Sally Ann expands

Photo: Contributed

A vital source for help and hope in Rutland, the Salvation Army, is now expanding to West Kelowna.

Families from around the Central Okanagan travel to the Community Life Centre on Rutland Road to meet with caseworkers, find support, help and encouragement.

Ten years after the plan to expand the work of the Salvation Army was put into action, it is finally coming to fruition.

Darryl Burry, executive director of The Salvation Army Central Okanagan, says in 2006 Major Les and Cathy Burrows looked to increase the Salvation Army’s presence across the W.R. Bennett Bridge and the first initiative was opening the original Westbank Thrift Store.

“The Salvation Army has been serving the Central Okanagan since 1919, but just as Kelowna has continued to grow during that time, the Greater Westside Communities have also significantly grown,” he said.

The opening of the Community Life Centre in West Kelowna will allow for caseworkers to better serve the residents of the Westside and support those in their time of need.

The centre opens today at 3531 Old Okanagan Highway.

Courses will begin this fall, offering on-site support programs, including Family Empowerment on Tuesdays at noon and a course to help set boundaries on Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

Sonia Withers, community outreach co-ordinator, says the centre will show residents of the greater Westside they are valued, seen and not forgotten.

“To know that the Salvation Army can come alongside of those struggling to help them with life's basic needs as well as in finding resources to empower them to grow in their lives. This is why we need to do this,” said Withers.