The Steinbach Family Resource Centre celebrated 25 years of service Thursday evening with a community BBQ, marking a significant milestone for both the centre and one of its founding members.
Founding member recognized for decades of service
Carmel Wiebe, who was instrumental in starting the organization in 1999, was honoured for her many years of dedication. While stepping down as a regular board member, Wiebe will now serve as a Legacy Board member, a new role that allows her to stay connected while easing her responsibilities.
Reflecting on the recognition, Wiebe shifted the attention to others involved. “I don't need any honor. It's all the people that come, all of the clients that have showed up here, all of the people that have worked on the boards, on the staff, all the volunteers, they're the people that make it and they're the ones we should be honoring,” she said.
Centre’s name honours Steinbach’s first female doctor
The centre was originally known as Anna’s House, named after Dr. Anna Schilstra, Steinbach's first female doctor in the early 1900s who specialized in women’s health. In 2013, the name was changed to Steinbach Family Resource Centre to better reflect the type of services offered to families in the community.
Wiebe says looking back at the organization’s growth has been a rewarding experience. “A month ago, I started going through minutes from 1998, 1999, 2000 and all those kinds of things and started realizing, ‘Oh wow, we did that.’ It brought back so many memories and so many good things that happened that I had totally forgotten about. Little by little, we grew and grew and grew, and this is where we are now.”
Community support continues to grow
Wiebe also noted the importance of community support over the years, as the centre moved from relying mostly on federal funding to receiving significant local donations.
“Our community grants and community donations have just increased dramatically and I can't say thank you enough to all the people who donate and continually donate and remember us in their giving,” she said.
New role allows Wiebe to stay connected
When asked about her new role as Legacy Board member, Wiebe admitted it will be an adjustment. “I can attend board meetings if I want to, but I don't have to. I can be as involved as I want, so that's kind of cool. I'm going to have to navigate that and figure out how the next year plays out.”
While stepping back from regular board duties, Wiebe says she has no intention of disappearing. “I'll still be around. I'll still try to participate, volunteer where I can and keep my fingers in just a little bit. Just so that I can keep bragging about this place.”
The Steinbach Family Resource Centre continues to serve as a vital support for families in Steinbach and surrounding communities.
-With files from Andrea Turner.