A grassroots nonprofit formed to support, connect, and celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Moose Jaw and surrounding rural areas. We’re building something long overdue—a safe, welcoming space where queer and trans folks of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences can feel seen, supported, and empowered. Born out of the need for real connection and visibility, PRISM is here to fill the gap with compassion, creativity, and pride.
Whether you’re looking for peer support, community events, opportunities to volunteer, or simply a place where you don’t have to explain who you are—we’re here. PRISM is made up of locals who care deeply, including queer veterans, newcomers, allies, and longtime Moose Jaw residents. We believe in showing up for one another, creating space for joy and healing, and building something that will last for generations to come.
The idea for PRISM was born after seeing how isolated and unsupported Moose Jaw’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community had become. It started with a simple but powerful goal: to create a space where queer and trans people feel seen, safe, and connected.
PRISM’s founding board came together with a shared vision of rebuilding queer community in Moose Jaw. These committed volunteers began shaping the foundation for lasting support, visibility, and safe spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ people across the region.
On June 25th, PRISM Community Services Inc. became a legally incorporated nonprofit in Saskatchewan. This milestone marks the official beginning of our work to support, connect, and uplift the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Moose Jaw and beyond.
Founder and Chair Sarah often jokes that she started PRISM to find a date, but the truth runs deeper. After her partner of ten years left shortly after moving to Moose Jaw, she realized how difficult it was to find community. Rather than simply complain, she chose to create a solution, and PRISM was born.
Sarah served 26 years in the Canadian Armed Forces, including deployments with both the Navy and the Air Force. Her career took her from the decks of naval vessels in Somalia, Haiti, and the former Yugoslavia to service in Afghanistan with the Air Force. That experience shaped her commitment to teamwork, resilience, and service — values she carries into her community work today.
Beyond PRISM, Sarah serves as Treasurer on a local recreation board, fosters cats for SCRAPS, and continues to support the inclusive Heathen kindred she helped to found. She is also working toward her lay ministerial license with the United Church, seeking to help fill the spiritual and community vacuum left by the loss of St Andrews. Whether through military service, volunteering, or advocacy, Sarah has always worked to strengthen community and create spaces where everyone belongs.
Patti Sterzer was born in Moose Jaw and spent her school years in the town of Balgonie. After graduation she moved back to attend Saskpolytech and then again 7 years later after living in Saskatoon and Regina to raise her family. Moose Jaw kept calling her back. Patti has changed her career later in life to Human Resources because she believes people should be accountable for their actions but also deserve a second chance to get things right. Education is unending and that doesn’t just stop at school and the workforce but human ethics as well.
She has the fundamental belief that everyone deserves to be treated fairly in life and judgement should not be upon those that are protected under the charter. Patti felt called to step up after it was made evident in the last election how people are stepping backwards in that belief and it’s time for all allies to come together and help strengthen the voice of all communities under attack. No one in a community should feel unwanted, unloved, lonely or unsafe. As treasurer and a member of the board Patti values honesty, integrity and complete transparency. She believes she should be challenged everyday by herself and others to do better and be better.
Lisa E is the Secretary for PRISM. Born and raised in the North East of England, Lisa immigrated to Canada nearly 20 years ago, but when you speak to her, you will still hear her ‘Geordie’ accent. Lisa spent a decade working in Healthcare Admin in the UK, moving into Industrial Administration (Production and H&S) for 10 years on moving to Calgary, and then moved back to Healthcare Administration on moving to Moose Jaw in 2015. She spent 8 years coordinating the local MJ Family Medicine Residency Program and now works in Patient Safety and Experience.
Lisa was fortunate to be raised by loving and liberal parents, who taught acceptance, love and kindness. Lisa is committed to being an ally, not in name, but in action. She wants to make a difference not only through her role in healthcare, but through community and advocacy, helping to make sure supports are in place for those who need them, and that there is always a safe place for people to land.
Erin Hidlebaugh is the Program and Event Coordinator at AIDS Programs South Saskatchewan, where she leads inclusive programming rooted in harm reduction, community support, and queer advocacy. She previously worked with Moose Jaw Pride, building safer spaces and visibility for 2SLGBTQIA+ people in smaller communities. Erin is also deeply engaged in frontline support, with a passion for harm reduction and addressing homelessness, ensuring that people who use substances and those experiencing housing insecurity are met with dignity, compassion, and resources.
Beyond her professional role, Erin volunteers her time in local advocacy, including serving on the City of Moose Jaw’s Accessibility Advisory Committee. She brings forward a strong commitment to equity, working to make systems and services more inclusive for people with disabilities and marginalized groups. Erin’s advocacy is also shaped by her family. Her eldest child, an autistic queer youth, has been a vocal advocate for queer students’ rights and against Bill 137. Her youngest child, who has ADHD and learning disabilities, inspires her daily to push for more accessible, supportive environments for all young people. With a blend of professional expertise, grassroots experience, and lived understanding, Erin is dedicated to advancing equity, inclusion, harm reduction, and social justice at every level of community life.
PRISM Community Services Inc. was founded right here in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. We’re a local, grassroots nonprofit built by and for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Our team is made up of people who live, work, and care deeply about this city and the surrounding rural areas. We understand the unique challenges of being queer in smaller communities, because we’ve lived them—and that’s why we’re committed to creating a visible, inclusive, and supportive space right here at home.
At this time, PRISM Community Services Inc. does not operate a permanent space or drop-in centre—but it’s part of our long-term vision. For now, we host community events, peer support groups, and meetings in accessible public spaces around Moose Jaw. As we grow, we hope to establish a dedicated space where 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals can gather safely, access resources, and find community every day. Stay connected with us on social media or through our newsletter to learn where we’ll be next!
PRISM Community Services Inc. is currently registered as a nonprofit organization in Saskatchewan, but we are not yet a registered charity with the Canada Revenue Agency. This means we can accept donations and fundraise, but we cannot issue tax receipts at this time. Becoming a registered charity is a longer process, and we may pursue it in the future as we grow. In the meantime, your support still goes directly toward building programs, events, and resources for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Moose Jaw.
You can donate by e-transfer or in person. We also accept SARCAN donations to the Group Phrase: PRISM, and you can use the CO-OP number 59095 to donate your Coop points for rebate cheques. Anonymous donations are welcome. We’re working on becoming a registered charity, so we can’t issue tax receipts—but your support goes directly into creating something meaningful, lasting, and deeply needed. Thank you for helping us light the way.
Every contribution—big or small—makes a difference. Whether it’s $5, $50, or more, your support helps PRISM build safe, inclusive spaces and programs for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Moose Jaw. You can also donate anonymously if you prefer. What matters most is that you’re part of something meaningful—helping us grow a community where everyone belongs.
