The Jessica Martel Memorial Foundation and Jessie’s House in Sturgeon County, Alberta, have found a unique way to connect with families and children staying at their shelter through food. The kitchen in Jessie’s House is a place where families bond over meals and share heartfelt conversations. The foundation provides nutritious meals to the families, helping them feel safe and cared for. The comfort food serves as a trigger for fond memories created in the kitchen, and many families leaving the shelter ask for the recipes. To provide a lasting connection, the foundation has created a cookbook called Cookin’ with Lynne, named after Lynne Rosychuk, the mother of Jessica Martel, who was tragically murdered in 2009. The cookbook features dozens of recipes that families can take with them to their new homes, as well as being available for sale to the public to help fund the nutrition program at the shelter.
The demand for support from shelters like Jessie’s House continues to be high, with staff having to turn away 700 people due to limited capacity. Families are facing significant barriers in finding affordable housing, leading to longer stays at the shelter. The average length of stay for families at Jessie’s House is between 31 to 62 days, with the shelter being full almost every day in November and December. The holiday season can make it difficult for families to leave their situations, leading to an increase in the need for support in January. The foundation is hoping that the sales of the cookbook will help make up for the shortfall in funding, as they are currently $80,000 short of their annual goal. Despite the challenges, the foundation is dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming environment for families in need.
The cookbook, Cookin’ with Lynne, not only serves as a fundraiser but also as a way to keep Jessica Martel’s memory alive. Lynne Rosychuk, the foundation’s founder, sees her work at the shelter as a way to honor her daughter and continue her legacy of helping others. By providing families with nutritious meals and a sense of community, the foundation hopes to not only address their immediate needs but also empower them to build a better future for themselves. The cookbook features a variety of recipes for families and individuals to enjoy, encouraging families to create their own memories in the kitchen. The shelter’s staff and volunteers work tirelessly to support families during their stay, offering a listening ear and a comforting presence to those in need.
The Global Edmonton Give Me Shelter campaign supports six shelters in the Edmonton area, including Jessie’s House, by providing much-needed donations and Christmas gifts for women and children who are survivors of violence in the community. The annual donation drive collects gift cards and cash donations to help shelters like Jessie’s House continue their vital work in supporting families in need. The campaign aims to raise awareness about domestic violence and provide resources for those experiencing abuse. If you or a loved one are experiencing domestic violence, you can find a shelter in your area or call the 24-hour hotline for confidential support. By coming together as a community, we can help provide comfort and safety for those in need and work towards ending domestic violence.
