SJCSS receives $150,000 donation from St. Mary's Kerrisdale to build new kitchen in Powell Place emergency shelter for women.

The kitchen. For so many, it's the heart and soul of a home. It's the warm and familiar place to gather with family and friends to share stories and confidences. To laugh and cry. It provides nourishment. And a space for learning important skills that empower you to become confident, self-sufficient and independent.

St. Mary's Kerrisdale has provided Powell Place with a $150,000 donation to build a new kitchen for women to come together to cook, eat, learn and celebrate personal successes. For over 40 years, St. Mary's Kerrisdale has improved the quality of life for community members as a supporter of St. James Community Services. The kitchen is part of Powell Place's expansion (scheduled for completion in 2014) which will create space for 52 beds, doubling the number of beds available to women seeking emergency shelter and a safe place to stay.

The kitchen will serve as a welcoming place for women to build community while enhancing important life skills such as cooking, making healthy food choices and meal budgeting. Women will have opportunities for a garden-to-table experience, planting, growing and preparing their own fresh vegetables from Powell Place's new garden.

We thank St. Mary's Kerrisdale for its generous gift and support of women at Powell Place. Learn more about Powell Place's expansion at expandpowellplace.com.