A passion for helping others
TRURO, N.S. – Michaela Maclachlan first came to The Lotus Centre as an administrative assistant on a job creation placement.
Today, 11 years later, she’s the executive director.
“I feel I have a sense of purpose here,” she said. “I’ve formed a lot of great relationships with women who come in here. We help them, but they also help us. We’re all women and we all need support.”
She took over the executive director duties in November, but her role wasn’t official until January.
“I’ve been here so long and seen so many things from the front lines it helps,” she said. “It gives me insight into decision making. There are still things I need to learn. I’m working on grant writing and people management.
“We’re brainstorming on planning events. We want to make them more exciting and have more people take part. We’re trying to create a new energy.”
The centre runs Girl Power camps and women’s support programs and workshops, as well as organizing the Take Back the Night gathering. Some new programming will be launched in the spring.
The centre also houses
Jackie’s Closet, offering free clothing to women, and a hygiene closet, which offers personal hygiene items. Donations for the closets are always welcome.
The Lotus Centre was called The Central Nova Women’s Resource Centre for many years, and Maclachlan has been with it when it was based on Prince Street (two different locations) and on the Esplanade, before moving into its current home. The two-storey building on Dominion Street was purchased by the centre in 2017.
“I’m pleased with the work we’re doing here, and I hope to make more community partnerships so that we can help people in the most efficient way,” said Maclachlan. “Helping is our focus.”
Other staff members are Sarah Pearson, women’s support worker; Sandi Dunbar, administrative assistant; and Gus, a 10-year-old poodlebichon frise whose official title is team motivator.