With a safe place to stay, local mother, Sally, was able to focus on completing a recovery program, all with the aim of having her children returned to her care.

“With the support of staff, she navigated the child welfare system, became trained in a trade, acquired permanent employment and secured affordable housing,” explains Kim Lenton, residence supervisor at The Bridge, a nonprofit supportive recovery housing program. “She’s an excellent example of the incredible potential of all those we are honoured to serve at The Bridge.”Now, thanks to an innovative funding opportunity created by the Community Foundation, women like Sally can get the extra help they need.

“Rather than simply providing a grant, we purchased a home in a residential neighbourhood in Penticton, which is then leased back to this charity to use,” says Aaron McRann, Executive Director at the Foundation, explaining that this type of impact investing was first used to purchase a building for the successful Youth Resource Centre in Penticton.

Rosie, whose long-time partner died of an overdose, has also recently stayed at The Bridge to focus her attention on recovery. Before long, she found full-time employment and an apartment. Even more gratifying, Rosie found the confidence and passion to give back to the community, now acting as a peer mentor within the healthcare system. “She is a shining example of our work towards resilient communities where everyone thrives,” says Lenton.