Nothing but smiles and celebration at Jeneece Place today, Jan. 20.
The house was packed with families, donors and staff all grateful for the services offered at the View Royal facility.
Jeneece Place turns two and its inspiration Jeneece Edroff turns 20.
“It’s so nice to see all the people here who support Jeneece Place, said Edroff. “I really like meeting the families that we have been able to help.”
After the celebration at the house Edroff had other birthday plans to go out for dinner with friends and family to continue her birthday festivities.
Even with all the smiles, Jeneece Place is usually a safe place to turn for many families struggling and coping with a sick child staying at the Victoria General Hospital.
Metchosin couple, Brian and Chantelle Cutting spent some time at the facility at the beginning of December 2013. Their daughter Vivian was born at 35 weeks and required some interventions.
Having two sons 4 and 2.5 the parents were struggling and were relieved to have a place to stay at Jeneece Place.
“At that point we were falling apart,” Chantelle said. “Our other kids were inconsolable for anyone else to come to our house and watch them. You shouldn’t have to pick between your kids on which one you spend time with.”
Chantelle needed to be at the hospital every three hours to provide breast milk to her daughter. Living in the heart of Metchosin it was a 40-minute commute to the hospital and Jeneece Place provided her what she needed to care for all three of her kids.
“It was such a relief that they had space for us at Jeneece Place. My older kids didn’t even want to leave and they often talk about Jeneece Place,” Chantelle said.
Jeneece Place officially opened it’s doors on Jan. 23, 2012 and since its establishment it’s hosted more than 750 families with nearly all being from Vancouver Island and the surrounding Gulf Islands.
Jeneece Place is operated by Children’s Health Foundation.
“We’ve had 167 babies born in two years where the families have come and stayed at Jeneece Place. Even though people come here in time of crisis whether it’s an accident, diagnoses or premature birth, it’s always such a warm and welcoming home,” said Linda Hughes, president and CEO of the foundation “The house is a success beyond what we could have imagined, not through our efforts, but because the families have breathed life and energy into it and created a unique space that meets everyday needs and offers much-needed support and solace.”
The house was built by donations from the community and is located on the grounds of Victoria General Hospital.
