The Hope Resource Centre has found a new general manager to keep the wheels of the non-profit organization rolling.
Sylvia Yodder was hired at the Hope Resource Centre (HRC) and began preparing programming as both an administrator and social worker on July 8.
“My position entails administrative work as well as client care,” said Yodder. “I am looking forward to building relationships with clients, community members and utilizing a wide variety of community support systems.”
Yodder noted her formal education and work experience as a social worker would be beneficial to the community.
However, she was open minded about taking the road less travelled and learning from the people around here. Many problems that locals face were sobering to Yodder.
“It’s a global problem,” said Yodder, noting Alberta has the second highest rate of self-reported spousal violence in the country, 7.6 per cent, exceeding the national average of 6.2 per cent.
“Sometimes it’s the people you meet in life that teach you the most effective lessons in life.”
Provincial police reports indicate roughly 13,010 victims of family violence and the statistics for the Aboriginal population are much worse — spousal abuse for Aboriginal women is almost three times more likely. It’s a fact known to Yodder.
She has been working a maternity leave position as a First Nation, Metis and Inuit liaison at Pembina Hills school division for the last year.
“I did a lot of cross-cultural training and the experience I gained was invaluable,” she said. “The hope we gave some of those people was invaluable and the hope we can give some of these people is invaluable.”
She wants to provide women with opportunities to learn new skills that enhance their mental and emotional well-being by exposing them to a wide variety of resources.
“It’s almost karma,” she said. “I think everything in my life has led me up to this position.”
For more information about the HRC, drop by 9936-107 Street in Westlock or call 780-349-6111. Check www.facebook.com/pages/Hope-Resource-Centre to check for online updates, or e-mail Yodder at [email protected].
