Jessie’s House to Open May 19th!
Long awaited Morinville shelter to begin serving residents
The Jessica Martel Memorial Foundation (JMMF) is exceptionally proud to announce the opening of Jessie’s House to community on May, 19, 2020 at 8:00 am. The long-awaited emergency shelter was built in memory of Jessica Martel, a young Morinville mom who was killed in an act of domestic violence.
“More than just a bed, we’ll provide a broad range of services including outreach, case management, court support and, specialized supports for children. As a trauma-informed facility we aim to meet our residents where they are, reducing as many barriers to service as possible. Serving individuals and families from the Sturgeon Region and St Albert will be our priority, however residents outside the region will be supported as our capacity permits.”
Kayla Das, JMMF Executive Director
The 9200 square foot, 35-bed facility is the first shelter to be constructed in Alberta in 22 years and is unique among other shelters in Canada because it provides trauma-informed services to individuals, of any age or gender, and families who are fleeing abuse.
Clients or service providers seeking support may call Jessie’s House Crisis Line 24 hours a day 7 days a week at 1-866-939-2850.
The Jessica Martel Memorial Foundation, a charity established in 2012, has been a grassroots initiative, co-founded by Jessica’s mother, Lynne Rosychuk. The JMMF set out to provide family violence supports for a historically underserviced region. Funded nearly exclusively by private donations and the successful fundraising efforts of volunteers, Jessie’s House has been a labour of love.
“Jessica had been turned away from other shelters that were full more than once, and finding supports close to home proved impossible. She and I had a dream to build a home to support others like her. Jessica lost her life her life to domestic violence, but we’ve made it our mission to ensure her spirit and our dream live on. And, I know she’s been here every step of the way.”
Lynne Rosychuk, Founder, Board President, and Jessica’s mother.
Individuals, businesses or agencies who wish to donate to or support the Jessica Martel Memorial Foundation should call 780-939-5289.
