It was the Portage Family Abuse Prevention Centre's annual general meeting last night in Portage la Prairie.

The group's financial stability continued over the year, and Executive Director Joyce Schrader explains why.

"The board has given direction, and the staffing component has been very stable over the past few years. So we're at a very comfortable position, which allows us to do even better work and to meet our client needs in a great way that we might not otherwise do. So we have no worries, and I just want to say thank you to the community and the United Way, without them we wouldn't be in this position able to help."

Board Chair Kristin Desrochers says family violence is an issue that must be discussed.

"This is a place we wish didn't have to exist. It exists because of family violence, and if that was not an issue we wouldn't have to be here. However, it is an issue, it's an important issue. It's prevalent, and it's important to raise awareness, and that's something else the shelter does. It's not all in-house work with clients, it's also a lot of work in the community to raise awareness."

Schrader gives her thoughts on the year that's passed.

"We've had a wonderful year in some ways. Obviously we're here to help women fleeing abuse, but I'm very grateful for the board and the staff. At the AGM we celebrate the successful year we've had in meeting the needs of the clients and maintaining a shelter that the community can be proud of."

Schrader and Desrochers both thank the United Way and the community for all of their support.