**A Critical Need for Financial Support**
The **Growing Demand for Services**
In 2024, a staggering 26,204 individuals, including both children and adults, accessed Sendero programming such as crisis intervention, therapy, counselling, community and school education, and police and court support. This represents a significant increase in demand for the centre’s services.

• More than 43% of clients receiving counselling were children and youth.
• Sendero Centre has the shortest wait time to access services at just three to four weeks.

Sendero says disruption to its services would have severe repercussions for Red Deer and surrounding areas, including:
– Loss of vital support services
– Increased barriers to healing
– Strain on other organizations
– Less informed community

The Ripple Effects of Trauma

Trauma survivors may face long-term challenges, such as:
– Mental health struggles
– Difficulty in relationships
– Reduced productivity
– Increased risk of re-victimization
– Potential to become perpetrators
The centre emphasizes that its services are essential to prevent these challenges from arising.

A Critical Need for Financial Support

Sendero’s executive director, Patricia Arango, emphasized the importance of financial support to ensure the centre’s services continue uninterrupted. “I need to make sure the service is still there. I need to make sure that we keep doing what we’re doing, with the people we have, with the money we get.”
Sendero Centre is currently facing disruption to its services, which could lead to a loss of vital support services, increased barriers to healing, and a strain on other organizations.

Why Financial Support Matters

Arango stressed that financial support is crucial to maintain the centre’s services, especially considering the short wait times. “Clients, they need us right now, not in 20 months like it’s happening in other places. I want them to get the support when they need us.”

The Benefits of Supporting Sendero Centre

Supporting Sendero Centre can have numerous benefits, including:

• Helping children and youth prevent long-term trauma-related problems.
• Enabling the centre to continue providing free services.
• Contributing to the development of a more informed community.

Ways to Support Sendero Centre

Sendero Centre is seeking financial support through various sponsorship opportunities, including:
– Sponsorship of a business support package to receive information about Sendero services for employees or customers
– Providing expertise by becoming a member of Sendero’s board of directors (currently seeking an accountant to sit as treasurer)
– Becoming a Magnets of Hope distributor on behalf of Sendero to raise money for the centre

Helping a Child

Arango emphasized the importance of helping children and youth access the centre’s services. “We see a lot of kids. Parents can come and bring the child. We don’t need a referral. We don’t need the child to go to the doctor or psychiatrist. That makes it easy for everyone to access our services.”
Sendero Centre offers healing support and advocacy for children and youth, unlike the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre, which focuses on child abuse investigation.

Free Services: A Critical Aspect

Arango stressed that Sendero Centre’s services must remain free of charge. “I need a lot of support. This is the moment to support us.”

The Future of Sendero Centre

Sendero Centre aims to continue providing life-changing services to individuals and families affected by trauma and abuse. With the community’s support, the centre can continue to thrive and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those it serves.

Join the Effort to Support Sendero Centre

The community’s financial support is essential to ensure Sendero Centre can continue to provide life-changing services to individuals and families affected by trauma and abuse. Individuals, organizations, and businesses can contribute by providing financial support, expertise, or by purchasing a business support package.

Make a Difference

Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by trauma and abuse. Join the effort to support Sendero Centre and help create a more informed and supportive community.

Get Involved

To learn more about Sendero Centre and how to get involved, visit their website or contact them directly.

A Message from Patricia Arango

“I need a lot of support. This is the moment to support us. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those we serve.”
Sendero Centre is a beacon of hope for individuals and families affected by trauma and abuse. Its services are a lifeline, providing essential support and advocacy to those who need it most. By supporting Sendero Centre, the community can help ensure that these vital services continue to be available for years to come.