Cheer Fund: SOFIA House now taking care of women to the next stage.

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Christa Baron, executive director of SOFIA House, smiles as she sits in the spacious, empty suite that is waiting to be filled by the next person hoping to further distance herself from a past filled with abuse.

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People outside passing by this two-bedroom Regina apartment — one of 20 “third stage” units in the 39-unit SOFIA House located in a comfortable suburban neighbourhood — have no idea who is residing here.

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There is no reason they should, given that the building not only accommodates SOFIA House clientele but also higher-end private renters.

The thought that women coming here might have more normality and be able to intermingle with others is one that makes Baron happy.

“I can imagine the kids art that will hang on the wall and the other personal touches,” Baron said, picturing what the home might look like for the next guest who could spend as much as two years there while attempting to get their life back together.

Instead of a communal kitchen, like in other shelter facilities, these apartments have fully equipped kitchens. Some, like this particular apartment, have their own washers and dryers. And the family pet is also welcome in SOFIA House’s new apartments that — while hardly luxurious — certainly offer a comfy, homey feel.

Different than Regina Transition House, WISH Safe House and the YWCA’s Isabel Johnson Shelter (all sponsored by the Regina Leader-Post Christmas Cheer Fund), SOFIA House is less about dealing with women in immediate transition.

Baron, who took over SOFIA from former executive director Tmira Marchment earlier this year, is especially happy the organization can offer more while providing clientele with the dignity, respect and compassion they so deserve.

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That seems basic enough, but many outside the women’s shelters picture sometimes struggle with what that means.

“Sometimes we have a particular picture as to what that looks like,” said Baron, explaining that recovery is more than a short-term stay, food, shelter and a few toys for kids at Christmas.

SOFIA House — through its partnering with female-led real estate developer Avana — is now able to better help women in their stages. Whether that means helping develop better life skills, assisting with a job search or dealing with PTSD, it is SOFIA House’s role to help meet all of those next-stage challenges.

“We help to meet whatever those needs are,” Baron said as a tour of the facility moves to a room for children ranging from infancy to 18 years.

“What we know about trauma and individual recovery is that it doesn’t happen in short-term cycles. You can’t always put an end date on it.”

The Regina Leader-Post wishes to thank the following who have generously donated to help with these sometimes long journeys.

Joyce Schuett $100

Jerome Renneberg (in memory of Lucille) $200

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Judi and John Ironside (in memory of John) $100

SaskPower Superannuate Christmas Fund $894

Endsin family $300

George Peters (in memory of Graham Tuer) $125

Dave and Joy Smith $200

Pat and Joanne Connolley $200

Jim Toth $100

Arthur Petrovitch (in memory of Art and Marg Petrovitch) $200

Beverly Langton $100

Griffin, Thomas and Helen Household (to help the children and pets that need care) $50

Keith Schneider (in memory of Ron Hilton) $100

Anonymous (in honour of Angie Wangler) $50

Morley Wagner $200

Alvin and Angela Murray $100

Lynda Wolfe $25

Diane Secoy Smith $750

Lynette Sackvie (in honour of Anita Toews) $50

K. Buitenhuis $150

Sam and Erika Berg $200

Wayne McElree (in memory of Wendy Davis) $100

Ralph and Pamela Goodale $500

Roger and Erica Dumont $125

Kenneth Smith $200

Elayne Bennett Fox $150

Rita and Mark Geiger $200

Bernie and Delia Matsalla $200

Nannette and Steve Choboter $200

Brian Burrows (in memory of Beverley Burrows) $150

Bruce and Charlene Welsh $150

Esther Sandercock $200

Jim and Judy Rogers $100

David Powell (in memory of Barbara) $120

Gaylene Diekrager $100

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Ken and Barb Galger $100

From Alice and Jack $250

Olive Stadnick $100

Marga Cugnet $200

Tony and Patti Kuffner $200

Marlene Y. Hall $100

Sheri A. Hupp and Geoff G. Brown $200

Noreen Leitner $100

Garry Deters $75

Rosalind and Jullian Olenick $100

Lorne Scott $50

Mervyn and Gloria Lang Household (in loving memory of our parents) $100

Rayna Gellner (in memory of Brad) $100

Christine Nelson $150

E & R Properties Ltd. $300

Richardson House Of Fixtures and Supplies Ltd. $300

Dr. Natalie Preikschat $50

Anonymous (in memory of Curtis Kobsar) $50

Anonymous (in memory of Dennis Zohner) $50

Anonymous $5,555

GRAND TOTAL: $47,927

Due to the ongoing Canada Post strike and its impact on mail-in donations, we kindly request that, if you are able, you consider making a donation online. It’s quick, easy, and secure.

Simply visit leaderpost.com/cheerfund and click on the DONATE HERE button. You’ll be directed to a safe and secure payment platform managed by the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation, where you can enter donation details and payment method. Your generous contribution will be processed right away, ensuring it reaches us without delay.

Alternatively, cheques can be dropped off at the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation (1911 Broad Street) during office hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). The front doors of the building are locked, so please call 306-751-4756 upon arrival, and someone will meet you at the door.

We truly appreciate your continued support and thank you for helping us make a difference!

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