Friday was opening day for the Pembina Counselling Centre's (PCC) Crystal City satellite office.

Executive Director Paul Penner said after an individual from the area approached the Centre asking if they would consider expanding its services to another area. Penner explained they thought about this and set out some conditions, which needed to be met before an office would be opened.

"The first one is the services the PCC can provide would match the specific desire from the community to provide that kind of service,'' said Penner. "Secondly that the interest for PCC to provide services would be broad enough to include businesses, churches, community leadership, and other professional service providers. Thirdly that the interest would be deep enough to underwrite the infrastructure costs to be there. So, it could be sustainable."

After speaking with a number of people in the community the need was apparent, Penner explained.

The community will have access to these services, starting today. The office will be open every other Friday morning moving forward, but as demand increases so will the hours of service. Penner noted the next step would see the satellite office open on a weekly basis.

Penner stressed, their staff are always willing to listen.

"The Pembina Counselling Centre is committed to providing professional values-based counselling to the Pembina Valley," said Penner.

To make an appointment for the Crystal City location potential clients can call the Morden office.