History

Cedar Strong Prevention and Intervention Society, formerly the Hope and Area Transition Society, owes its existence to trailblazers like Jean Scott. Her legacy is at the heart of our organization, and we are deeply grateful for her passion, compassion, and vision.

Jean Scott was a lifelong community activist and feminist who advocated for social justice, women’s equality, and the rights of all individuals. She was the first woman to receive an honorary doctorate from the University College of the Fraser Valley, and she believed that our actions today empower those who come after us. She often emphasized honouring those who fought when women were marginalized.

Between 1946 and 1971, Jean served on the Vancouver Labour Council’s Negotiating Committee, held the position of local president, and frequently joined picket lines, fighting for fair wages and women’s rights. As the B.C. female representative to the Canadian Labour Congress, she contributed to the Royal Commission on the Status of Women, championing women’s rights in and beyond the labour movement.

Jean’s dedication extended to supporting shelters for abused women. She served on the Board of Directors for Transition House in Victoria and Chilliwack and as Vice-President of the Upper Fraser Valley Transition Society. Her efforts were pivotal in opening a Transition House in Hope, and she used her platform to uplift women of all backgrounds and beliefs.

Recognizing her contributions, the Jean Scott Transition House in Hope, B.C., was officially named on October 19, 1997.

For over 25 years, Cedar Strong Prevention and Intervention Society has served Hope and the surrounding area, growing its programs and maintaining a commitment to ethical, professional support in partnership with local and provincial organizations.

From our beginnings as a committee focused on creating a safe space for women and children who have experienced violence, Cedar Strong has grown into the largest non-profit organization in the area of Fraser-East, supporting people from all walks of life. Through every stage, our priority has always been the well-being of our clients. Here’s a look at how we got here:

Use the arrow buttons to scroll through our history

1992

A feasibility study called the Eastward Bound Report identified the need for a Transition House in Hope. The following steps included raising public awareness, gathering data, and finding a suitable location. By early 1993, the goal was to open a temporary facility and welcome clients by December.

1993

A four-member Board of Directors was formed, and the Transition House opened its doors in a leased home. Four staff members provided support services.

1994

We adopted our agency’s constitution, which focused on:

  • Providing safe shelter for women and children facing physical or psychological abuse
  • Offering support services to those affected by family violence
  • Educating the community about family violence to promote understanding
  • Securing funding to support our mission
  • Offering information and guidance to women without bias, helping them explore their options.
1995

We secured a permanent location for the Transition House through a forgivable mortgage under the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Shelter Haven grants. The Children Who Witness Abuse program also became a permanent part of our services.

1996

The School-Based Violence Prevention Pilot Program was launched in three schools in the Fraser-Cascade School District. The project educates children in kindergarten to grade 12 on abuse, bullying, safety planning, and healthy relationships. Today, this program remains a key part of the district’s offerings.

1997

The Hope Transition House was officially renamed the Jean Scott Transition House in honour of our founding inspiration. The Children Who Witness Abuse program continued to grow.

2005

We added the Stopping the Violence Program and secured funding to keep the Transition House operating 24/7, ensuring a haven for women and children year-round. We also partnered with a Job Creation Program to conduct a needs assessment and homeless study for the Hope community.

2007

Our constitution expanded to include services for women, children, and families facing social challenges that affect their ability to make healthy choices. We introduced Substance Use services and opened a new space to offer these services alongside domestic violence counselling.

2008

Our services expanded again to include support for the unhoused with a dedicated Homeless Outreach Program. We moved to a larger location at 895 – 3rd Avenue to better serve the community.

2009

We adopted a Housing First model to support the homeless population and launched the Thunderbird Motel project to provide housing for those facing complex challenges. We also worked with the School District and the Ministry of Children and Family Development to start a pilot program in Boston Bar aimed at building social and emotional skills for students dealing with significant challenges.

2010

The Aboriginal Education Council, impressed by the success of the Boston Bar program, approached us to create a similar program for Aboriginal students in Agassiz and Hope High Schools. This led to the launch of the Aboriginal Mentor Program, which continues today.

2011

In collaboration with the Mennonite Central Committee, we conducted a research project on homelessness in rural communities. The project highlighted the unique challenges faced by those without stable housing.

2012

The Emergency Shelter program launched, offering four shelter beds.

2014

Service Canada funded research into homelessness in Hope and the surrounding area. This research highlighted ongoing needs, leading to the addition of a Caseworker in late 2016 to support homeless and at-risk individuals.

2015

Youth and Family Services programs were introduced to support families connected with the Ministry of Children and Family Development. An additional homeless outreach worker was added through the Homeless Partnering Strategy Funds.

2016

Funding through Lu’Ma Native Housing enabled the addition of an Urban Indigenous Homeless Outreach Worker.

2016

The organization purchased 400 Park Street, establishing a permanent home for the Hope and Area Transition Society.

2017

With increased funding from Fraser Health Authority, a Youth Coordinator and Mental Health Substance Use Community Outreach positions were created. The organization also shifted from low-barrier housing at the Thunderbird Motel to an outreach-focused model for homelessness services.

2018

BC Housing purchased a facility to open a 20-bed Emergency Shelter, with plans to expand to a 40-bed Supportive Housing facility by 2020.

2019

Plans were made to build a Youth Centre with eight housing units and develop Second Stage Housing for women and children fleeing domestic violence.

2020

The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant changes in March 2020, prompting the organization to adapt its service delivery while maintaining support for the community.

2020

Public engagement for a 52-unit Supportive Housing facility did not succeed in rezoning efforts. However, BC Housing, HATS, and community partners continue to advocate for more housing options for vulnerable residents.

2020

Opened the Emergency Response Centre at the Colonial 900 Motel, ensuring safe distancing and shelter for those in need during COVID-19.

2022

The rezoning of 7th Avenue paved the way for 56 supportive housing units, 15 emergency shelter beds, and 15 extreme weather beds to address urgent housing needs.

2023
Hope and Area Transition Society created a sister society Fraser-East Affordable Housing Society and in partnership with BC Housing purchased a 40-unit low to moderate apartment building in Hope.
2023

Expanded Sexual Assault Services became available in Hope, Kent, and Chilliwack, providing dedicated support to those in need.

2024

Hope and Area Transition Society is renamed Cedar Strong Prevention & Intervention Society to reflect our commitment to resilience, growth, and the supportive foundation we provide for individuals and families in our communities.

2025
Cedar Strong in partnership with the Chawathil Peoples, BC Housing and Fraser Health broke ground at 1275 7th Avenue for a 56-unit Supportive Housing Facility with 15 shelter beds and 15 Temporary Winter Shelter beds.