A violence-prevention group celebrated the grand opening of its Centre for Positive Relationships yesterday in Sylvan Lake.

The Central Alberta Regional Vision for Non-Violence Coalition is behind the facility, located on the second floor of the town's Family Community Centre.

The centre provides a number of resources. There is space for support groups and a confidential environment for clients, with referral supports for those affected by family violence, elder abuse and bullying.

Training sessions for service providers and the public, focused on family violence and bullying prevention, will be offered through the centre.

Books, DVDs and other materials can be checked out of the community resource library.

The centre also houses Lakeview Parent Link's family liaison advocate, who's available to assist families in crisis.

Funding for the project came from a $150,000 grant from the province.

The coalition's next goal is to open 12 other satellite facilities in each of its member communities, with the Sylvan Lake location acting as the hub. Those members include: Benalto, Bentley, Blackfalds, Bowden, Delburne, Eckville, Elnora, Innisfail, Lacombe, Rimbey, Rocky Mountain House and Stettler.

The centre is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Inside the Centre for Positive Relationships.