mage: Pearl Life / Some of the people behind Pearl Life Renewal Society. Buddy, the comfort mascot in the centre, is pictured with executive director Cindy Sommerfield (centre). 

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Chilliwack non-profit expands

Chilliwack group serving exploited women expands operations, sees rise in addicted or prostituted girls

Jul 3, 2025 | 2:56 PM

CHILLIWACK — A Chilliwack-based non-profit whose mission is centered on improving the lives of sexually exploited women has expanded its operations at a time when it reports seeing more teenaged girls experiencing addiction or exploitation.

In its latest newsletter released Thursday, Pearl Life Renewal Society says it welcomed over 117 women the past quarter, including 22 new intakes, prompting it to expand its operations and keep its centre open four days a week.

In addition, the society says it served over 600 meals to its guests and clients in just a 30-day period, to illustrate how their activities are ramping up to meet growing demand.

Pearl Life works to meet immediate physical needs, including food, rest and safety, of women while tending to what the society refers to as deep spiritual wounds.

Image: Pearl Life Renewal / A view of the Resource Centre where clients of Pearl Life Renewal gather in a safe setting.

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“Many who walk through our doors have been labeled by professionals as beyond the scope of care and often through the cracks of the system,” Pearl Life wrote in its newsletter. “Yet Pearl remains a place of welcome, where the door stays open and hope is never lost.”

Part of their service platform involves pre-recovery workshops with stated goals of detox and treatment.

“We recently celebrated one about to graduate from first stage recovery, and two transitioning to third stage housing, having completed job training,” the society said.

It also acknowledged some of the grief associated with losing people they have come into contact with.

“Still, the weight of the daily challenges of this work is real. The loss of even one life among the ‘least of these’ is deeply heartbreaking,” Pearl Life said. “But in His strength, we make every effort to continue extending the invitation of grace and the transforming power of the Gospel.”

As a result of these losses this past year, Pearl says it has spearheaded an immediate response task group to attend to those identified as “Elevated Risk of Sexual Violence.” The goal is to create an inter-agency immediate response protocol as well as an emergency response team capable of supporting victims in critical instances.

“The alarming issue before us is the rising number of young girls in addiction and prostitution or exploitation (12-16 years old),” Pearl wrote. “There is almost no support for them to help stabilize them with a safe shelter,” adding that they intend to partner with other service providers to anticipate the growing numbers and address these catastrophic gaps in services for this age group.”

Pearl works collaboratively through trauma-informed practices, strength-based supportive services, empowering women to make steps for lasting change. It offers a drop-in day program three days a week where women can have home-cooked meals, access laundry services, have a shower and flourish in a non-judgemental, safe place to grow while exploring resources. It is also a place where women can connect with service providers and families in a supportive environment.

Pearl will hold an open house and pop-up event later this month on Saturday, July 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at its Resource Centre, 9242 Main Street. It’s a great opportunity for the public to shop its inventory, tour Pearl and hear more about the impact it’s having in the community. Visit their website at pearliferenewal.com.