January 15, 2012- Sophie’s Place launch celebration
Ten years ago this week, the collaborative efforts of public and private partners came to life with the launch of the Lower Mainland’s first Child & Youth Advocacy Centre “Sophie’s Place”.
This unique facility was the result of a collaborative partnership between:
- Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General (Victim Services)
- Ministry of Children and Family Development (Child Protection Services)
- City of Surrey (Mayor, Council, and staff)
- RCMP (Special Victims Unit)
- The Centre for Child Development & the Child Development Foundation of BC
- Supported by funding from the Government of Canada, Department of Justice
- Donations (financial, time, skills) from generous community leaders and partners
“The environment that is created at Sophie’s Place provides for a safe and trusting space, while mitigating the potential for trauma or re-victimization of young children and their families (2021)”
– City of Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum
What makes Sophie’s Place special?
The Lower Mainland’s first Child & Youth Advocacy Centre is a one of a growing number of similar facilities in Canada, and is the only one housed in a child development centre. These child-friendly surroundings eliminate the stress of reporting in an adult facility and protect children’s safety and privacy.
The mission to reduce trauma and support child victims of abuse was realized through the deep commitment of the most senior leaders of municipal, provincial and federal government agencies, and the incredible dedication of many community partners.
Sophie’s Place provides compassionate and nurturing services, delivered by multi-disciplinary, specialized professionals that focus on minimizing trauma in a child-friendly atmosphere.
Since actively beginning to serve children in February 2012, Sophie’s Place has nearly tripled in both size and scope. From serving 81 children in 2012, our services have grown to over 230 children in 2021, and expanded to now include youths up to aged 15.
Sophie Tweed-Simmons, for whom the facility is named, is the daughter of legendary music artist Gene Simmons. She became involved in the project after a meeting with the City of Surrey, bringing focus to this collaborative approach to supporting child victims of abuse:
Community Champions made this possible!
The tight construction timeline for Sophie’s Place was less than four weeks during the 2011-2012 holiday season. This incredible feat was made possible by the over 60 community volunteers and local businesses who contributed their time, effort and donations valued at $74,000. Since then, many donors have continued to support Sophie’s Place through corporate and individual donations, attending and/or hosting fundraising events, and sponsorships, in addition to the core funding of our government partners.
You too can help support the vital services Sophie’s Place provides by donating online.
Check out our Facebook photo album for photos from Sophie’s Place construction and launch.
Launch Community Partners and Supporters:
- B&B Contracting Ltd.
- Benjamin Moore
- Berezan Group
- Blue Pine Enterprises Ltd.
- City of Surrey staff
- Double Dot
- Exclusive Floors Ltd.
- Great Canadian Gaming
- K&D Furniture
- Kelley McNamara Design
- Kimi’s Kreations
- Kooney Homes Ltd.
- Pacific Nurseries Inc.
- Pat Calder
- Pat Quinn REMAX
- Ram Construction
- RCMP
- Surrey Fire Fighters
- Sweet n’ Chic
- Tree2Table
- West Plateau Properties Inc.
- WINVAN Paving Ltd.
- Woodbridge Homes Ltd.
- WOODTONE
- 99 Nursery & Florist Inc.