Ask Centre for Learning

The ASK Centre for Learning is a unique and outstanding female-only alternative school that operates as an umbrella for all SAS Surrey programs. All of our programs are open to our residential participants as well as women aged 15 years and older from the community.

The ASK Centre for Learning provides each participant with a variety of programs to comprehensively learn the personal and occupational skills required to help them obtain and maintain employment, return to school, and/or raise their children. The ASK Centre for Learning provides a safe learning environment, suited to those participants who are not comfortable and/or welcome in a mainstream learning environment.

Contact Kim Wiebe for information on our other programs in need of funding support at 604-590-2304 EXT 231.

Basic High School Academics **Ongoing registration** Call now for registration information	Surrey School District #36 has partnered with SAS Surrey to provide a high school teacher for the ASK Centre for Learning to offer basic academics for 15 female students from grades 8 through 12. This partnership enables the ASK Centre for Learning to provide a safe, alternative learning environment to young women who may have difficulties completing their education in a traditional school setting. Open to ages 15 and up, call for referral process and registration information at 604-590-2304.
Changing Patterns **Ongoing registration**Call for eligibility criteria Funded By: Lotte & John Hecht Memorial Foundation Van City Surrey Firefighters Business Associates	A 15-week program giving women the freedom to express themselves and learn in a safe, non-judgemental group setting. This course is tailored to women who have the willingness to search for an improved quality of life and want to change the patterns of their lives. Some of the topics covered are: Understanding others Taking risks & overcoming fears Handling stress Developing good financial management skills Overcoming addictions Effective parenting How to have healthy relationships Effective problem-solving Call 604-590-2304 for eligibility criteria and to set up intake interviews.
Addiction Education & Recovery Funded by: Lotte and John Hecht and Private donations	Addiction Education & Recovery is offered twice a week at the ASK Centre for Learning. Youth and adult women come together to add to their coping skills and become stronger in their daily commitment to staying clean and sober. Women and youth from the community are invited to participate in the journey of “stopping the chaos”. Addiction Education & Recovery is a complement to the standard 12 Step & Treatment Programs providing the tools that reinforce the desire to stay clean and sober on an ongoing basis. Call Jenn Evans @ 604-590-2304 for program times and information.
Employment Advocacy Program	Employment Advocacy is a 24-week job readiness program that starts with asking “What do I want to do?” and moves through to full-time employment with sustainable wages. Some topics covered are: Daily banking Committing to a daily schedule Goals – Setting, meeting, and making new ones Image management Securing full-time, meaningful employment One-on-one advocacy with employers Career and college preparation
Making The Connection Call 604-590-2304 for information and registration.	What extremes have you gone to in order to meet your needs? Have you ever bought sex? Sold sex? Sold drugs? Been put out to “work” by someone you cared about? Resorted to violence? A twelve-week program for couples and persons experiencing difficulties with serious conflict in their relationships. Seating for 16 participants, no age limit, and participants do not have to be currently in a relationship, although couples are welcomed. Call for brochure or our next starting date.
New Possibilities	Information Coming Soon.
Community Outreach	Information Coming Soon.
Peer Mentoring	Information Coming Soon.

Residential Programs

The residential model of SAS Surrey offers sexually exploited women and youth long term housing that incorporates safe and secure homes, rehabilitation, health services, nutritious meals, and ongoing encouragement and care.

Every SAS home is guided by a live in Director who provides 24 hour care for the residents.

The purpose of the SAS Residential Program is to give the participants a home and the stability that was previously unknown to them. The participants are welcomed and encouraged to stay for up to 7 years while developing the social skills and employment history that promotes sustainable change.

Long-Term Program
SAS has two safe houses in the Surrey area offering a pleasant and safe environment, positive attitude, and a chance to focus on recovery and future goals. Women may stay up to seven years as they move from exploitation to economic independence, and a full and meaningful life.

AGNES Program (A Good Night’s Sleep)
The first step to exiting the sex trade is a safe night’s sleep with no pressure from boyfriends, pimps, recruiters, and abusers. In partnership with MCF, we offer two beds in the residential program for homeless female youth 16-18 years of age needing short-term intervention.

Call our Director Mary Pichette at 604-590-2304 EXT 223 for availability and wait list information or email Mary Pichette