SquareOne Community Inc. is promoting three events in November to raise awareness of, and provide funds for, the issue of homelessness in Moose Jaw. They are “Stronger Together”; Lunch & Learn – Drug Treatment Court; and Rib Night at Streets Steakhouse & Bar.
SquareOne was founded in March 2020 by a group of community-based organizations, concerned individuals, and community support agencies. The goal of SquareOne is to advocate for and aid those people who are starting over – at square one, so to speak.
Della Ferguson, a SquareOne board member who organizes fundraising, says their efforts this month will support the My Place program at John Howard Society.
“My Place is working with the justice system and helping people who are coming out of the justice system to have support when they do,” Ferguson says. “Not just the housing, but how to support people in living, setting up in life: food security, resumes, help with addictions and other challenges.”
Case workers at John Howard Society work closely with My Place participants to connect them with community organizations, make necessary phone calls, and assist with social services applications.
Stronger Together
The Stronger Together initiative began in July with local artists Bill and Laurette Keen. The Mosaic Art Gallery hosted the couple’s metalworking tree sculptures for display and sale, with all proceeds going to SquareOne to support My Place.
In addition, the Keens created a unique sculpture of two connected trees, which continues to raise funds. The trees have 167 leaves on them; over 100 have been sold so far. The Keens can be contacted with donation information, and they will engrave a leaf plaque which will be affixed to the sculpture.
The leaves come in three levels of gold ($300), silver ($200), and bronze ($100). They can show the name of the person or business making the donation, and they have also been used as memorials. The sculpture is now permanently installed at John Howard Society at 15 Hochelaga Street.
“We’re just the promoters and cheerleaders for this one,” Ferguson notes. “We’re so grateful to the Keens for starting this.”
Addictions Awareness Week Lunch & Learn – Drug Treatment Court
During national Addictions Awareness Week, which runs from Nov. 21st to the 28th, SquareOne will sponsor a Zoom Lunch & Learn. The call will be on Thursday (corrected) the 25th at 12-1 pm.
Its purpose is to help bring attention to the work of Moose Jaw’s Drug Treatment Court (DTC). The Lunch & Learn will feature Stacey Simms, Moose Jaw DTC Coordinator, and Chad Kobelsky, a graduate of DTC.
Email [email protected] or text 306-630-6121 to register.
Rib Night Fundraiser at Streets Steakhouse & Bar
Lastly, SquareOne is partnering with Ashlea and Jeff Streets of Streets Steakhouse & Bar to host a Rib Night on Sunday the 28th from 4:30-8 pm.
Tickets are $20 for adults, and $10 for children. The menu for the adults is ribs, mashed potatoes, and veggies. Kids will be eating chicken fingers and fries.
Tickets can be purchased from Della Ferguson at the email address above.
CORRECTION: Only "Stronger Together" will support My Place at John Howard Society - other fundraisers will support SquareOne.
