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Training Begins For New Women’s Outreach

Sep 28, 2017 | 5:52 AM

Hope Outreach begins orientation this weekend in Vernon for women willing to help with their new weekend outreach program.

Founder Angie Lohr says she’s had a lot of interest after getting word out.

“Twenty emails or phone calls in regards to it. So we just hope that we have a good turnout. I think as we proceed and people actually get to know who we are and on the street then word of mouth usually travels a little bit further.”

The outreach program will fill a hole where there is nothing now for homeless, addicted or exploited women on the street on weekends.

Angie says she’s met with some of the street women already and her group is being welcomed.

“They were really helpful and kind of told me where to go to walk and take our volunteers and actually it was quite heartwarming because you know a lot of them travel from city to city so there was quite a few girls there that I knew who used to be in Kelowna.”

Lohr says she’s also run into women who were believed to be missing from Kelowna.

Local agencies have also been positive in their response to Hope Outreach coming to the city.

“The community was very well and opening, open arms and they filled me in on how Vernon works and what their positions are. What kind of services they do have.”

Anyone interested in in learning more and becoming a volunteer is encouraged to go to the orientation Sunday October 1st from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm at the People Place.

Angie is hoping to have the first shift with her staff of outreach workers from Kelowna  shadowing the new Vernon crew October 13th, 14th and 15th.