SASHA Recreation Space

SASHA has supported adults with severe and persistent mental illness in Lethbridge since 1978. We provide supported housing and recovery-oriented programming for up to 24 residential clients at a time, plus ongoing support for community clients. Most of our clients live with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and many also face concurrent disorders and trauma histories.

Our clients often experience social isolation and have little access to meaningful daily activity. Research shows leisure is a key pathway to recovery, and one of the biggest barriers is environmental: no welcoming, designated space. SASHA has no dedicated indoor space for structured recreation, and the community options clients used before COVID-19 have shrunk.

This project converts an existing on-site garage into a permanent, dedicated indoor recreation space. It is not incidental common space. It is a place clients enter with intention, for a board game, an art project, a music session, or simply to be together.

The need is clear from client Individual Support Plans and staff observation. When recreation staffing was available, client engagement in structured activity rose noticeably. The barrier has never been client interest. It has been the lack of a space built to hold the programming.

The Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta has awarded SASHA $15,000 toward this project. Once a contractor assessed the building, the scope grew beyond what we first expected: the garage needs permits, new underground power, replacement doors and window, new siding, soffit, fascia and eavestrough, concrete floor repair, and a covered north porch, before interior finishing can begin. The contractor estimates $34,650 for this work alone, with interior work extra. We are asking the Field Law Community Fund for the maximum of $15,000 so the building is made sound and safe and the project is completed, rather than left half-finished. Another grant fund request will need to go forward for completion of the interior.

Construction will run through spring and summer 2027, using a local Lethbridge contractor. Ongoing programming costs are being pursued separately. The result is a year-round space for social, creative, and expressive programming tied to each client's recovery goals.

The space will directly benefit adults aged 18 to 64 living with severe and persistent mental illness at SASHA in Lethbridge, the majority with a schizophrenia spectrum diagnosis. Many have concurrent disorders and trauma histories. About 30% self-identify as Indigenous, and on average 75% arrive from housing insecurity. They are among the most vulnerable people in our community.

SASHA has capacity for 25 residential clients and supports about 36 unique individuals per year. All will have year-round access to a dedicated space for structured leisure and social programming.

Clients consistently set Individual Support Plan goals around social connection and meaningful daily activity, and staff consistently name the lack of a programming space as the barrier. Meaningful activity is part of treatment, not separate from it. Engaged clients with something to look forward to show improved perspective, stronger relationships with their support teams, and greater willingness to take part in their own recovery.

Support staff benefit too, gaining a proper environment to deliver recovery-oriented programming.