A southwest Saskatchewan organization is looking to bounce back from a slow 2016.

Southwest Crisis Services, which has been in the community for 33 years, experienced a 50% decrease in fundraising the past year, when compared to previous years.

Heather Lennox, Executive Director of the organization, explains they understand some important fundraising situations arose in the community last year. Despite the drop from the usual fundraising total, Lennox and Southwest Crisis Services remain grateful for the support from the region.

"We are always in awe of the generosity of individuals and companies in southwest Saskatchewan and totally appreciate every dollar and item that is given to us." she said.

The Executive Director also shares that due to Southwest Crisis Services being a not-for-profit group, a spike in fundraising will be important in 2017.

"We in no capacity want to decrease our quality or quantity of service. We want to be able to continue to grow and to meet the ongoing needs that we see in this region," she said.

Lennox also gives more clarity into what the organization aims to do through their offered programs, as per their mission statement.

"Southwest Crisis Services is a regional organization and we take action to prevent and alleviate violence and abuse by empowering people to be confident, knowledgeable about healthy relationships, and we hope that with that, individuals have the capacity to thrive," she said.

The Executive Director emphasizes that all services are free, and the funds that are raised for Southwest Crisis Services are to be able to offer the services they do.

For those wishing to donate or are wanting more information on the organization, Heather Lennox can be contacted at (306) 778-3386, extension 401, or Laura Beddome, Community Relations Coordinator, at extension 404.

The Southwest Crisis Services website is another option for those wanting more information, with a list of the services they offer, as well as the contact information for those services.