Celebrating their first trip around the sun for Dorie's House

The first anniversary of Dorie's House was a smashing success.

Clear skies and sunshine combined with the wonderful fall colours in the brand new backyard at Dorie's House. In their new space, they welcomed folks out for a hot dog lunch and celebration as they completed their first year in Swift Current.

Dorie's House welcomed officials and representatives from all over Swift Current, fed them each a hot dog and a drink, and invited them to mingle in the green space out back. There was live music being played, and cold refreshments to combat the out-of-season heat.

Welcoming everyone to the event was Rebecca Donnelly, Executive Director for Dorie's House. She was excited for everyone to be coming out to celebrate with them, as it was a momentous effort to not only find their way through the year but to have been open at this time last year.

Rebecca Donnelly, Executive Director for Dorie's House.

"We worked really hard last summer in order to open in September," said Donnelly. "A big part of Dorie's House is that we're aware that we were built by our community and we want to share in this celebration with them. To say thank you and also just to open our doors for people to come and see what we do, ask questions toward the facility."

Throughout this year, Dorie's House has proven instrumental in its role as a pillar of support. For the community in not only Swift Current, but in the surrounding communities, the people at Dorie's House have proven to everyone who has supported them that it was well worth the effort.

As the Southwest Youth Emergency Shelter, Dorie's House serves as a safe place for young people in the community who need a place to talk. They also offer beds for anyone who needs a safe place to stay in the event of a crisis or ongoing emergency.

Getting this facility built was certainly a challenge for them, but with a community like Swift Current backing their efforts, it was achieved with plenty of funding from local citizens and organizations.  

After the facility was built, the provincial government managed to find room in the Saskatchewan Health Authority's budget, with the SHA then offering them funding for operations. This came after years of the province claiming that their simply wasn't room in the budget. At one point, Dorie's House closed in 2017, and still did not receive the funding they needed to help support their clients from the provincial government. 

But it's been a year now since the SHA has agreed to fund the operations and work of Dorie's House, helping to facilitate their important work for youth here in Swift Current. 

"We luckily got the opportunity to partner with the SHA," confirmed Donnelly. "That's where we got core funding from last year and that's why we're celebrating our one year of being open."

A big player in that support from the SHA was Everett Hindley, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction, Seniors and Rural and Remote Health. It was his support that lent such a strong voice to their cause.

Minister of Mental Health and Addiction, Seniors and Rural and Remote Health.

"A great opportunity here to recognize that a year in operation here for Dorie's House," said Hindley. "The work that it does for Swift Current and southwest Saskatchewan in terms of treatment, services and support for youth, not just here in our area but across this province as well."

Hindley wasn't the only delegate to be found at the party, with Swift Current Mayor Al Bridal, and City Councillor Ryan Switzer also being in attendance.

Towards the end of the event, folks from Speedy Creek Home & Yard Maintenance stepped into the crowd, with a special purpose. They had brought in a donation of $10,000 for Dorie's House.

The donation is a gesture of support from the company and everyone who works there. They recently helped with the rebuild of the backyard at Dorie's House, installing the fence and the lawn that will serve as an open space for everyone using the facilities.

Accepting the donation for Dorie's House was Donnelly. She thanked them for their support and extended her thanks for their amazing professional work on the yard.

"Thank you to the amazing board, previous board members, and community members who helped make this all happen," said Donnelly. "To my amazing team, my house manager, everyone who's been working so hard, thank you. I really believe that Dorie's House is an integral part of the community. I think it's important for youth to be supported and I just want people to know that we're here and that we're grateful for all the support and that will continue to do whatever we need to do to empower youth."