Social services in North Burnaby received a boost on November 8 with the official ribbon-cutting and opening of Celeste Redman Community Resource Centre, a new support facility offering vital social support services to local residents including parenting support, victim support, and counselling.
The new 4,231-square-foot space is located at 2038 Rosser Avenue, within a 42-storey mixed-use high-rise tower as part Appia Developments’ Solo District project. It is named for the late Burnaby councilor Celeste Redman, who served on City Council from 1990 to 2005 and is remembered by her colleagues and constituents alike as a champion for social causes who dedicated herself to the service of Burnaby residents.
Mayor Mike Hurley, city council, and the late Councilor Redman’s daughter Mondee were on hand for the occasion, joined by representatives from the Centre’s operator, Cameray Child & Family Services, a community-based non-profit agency offering counselling, education, outreach, advocacy and other services.
“Cameray is thrilled to have been awarded this amazing opportunity and to be able to provide services that are more accessible to North Burnaby residents,” said Tracey Rusnak, Executive Director of Cameray Child & Family Services. “We are particularly excited about the much-needed group space, which will allow us to open our programs up to more families. Without the support of the City, we would have been unable to accomplish this, particularly in such a beautiful and accessible facility.”
The new facility is the seventh of its kind in Burnaby and the second in the Brentwood neighbourhood, as the City continues to leverage growth to ensure vital services are in place to support the community.