Photo from sanarecentre.ca

By Teagan Rasche

SARC is now Sanare Centre

Non-profit’s name change reflects new Child Advocacy Centre

Mar 31, 2021 | 3:33 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — A local non-profit is now offering a safe space for children who have experienced trauma and abuse.

Formerly known as the Southeastern Alberta Sexual Assault Response Committee (SARC), it is now known as the Sanare Centre. The change reflects the new service being provided.

Even with the name change, Sanare’s mission remains focused on the spirit of healing. Sanare is the Latin word for healing.

The organization offers sexual trauma counselling, community education and sexual violence response services.

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Executive director Christina Johnson says the name SARC was outdated.

Now that they are opening the Child Advocacy Centre, it is not just a sexual assault centre.

The Child Advocacy Centre will give individuals support throughout the entire investigation, judicial and healing journey.

“We’re excited about the opening of the child advocacy centre, whilst it is also sad that our communities and region desperately needs it,” Johnson said.

Sanare Centre’s current waitlist for help is six months. Before COVID-19, the waitlist was two months.

Johnson says there’s been a 45 per cent increase in those accessing sexual assault centers across Alberta this last year.

The Sanare Centre is open despite the pandemic. Johnson wants the community to know there is help available.

You can visit the Sanare Centre website here.