Years ago I went to interview the women involved with the newly formed Women’s Centre located upstairs of the Brickhouse Building. Back then that space was pretty dejected. I couldn’t help but notice the old walls and floors that slanted precariously.

This didn’t daunt the ladies who were busy providing a place for women where they could feel comfortable and safe.

One of those women is Lynn Mace. Lynn retired from the Centre on Friday January 31, 2014 after a nearly 30 year involvement that saw the Centre undergo many changes both in location and programing to the great building and programs they have today.

Lynn Mace

Lynn’s involvement began in 1984 as a board member and then in 1988 as an employee. She started as an assistant and soon became co-coordinator with Debbie Johnston.

Lynn is one those unassuming people who likes being in the background. She enjoyed co-coordinating programs and managing staff in the shared position although primarily her work focused on the financial end of things.

She says that this sharing worked really well as both she and Debbie worked on what each was interested in and also became the job became interchangeable for them.

The centre was very small to begin with; it wasn’t until the early nineties that lots of programs began to happen.

Lynn says it was a part-time job that turned into fulltime because locally there weren’t too many non-profits in the Elk Valley that weren’t without a single focus or agenda.

So they took what was of benefit to women and families to have something that could be offered to every woman in the community.

“I don’t take credit, there was always a good team, an excellent board, it was an environment that was very rich, we built the second stage housing that is Chrysalis House and turned it over to Elk Valley Family Society to manage. Corrie Hurlburt does that for us. Corrie also started a long time ago with the board, we have an ongoing relationship with that Society, Safe homes and Chrysalis house. Corrie will now be doing the bookkeeping for the women’s centre”, explains Lynn and adds, “I am leaving it in good hands with Lauren Fox who is replacing my position, she has 6 years of experience with outreach and administration with the Centre. I will miss the people, but it is the right time, perfect time to step down. The community has been hugely supportive, we are highly regarded, the community is getting a service that helps them out. It has been a great journey, all around, with Chrysalis House and this new space, new programs, I worked with great staff and wonderful people. We brought on the Opt Clinic, still involved with that and we have Valley wide programs. Between the Columbia Basin Family Resources Society and Fernie Womens Centre we employee 40 people”.

Lynn Mace with Judith Johannsson

Lynn is truly modest. Long-time board member Judith Johannsson says that she thinks of that old saying “still waters run deep” when it comes to Lynn because in 25 years Lynn has always stayed in the background doing things for women and families without ever wanting or looking for appreciation or recognition. Many things that she has accomplished in her quiet way have never even been attributed to her. She has done more for this community then most people will ever know.”
Last Friday an open house was held at the Women’s Centre to provide an opportunity for people to come and say good bye to Lynn.

Board members, staff, clients and friends gathered to Congratulate Lynn on her retirement and wish her the best in the future.

Lynn and her husband Eustache have planned a trip to Australia to celebrate her retirement.
I want to extend sincere Congratulations to Lynn but most of all I want to thank her for being part of the vision of starting a women’s centre in our town.

What was a humble beginning by a few caring women with a vision who saw a need to offer assistance to the most vulnerable was turned into a thriving business that offers women and families incredible comfort in many ways.

Lynn is truly one of those unsung heroes of our town and I am so happy to have this opportunity to tell everyone.

Congratulations Lynn and thank you for all the years of dedication to helping those in need.