Lynn Mace is retiring after working for 25 years at the Fernie Women's Resource Centre (FWRC). Her surprise retirement party was disguised as an open house on Friday, Jan. 31.
Mace started working at the FWRC in 1988 and was on the society board three years before that. Although her title is coordinator, her role included duties of an executive director and taking care of the books.
The FWRC has roughly 20 employees, as does the Family Society which runs out of the same building.
Reflecting on her time at the FWRC there have been several highlights for Mace.
“Getting the contract to build the second stage housing and all the different programs like Bellies to Babies and Parents-tots Fun Times,” said Mace. “We manage a preschool in Jaffray. There is the Stopping the Violence outreach program in all three Elk Valley communities. The conversion of the garage into the Club House was a large project and is also used for one on one sessions by staff with their clients.”
“I'm going to miss spending time with the people I work with, the board members and co-workers.”
The Family Society (FS) has been operating out of FWRC since 2001. FS runs protection contracts, community living, sexual intervention programs and the mental health club house.
Lauren Fox will become the new executive director of the FWRC and a long time board member will be taking over the bookwork. Fox has been working at the FWRC for the last five years.
For more information on the resources available visit www.ferniewomenscentre.com or call toll free 1-800-339-7393.