Legal Lions Support Jessies House
by Grant Cree,
Morinville Free Press (July 23, 2019)
Jessica Martel Memorial Foundation Executive Director Janice Isberg (centre) accepts a $7,050 cheque donated by the Lions Club of Legal during a presentation on July 16 in Morinville Photo credit: Grant Cree, Photojournalist. www.grantcree.ca.
Several delegates from the Lions Club of Legal donated $7,050 to the Jessica Martel Memorial Foundation (JMMF) in Morinville on July 16. The evening presentation took place at Jessie’s House, a safe home for those fleeing domestic violence and in need of shelter from their abuser. “Our main goal as the Lions Club of Legal is to contribute to local charities and groups,” said Heather Harling. “We’re extremely thrilled and proud to contribute to the Jessica Martel Memorial Foundation. We all know somebody, or has somebody close to us, that has unfortunately been in a position where they could have really used some help.”
JMMF Executive Director Janice Isberg accepted the cheque before hosting the Lions members on a tour of the 9,000 sq. ft. safe house. “I shouldn’t be amazed but I always am when a community comes together,” said Isberg. “The Legal Lions Club really shows how committed the community and the region is to providing support for victims of domestic violence. I’m overwhelmed by their generosity.”
Jessie’s House is named after Morinville resident Jessica Martel, who at the age of 26, was murdered by her common-law husband on April 29, 2009. Jessie had no safe place to go to protect herself and her three young children from her abusive partner. The creation of Jessie’s House, ten years in the making, is the response from her family and the community.
As Isberg conducted the tour for Lions Club members, she explained Jessie’s House is unique in its design, and will serve up to 35 individuals with their children. The house will include three family suites and one self-contained suite; it’s scheduled to open in the spring of 2020.
The JMMF was established on Jan. 15, 2012. Jessie’s House will be one of three shelters in Alberta that will serve individuals who need support. It’s the first such facility to serve Sturgeon County, Alexander First Nation, Edmonton Garrison and the City of St. Albert.
