those seeking help with anorexia and bulimia as well as co-dependency issues. All Avalon services are free and the peer-support aspect plays a large role at the centre.
"Recovery is difficult to do on your own, so a supportive environment is, I think, helpful to women," Knechtel said.
A grass-roots organization, the society operates on a limited budget and does not receive government funding. Funds are raised through donations from various sources.
The society plans to launch "One Day at a Time," a fundraising campaign that will ask supporters to donate a cash amount equivalent to the cost of operating the centre for one day.
The centre is holding a celebratory open house on Friday, Sept. 30, from 3 to 6 p.m. where everyone, including men, is welcome to drop by and see what the centre is about.
For more information on the open house as well as Avalon's services, see www.avaloncentres.org or www.sunshinecoastavalon.ca.
