PAPS Chief Jon Bergen hands the keys to the Criminal Investigations Division building to P.A. Mobile Crisis Executive Director Vicki Stewart. (submitted photo/Prince Albert Police Service)

By Alison Sandstrom

New home

P.A. Mobile Crisis moves downtown

May 8, 2020 | 12:28 PM

Prince Albert Mobile Crisis has a new home downtown.

The organization is settling into the former Criminal Investigations Division building after finalizing its purchase from the Prince Albert Police Service (PAPS).

Executive Director Vicki Stewart told paNOW she’s happy to be back in a central location that’s easily accessible for clients and close to community partners including PAPS.

The new building also provides Mobile Crisis much needed room to grow. Stewart estimates the new space is at least 2,000 square feet larger than their previous office near the south entrance of the city on Second Avenue W.

“We had four sexual assault workers sharing one office, so this has really made a difference,” Stewart explained. “We’ve also got room for some of the play therapy that’s done with the children and [the] crisis unit has a bigger space as well.”

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The organization provides emergency intervention in crisis situations and support to people experiencing trauma including domestic violence and sexual assault, as well as services for individuals dealing with addiction and mental health issues. In addition to crisis intervention and counselling, staff members conduct community education.

In total, Stewart estimates around 30 people, on various shifts will work out of the new building at 15-15th St. W.

She said while some staff members are working off-site due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the move is complete, aside for some final re-arrangements.

“Mobile Crisis provides an important connection to services and supports that help the most vulnerable members of our community,” PAPS Chief Jonathan Bergen said in a media release. “We work closely with our partners at Mobile Crisis and having them next door will be a benefit to our organization.”

The Criminal Investigations Division building was put up for sale in January. Prince Albert Mobile Crisis was initially outbid by an orthodontist, but when the initial buyer declined to go ahead with the sale, Mobile Crisis was able to purchase it.

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alison.sandstrom@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alisandstrom