Lethbridge Family Services opens new courtyard to assist with clients

By Trevor Busch - Lethbridge Herald on October 6, 2022.

Herald photos by Trevor Busch Stakeholders, volunteers and dignitaries explore Lethbridge Family Services' new courtyard on Tuesday during an open house. The space includes a meditation area, play area and gardens.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDtbusch@lethbridgeherald.com

Lethbridge Family Services celebrated the opening of a new courtyard on Tuesday with an open house for patrons, volunteers and donors.

The new courtyard has been incorporated into the LFS north office at 1107 2A Avenue North and will serve as a gathering place for stakeholders, clients and employees.

“We’re so pleased to be able to formally open our new courtyard, made possible by support from the City of Lethbridge through their Community Facility Enhancement Project grant, and Gregg Distributors for our play area,” said LFS CEO Sandra Mintz as part of a media event to promote the new addition on Tuesday.

The space was constructed with an emphasis on accessibility and safety with an open design, and features a meditation area, a play area and gardens.

“It wasn’t that long ago that in-between the two sections of our building, this was nothing but dirt and weeds that were growing taller every day,” continued Mintz. “It was just a terrible space, but it had so much potential, and we’ve really needed it for a whole bunch of reasons. We just couldn’t be more thrilled and grateful that we have this beautiful space that will be used so well. This courtyard has already become a daily gathering spot for employees, volunteers and clients. The transformation of this green space has quite literally boosted everyone’s morale.”

Overall, the goal of the area is to offer a meditative space, an opportunity to pause, to find a sense of balance, to reduce emotional and physical stress, and increase focus, relax and cultivate a sense of peace where individuals can “experience a deep, mindful connection surrounded by nature.”

Mayor Blaine Hyggen admitted he initially had his doubts about the project.

“As I walk in here today, I remember coming into a quonset prior to this development happening here. Walking in, and the vision at that time that LFS had, I was amazed – I was somewhat ‘are you sure this is all going to turn out?’ And now I come in and I see the newer area here, and now to see this courtyard, it’s quite fascinating. When you come in here, you feel that sense of calm, and its one thing I mentioned when I came in, it’s kind of a serenity space, if you will.”

The LFS Counselling Department will utilize the space for group and children’s play therapy.

“This is a really beautiful addition to a pre-existing building,” continued Hyggen. “The meditation garden is a great idea. The whole courtyard structure is a wonderful repurpose of an existing area with limited usage.”

Gregg Distributors LP donated the play area in the courtyard, which allows LFS clients to have a space for safe play time with children with an authorized LFS caregiver while parents meet with settlement practitioners.

“Giving feels good, and at Gregg’s we give where we live,” said Jordan Bernard with Gregg Distributors. “The best part of this project for me I would have to say is the scope of the project, and the amount of people that Lethbridge Family Services reaches.”

Mintz noted LFS was expecting over 60 Afghan refugees on Wednesday, pointing out the new courtyard will be beneficial for the children of these clients while parents meet with LFS.

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