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Celebrating 50 Years of Sexual Health and Education Services in Edmonton.
March 5, 2015
Compass Centre for Sexual Wellness (Compass Centre) is celebrating their 50th anniversary and is thrilled to launch a complete rebrand, including a new name and logo, tonight at Latitude 53.
Since 1964, Compass Centre has remained an anchor in sexual health and education in Edmonton and surrounding areas. Formerly Planned Parenthood Edmonton and then OPTIONS Sexual Health Association, Compass Centre for Sexual Wellness is a stronger reflection of their comprehensive approach to healthy sexuality for all through education, counselling and advocacy.
“The way the world talks about sexual health is continually changing and we have been consistently anchored in the needs of the community,” said Compass Centre Executive Director Toby Rabinovitz.
Along with pregnancy tests and counselling services, Compass Centre provides sexual health education sessions within the Edmonton Public School System and throughout the community.
They offer workshops on sexual health for students, teachers, professionals and for the general community. Their multicultural education team works with newcomers and other community groups who may face cultural and language barriers to sexual health education.
“We are helping navigate healthy sexuality throughout the lifespan and our programs are tailored to an individual’s needs,” said Rabinovitz. “Whether there are language barriers or a group of practitioners who are looking for comprehensive diversity training, our teams are able to address the emerging needs of the community.”
The organization’s ability to adapt and respond to the changing needs and priorities of the Edmonton community is reflected in the 50 years of history. As the years passed the organization’s focus expanded to embrace a comprehensive approach to healthy sexuality for all, through education, counselling and advocacy.
Media is invited to attend the unveiling of Compass Centre for Sexual Wellness tonight at 6:00 pm at Latitude 53, 10242-106 street, Edmonton.
For more information please contact:
Toby Rabinovitz
Executive Director
Compass Centre for Sexual Wellness
Phone: (780) 423-3737 ext. 207
Cell: (780) 224-3174
Event Information:
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Latitude 53, 10242-106 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
Backgrounder:
Compass Centre for Sexual Wellness, previously known as OPTIONS Sexual Health Association and previous to that Planned Parenthood Edmonton, has been in existence for 50 years. The inaugural meeting took place on a Friday evening, February 7, 1964 in Red Cross House.
Planned Parenthood Edmonton was formed in response to the desire to change the existing Canadian criminal code that made it illegal to advertise, promote or distribute medicine, drugs or articles intended or represented as a method of preventing conception or causing abortion or miscarriage. The second objective was to distribute birth control information and pamphlets – even though that action was illegal at the time.
In 1969 the Canadian Government decriminalized contraception and allowed abortions under certain circumstances. This opened the doors for us to move into the mainstream and incorporated in 1973.
Over the years, Compass Centre received funding support from the City of Edmonton through FCSSS , United Way and the Edmonton Community Foundation, all who continue to be the strongest supports.
Currently Compass Centre is working within the multicultural community of Edmonton to address issues of sexuality and healthy relationships within a cross cultural context. They are one of the primary sexual health educator organizations working within the Edmonton Public School System. Throughout the year the volunteer coordinator and volunteers focus on promoting healthy sexuality through the various booths at post-secondary institutions, schools and community events.
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