New PTSD facility Frontline Forward is now open in Kitchener
Posted Jun 22, 2019 03:57:19 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
After some setbacks, Kitchener PTSD facility Frontline Forward is celebrating their grand opening.
Today from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Kitchener residents can take a tour of the 8200 square foot wellness centre at 45 Shirley Avenue.
Besides a tour, the community can also participate in a Yoga or Move Strong class, enjoy a BBQ and more.
Frontline Forward aims to help first responders suffering from PTSD and their families continue an active lifestyle through resources and education.
Frontline Forward owner and creator, Bryan Stevens, says that the organization didn't want to focus on the stresses that are associated with PTSD in order to create a positive space for participants.
“We decided that we're not going to focus on the negative side of what's going on, ” says Stevens, ” We're going to focus on what it means to be healthy and what it means to be happier.”
Although Frontline Forward aims to help first responders and their families, Stevens, says that all are welcome to use the space.
“Our doors are open to everyone and anybody.” says Stevens.
Frontline Forward was hoping to open in August 2018, but faced construction and permit delays which pushed their opening day to June 2019.
While this moment has been long overdue, Stevens says he's not going to dwell on the setbacks.
“It ended up being a continuous juggling thing, but we got it done, and that was the main thing.”
Stevens says that Kitchener-Waterloo Region was the best location for Frontline Forward to begin, as the Region has three police stations and four hospitals.
“We have a number of first responders and their family members, that live right here in the area.” says Stevens, “We thought this was the right place to start as we are sitting in the middle of it all.”
Stevens says that the long-term goal for Frontline Forward is to expand its facilities across Ontario and eventually Canada.
“Let's put one of these in every community where it's needed and help as many people as we can.”
