Sophia Recovery Centre “after” redecoration (Kelly Lawson)
When the Sophia Recovery Centre for Women reached out to Tuck Studio owner Judith Mackin for design advice last year, Mackin and her team made it their mission to transform the centre into a beautiful and inviting space.
“We decided that it was going to be our mission to do a complete makeover for them,” said Mackin. “We really wanted to take that space from tired and being kind of under-valued and making it a space specifically for the women of Sophia in a way that when they come in there, they feel honoured.”
Sophia Recovery Centre’s “before” redecoration (Judith Mackin)
The centre was founded as a non-profit by two sisters from the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception in 2008 as a drop-in and support centre for women seeking recovery from addictions. Since then, more than 200 women are served by the centre, receiving counselling, peer support and mentoring and participate in group programs.
Mackin drew up design boards showcasing the new centre design and furnishings, including furniture, paint, wallpaper and décor. Once they were approved, the orders were placed and the renovations began and wrapped last month.
“What was wonderful about what Judith was able to do for us is she really took the time to understand how we use the room and the values of our organization, and the sort of particular needs that we would have in terms of how we work with women,” said centre executive director, Julie Atkinson.
Tuck Studio’s redesign was also made possible with support from other Saint John businesses, including Kelly Lawson Photography and Rodney Lagace’s Legacy Painters, who donated their services free of charge.
Another view of the redecorated Sophia Recovery Centre (Kelly Lawson)
“We’ve had a very successful year because people in our community have supported us locally,” explained Mackin. “When we say, ‘Tuck is giving back to Sophia Recovery’ or ‘Tuck is giving back,’ it’s not just Tuck – its Tuck and all of the community that supports Tuck, so it’s like we’re bringing that donation on behalf of all of our clients and all of our customers.”
The layout has been reorganized to give more open space. Mackin’s goal was to create a beautiful space where women can be social and gather to work on goals and be confident in themselves.
Atkinson says the women at the centre were blown away by the transformation. “It just looks like a completely new space, but I also think they are really touched by the fact that it is so beautiful and this space has been put together with them specifically in mind,” she said.
This story was originally published on Huddle.Today – an Acadia Broadcasting Limited content partner.
