By Justine Kelsie

New sober community centre opens in Grande Prairie

Aug 8, 2018 | 3:28 PM

A new centre has opened in Grande Prairie and the membership fee is sobriety. 

In partnership with Canada in Progress, Hearth Social Profit Company has launched a sober community centre called The Shop. 

“Because it is that kind of environment, it is a safe environment where people don’t have to worry about being surrounded by alcohol or drugs,” Debra Janveau, centre co-founder.

“People have told me specifically that they feel really safe here. they say ‘I feel good when I come to (the Shop)’.”

Janveau and two other women came up with the idea and used money out of their pockets to get it off the ground.

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“None of us are going to get rich. We came into this field knowing it. We really want to see it become self-sufficient,” said Janveau. 

With all money from rentals going back into the facility, people can participate in music, crafts, French classes, and 12-Step meetings. They are also working on getting sober dances and open stages at the venue. 

The facility is located on 97 Avenue down the street from Long and McQuade. On Saturday, August 11, the owners will be hosting a BBQ to show the community what they are all about. It will run from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

w/ files from Sheena Roszell