Outside, a soccer ball awaits a child's kick and blossoming trees hint at a bountiful summer yield.
But inside the immaculately kept Coquitlam home, a lot of difficult work gets done.
You can see from the worn couches, a smattering of helpful books and, in one of the offices, posters acknowledging the importance of God, that the house operated by the Talitha Koum Society for women overcoming addiction runs on faith and the support of a generous community.
What you might not see at first is that this home, purchased with funds from BC Housing, is not only a safe haven for women recovering from addiction but, also, a refuge and loving sanctuary for their children.
"The fact that they can keep their kids here is a motivating facet of seeking recovery," explains Sharon De Lalla, executive director of the Talitha Koum Society.
In the nearly 17 years the society has operated, first in Vancouver and Burnaby and more recently in Coquitlam, some 300 women have taken the 12-step program and learned life and job skills necessary for their reintroduction to society.
Along the way, their children have felt the sense of inclusion that comes with routine, taking part in holiday celebrations and the daily ritual of a family meal.
"Having the innocence of a child around can lighten up a heavy day," said De Lalla, who grew up and went to school in Coquitlam.
On this day, the home is unusually quiet because two families recently moved out, their moms having graduated from the six-month program. Typically, the family will move from the Coquitlam home to non-market housing, supportive housing or other stable arrangement once they conclude the program.
For many women, it's the fear of losing their children that keeps them from admitting their addiction, De Lalla said. But Talitha Koum — named for a story in the Gospel of Mark in which Jesus was said to have resurrected a dead child with the words "Talitha koum," meaning "Little girl, I say to you, arise!"— considers youngsters so important that they are counted as residents in the home, which has room for nine plus one for staff even though income assistance is $100 a month for a child compared to $550 for an adult.
"It's the price we pay to keep children with their moms," De Lalla said.
In recent years, demand for recovery housing has grown, prompting Talitha Koum to look for an additional home in partnership with the city of Coquitlam, which is providing $600,000 toward the $1.2-million cost. High house prices are hindering the search but De Lalla hopes a home will soon be found.
In the meantime, a fundraising event is being held Saturday, May 27 to help pay for programming and the society is continuing to look for other community partnerships to benefit the residents.
• More information can be found at www.talithakoumsociety.org.
WHAT'S HAPPENING
The annual Set Her Free fundraising gala is set for May 27 at the St. Clare of Assisi Parish hall, 1320 Johnson St., Coquitlam. Tickets are $50 per person, with a $25 tax receipt. Ticket deadline is May 15; email [email protected] or phone 604-492-3393.
