Press Release
Stronger Together – Big news for Maple Ridge / Pitt Meadows Community Services and Cythera Transition House Society
MAY 18, 2023
Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows
Cythera Transition House Society and Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Community Services are excited to announce changes in leadership and governance that will strengthen and support their work and purpose in the community.
Cythera first opened its doors in 1984 as a refuge for abused women and their children. Over the past 39-years, Cythera continued to meet the needs of women by offering counselling services, second-stage housing, donation and thrift store opportunities and most recently the announcement of a 34-bed second-stage and affordable housing building that is currently under construction.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors for the Cythera Transition Society, we are all so excited for the changes that have happened within our organization. After many talks and lots of consideration, Cythera is excited to come under the umbrella of Community Services and are looking forward to working with our new Executive Director, Vicki Kipps. In joining with Community Services, we are hoping to expand our reach and offer those who need our services even more than we do today. Our mission will remain the same as we continue to offer the same services to women and children that we always have”, Tisha Scoffins, Cythera Board President.
Since 1971, Community Services has offered a variety of programs and services for children, youth, families and seniors. Recent accomplishments such as Alisa’s Wish Child & Youth Advocacy Centre, Foundry Ridge Meadows and Cornerstone Landing Housing demonstrate the organization’s commitment to partnerships that strengthen the safety-net of services in the community.
“I am excited with the recent addition of Cythera to Community Services and Vicki Kipps as the Executive Director. This change represents an opportunity to better meet the needs of our community through greater collaboration”, Lisa Begg, Community Services Board President.
Both organizations will remain as distinct, non-profit, charitable and the Board of Directors will mirror one another with Vicki Kipps as Executive Director. The Directors for both organizations are: Tisha Scoffins, Lisa Begg, Ron Wallsmith, Jan Hickman, Gwen O’Connell, Steve Hart, Nadine Power, Trevor Connor, Lucy Meechan, Bart Findlay and Lynn McCarthy.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead these incredible organizations and to build on the existing services and deep commitment to the community. From the onset of this process, the alignment of the organization’s values and approach to the work was evident, the staff and volunteers are incredible and I look forward to continuing the wonderful relationships with donors and community partners.”
Vicki Kipps, Executive Director.
