Maple Ridge charity receives $25,000 grant

Maple Ridge’s Cythera Transition House Society has received a $25,000 grant to sustain and expand free trauma-informed counselling for women and children affected by domestic violence. The funding comes through the Envision Financial Regional Community Endowment of the Tru Charitable Foundation.

Formerly known as the First West Foundation, the Tru Charitable Foundation awarded Cythera funding as one of several local organizations supported this year through the endowment. Cythera is an anti-violence society serving adults, youth and families affected by abuse through counselling, affordable long-term living spaces, advocacy and a 24/7 transition house for people who have experienced gender-based violence.

Jenn Schroder, Cythera’s director of development and marketing, said survivors consistently describe counselling as a safe space for healing that can reduce isolation, build confidence and help them rebuild their lives after violence.

Since 1996, the Tru Charitable Foundation has awarded more than $15 million in grants to charities serving communities supported by Envision Financial and other local brands of Tru Cooperative Bank. In 2026, it is investing $1.839 million through 19 endowments to support registered charities in 34 communities across British Columbia.

The foundation says its trust-based philanthropy approach provides flexible funding to organizations addressing poverty, food insecurity, mental health, education and inequality, while supporting the charitable sector through learning and development partnerships. Executive director Tracy Fortino said the grants support people and organizations working to build healthier, more resilient and inclusive communities, with an aim of creating lasting change for future generations.