Looking for help or resources?

Looking for help or resources? Visit BC211 at the following link http://www.bc211.ca

bc211
is a Vancouver-based nonprofit organization that specializes in providing information and referral regarding community, government and social services in BC. Our help line services include 211, the Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service (ADIRS), the Problem Gambling Help Line, VictimLink BC, and the Youth Against Violence Line.

Want to sign-up for Community Update emails? Enter your email address HERE to start receiving the updates we post below directly to your inbox!

What is The Social Planning Council?

Activities:

o Monthly Meetings: Attend meetings with guest speakers from within the community &/or presentations at each meeting. We currently meet the fourth Monday of every month (excluding summer) at City Hall with light lunch by donation.

o Facebook & Email Group: Utilize the network on Facebook. Start discussions, learn about & share upcoming community events, projects and meetings. If you don’t use Facebook, then join the email network instead.

o Inform City Council: The SPC provides reports to City Council regularly and the City keeps the SPC informed. Use the network and have your voices heard.



Strategic Direction of the Social Planning Council of Williams Lake & Area:

o Poverty Reduction and the local Living Wage Campaign.

o Community Collaboration and Networking.

o Retention and Succession of residents within the Area.



Community Social Planning:

o Supports communities in building an integrated approach to complex problems that take into account social, economic, and environmental concerns.

o Maximizes the effectiveness of often scarce resources by working to reduce duplication, overlap and competition.

o Provides an ongoing forum for communication, coordination and conflict resolution.



Monday, April 27, 2015

Meeting today is at the CCACS - Apr 27th

To confirm, today's meeting (April 27th) is at the Central Cariboo Arts & Culture Society (old Fire Hall) starting at 11:30 am.

Hope to see you there!

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Community Updates (24) - Apr 24, 2015



Table of Contents:
 
1) Next Social Planning Council Meeting - Monday Apr 27th at the CCACS
2) Communities that Care's - Positive Action Word of the Week
3) Reminder - Accessibility Awards - taking nominations right now
4) Reminder -  Poster Contest  deadline May 4th
5) Seniors Activity Centre's "Good, Used, Summer Clothing Sale" - Apr 25 & 26th
6) Dry Grad 2015 - Public Meeting May 12th (last one before Grad)
7) Boys & Girls Club fundraiser - Race for Kids (Amazing race style)
8) Survey by UBC GEOG 379b students - your participation is appreciated
9) Success for 6 - funding is available for projects supporting local children 0 - 6
10) Health Bite Vegetarian Supper Club - Sunday April 26th
11) Reminder -  April is BOOK DRIVE month
12) Spring Book Sale at the Williams Lake Branch - May 2 - 8th
13) Apply Now: Enabling Accessibility Fund - Community Accessibility
14) SD27 changes to the Community Use of Schools policy
15) Pay it Forward Day - April 30th
16) 7th Annual Seedy Saturday Events - May 9th
17) Busy BEE at Scout Island Nature Centre - free family day Sunday Apr 26th
18) BC Youth Week Celebrations - May 1 - 7th
19) "Voices" - an evening of uncensored* musical performances by Youth - May 8th
20) May Day - fun for kids May 1st
21) Mental Health First Aid Course - for Adults who interact with Youth on May 5 & 6th
22) McDonalds Bike Safety Rodeo- Saturday, May 2nd
23) Register today - Enterprising Non-Profits (ENP) Workshop - Jun 2nd
24) Women's Contact Society's Annual HANDBAGS of HOPE - May 15th

1) Next Social Planning Council Meeting - Monday Apr 27th at the City
Next Social Planning Council Meeting - Monday Apr 27th at 11:30 am at the Central Cariboo Arts & Culture Society (the Old Fire hall). This will be a cafe style strategic planning session relating the goals of the SPC to the OCP's Social Well Being and Resilient Economy sections.  Coffe, tea and light lunch will be provided (donations are appreciated but never required!). Hope to see you there!

If you are unable to attend, don't worry! We want your input and feedback and will be in contact in the near future with survey questions because we value your feedback about (y)our community.

2) Communities that Care's - Positive Action Word of the Week
The Positive Action word of the week of Apr 27, 2015 is: Truth: Something you can count on.
The Positive Action word of the week of May 4, 2015 is: Integrity: To do what you say you will do.

If you would like more background information about Positive Action please contact Carla Bullinger at 250-267-8249 or email comthatcares@sd27.bc.ca

3) Reminder - Accessibility Awards - taking nominations right now
The Williams Lake Accessibility Advisory Committee would like to encourage community members to nominate individuals, organizations and businesses that have made a significant contribution to improve accessibility within the City for the prestigious Annual Accessibility Award of Merit. Application deadline is fast approaching, with awards being announced during Access Awareness Day in June. For more information please visit www.williamslake.ca/267/Accessibility-Award

4) Reminder -  Poster Contest  deadline May 4th
Can you draw? Paint? Scribble? Want to help people who have a disability? Enter the contest to celebrate Access Awareness Day in June to raise public awareness about people with disabilities.

Draw a poster about something to do with disability: and experience you have had with someone who is disabled, a family member or friend with a disability, something you have observed, what a person with a disability has done, a difficulty they have encountered or something or some change needed in the world. Deadline for submissions is May 4th with prizes of $100 first place, $75 for second place and $25 for third place in each age category: Children to age 12, people aged 13 - 19, and Adults (19+).

For more information please phone Barb at 250-398-9373 or Margaret at 250-398-7724. Lear more about Access Awareness Day at www.sparc.bc.ca/access-awareness-day/

5) Seniors Activity Centre's "Good, Used, Summer Clothing Sale" - Apr 25 & 26th
From 9am - 3 pm on Saturday Apr 25th, and from 11am - 2pm on Sunday Apr 26th at the Seniors Activity Centre (lower level). Reasonable prices and everyone is welcome! For donation pick-up's or for more information please call 250-398-8025.

6) Dry Grad 2015 - Public Meeting May 12th (last one before Grad)
Tuesday May 12th at the Commons at Lake City Secondary's Williams Lake Campus at 7pm. The Decorating committee needs volunteers (contact Angie at 250-267-5144 or deanna11@telus.net). Volunteers are also needed for a variety of positions. Visit www.wldrygrad.ca or Williams Lake Dray Grad 2015 on Face book.

7) Boys & Girls Club fundraiser - Race for Kids (Amazing race style)
Looking for teams and volunteers: The Boys and Girls Club of Williams Lake is thrilled to announce a fun, new fundraiser to Williams Lake! We are participating in a new fundraising initiative called "Capital One Race for Kids". The event will take place on May 23, 2015 and is described as a combination of Amazing Race and Minute-to-Win-it. All funds raised from this event will support our after school programs.

After school is a crucial time to keep children and youth active and engaged. Giving children the opportunity for after school activities can positively influence individuals and communities in many ways. Your support of this event would be most appreciated and help to make our event successful. At this point we are looking for the community’s support in 2 ways:

a) Looking for Volunteers – we need lots of help with this event. Volunteers can sign-up right on the website www.raceforkids.ca/williamslake

b) Looking for Teams – the more the merrier! Teams of 4 can register any time on the website. If your place of business would like to put in a team, then the business itself can sponsor that team and help them with their fundraising efforts! The top individual fundraiser in Williams Lake will receive a WestJet voucher for two to anywhere WestJet flies!

Please visit the event websites at www.raceforkids.ca and www.raceforkids.ca/williamslake for more information. Or contact the Boys & Girls Club in Williams Lake at 250-392-5730

8) Survey by UBC GEOG 379b students - your participation is appreciated
"You are invited to participate in this research project being conducted by students at the University of British Columbia for a field course, GEOG 379b because you are residents of Williams Lake and we value your opinion on the current housing situation in Williams Lake. "The purpose of this research project is to analyse the City of William Lake's ICSP (Integrated Community Sustainability Plan), particularly their policy on housing affordability.

Your participation in this research survey is voluntary. You may choose not to participate. If you decide to participate in this research survey, you may withdraw at any time. If you decide not to participate in this study or if you withdraw from participating at any time, you will not be penalized."

For more information please email maro13@gmail.com

9) Success for 6 - funding is available for projects supporting local children 0 - 6
We want to hear from you! Success by 6 in Williams Lake is delighted to announce that we have funding available for projects supporting local children 0-6 and their families! This funding is for programs running from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016, and the deadline for completed proposals is May 31, 2015.

Success by 6 is a program administered through United Way which provides support for aboriginal and non-aboriginal community organizations and programs that benefit children up to the age of six. We receive funding every year from the BC government, United Way and BC Credit Unions, which we disperse throughout the Cariboo Chilcotin to non-profit groups to support young children and their families.

Success by 6 has two main priorities: preventing childhood vulnerability and aboriginal engagement – supporting programs and ideas from First Nations communities. In addition, our Community Table has identified four strategic directions: increasing awareness of the importance of early childhood development, engaging the community to take action in early childhood development, enriching community resources for the benefit of young children and increasing opportunities for families to access available community resources.

Collaborative programs and partnerships that fit these priorities and directions are encouraged! Some of our funded projects include the Family Literacy Festival and the Children’s Festival, playground equipment, computer software, toys, craft supplies and cultural programs for First Nations preschools and daycares, and equipment used by professionals working with children with developmental challenges.   

If you are a non-profit group with a great idea for an initiative, a program or an event in the Williams Lake area please contact me at leraehaynes@gmail.com, phone or text me at 250-398-9848 or contact me on Facebook (Williams Lake Success by 6.) If it would be helpful, I would be delighted to meet with you to help work out the details of your proposal.

If your proposal is successful, you will be required to sign a letter of agreement with Success by 6 before receiving the funding, and fill out an online survey for our records at the completion of your project.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely,
LeRae Haynes
Community Coordinator/ Aboriginal Engagement Coordinator
Success by 6 Williams Lake
 
10) Health Bite Vegetarian Supper Club - Sunday April 26th
Health Bite Vegetarian Supper Club's next dinner is on Sunday April 26th
Starting at 6 pm in the fireside room at 782 North 9th Avenue.
This is for anyone interested in a healthy lifestyle! 
Simply bring a vegetarian dish to share and the recipe.
This is a friendly, open group of people who would love to see you join in.
This time Rohan Watson is going to do one of his short health presentations.
See you there! For more information please email Gabi @
johngabi@telus.net

11) Reminder -  April is BOOK DRIVE month
Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy (CCPL) April Book Drive (and Books for Babies) runs all month long. Please donate used children's books for the Bright Red Bookshelves at local elementary schools, the Salt Jar, the Public Library, Heartland Toyota or bookshelves around the City. For more information please visit www.caribooliteracy.com or call Melody Newcombe at 250-791-5720, Janette Moller at 250-392-8161, or Bruce Mack at 250-392-6867.

12) Spring Book Sale at the Williams Lake Branch - May 2 - 8th
Purchase gently loved donated items and materials withdrawn from the library's collection. Books, magazines, and more are available at fantastic prices. Come early!

Saturday May 2nd - 10:30-4:30pm
Tuesday May 5th - 10:30-7:00pm
Wednesday May 6th - 10:30-4:30pm
Thursday May 7th - 10:30-4:30pm
Friday May 8th - 10:30-4:30pm

13) Apply Now: Enabling Accessibility Fund - Community Accessibility
The following is an e-mail update from the CRD Community Grant Writer. For more information, please contact the Community Grant Writer at grantwriter@cariboord.bc.ca

Employment and Social Development Canada is now accepting applications under the Enabling Accessibility Fund program for community accessibility projects.

The Community Accessibility Stream of the Enabling Accessibility Fund is designed to provide funding to eligible recipients for projects that improve accessibility in communities across Canada. Projects may include: a) renovating, retrofitting or constructing community facilities where programs and/or services are offered to people with disabilities; b) retrofitting motor vehicles used as community-based transportation; and, c) providing information and communications technologies to make them more accessible for the community.

To be considered eligible for funding, projects must be directly related to removing barriers and increasing accessibility for people with disabilities in Canadian communities. All projects must also meet the specific eligibility criteria identified in the calls for proposals, including support from the community.

The deadline for applications is Monday, April 27, 2015. For more information, visit http://www.esdc.gc.ca/eng/disability/eaf/community.shtml

Contact the Cariboo Regional District's Community Grant Writer at grantwriter@cariboord.bc.ca or call 250-392-3351 if your organization would like assistance applying to any of the above programs.

14) SD27 changes to the Community Use of Schools policy
There are now some opportunities to provide some feedback on these changes. Their webpage outlines the process:  http://www.sd27.bc.ca/policies-bylaws/

The School Board is going through a consultation process right now, where you can share your thoughts (http://thoughtexchange.com/the-group-insight-platform/)

Contact the School District office directly for more information.
 
15) Pay it Forward Day - April 30th
You are invited to be part of this year's international Pay it Forward Day (PIFD) where we are aiming to inspire over 5 million acts of kindness around the world and start a massive ripple effect of giving. We have 71 countries involved now with over 60 state and city proclamations. Thanks for your support - it would be awesome if you could you could ask your friends to join in as well.

Together we can change the world - one good deed at a time... visit www.payitforwardday.com

16) 7th Annual Seedy Saturday Events - May 9th
https://www.facebook.com/events/688028694653104/?ref=1

So much is taking place in the Cariboo Growers Parking Lot AND Herb Gardner Park in from of City Hall during this year's Seedy Saturday Event in Williams Lake, on May 9th from
Kick off the Cariboo gardening season at our 7th Annual Seedy Saturday, hosted by the Williams Lake Food Policy Council! A free family event, come and stock up on locally grown seedlings and saved seeds from our many vendors, and sign up for a Community Garden bed.

We will also be celebrating a huge milestone for Cariboo Growers, their 5th Birthday!

Come be entertained by the very talented PERFECT MATCH!  The Concert will be in the CARIBOO GROWERS parking lot, right across the street, to help celebrate Cariboo Growers' 5th Birthday!

Concert starts at 12:30 - free to listen (donations towards a new freezer at Cariboo Growers are greatly appreciated!). Also, check out their Facebook page, "Perfect Match Williams Lake"

17) Busy BEE at Scout Island Nature Centre - free family day Sunday Apr 26th
Free Family day at Scout Island with Beekeeper Diane Dunaway on Sunday April 26th from 1 - 3 pm. Half the day will be outside observing the local bees and the honey bee hive that lives inside the nature house.

Everyone is welcome (all ages) and no registration is required. Bring warm clothes (and gloves), and waterproof winter boots for time outside.

Contact SINC with any questions at 250-398-8532 or email lthemaryforbes@gmail.com.

18) BC Youth Week Celebrations - May 1 - 7th
Friday May 1 - Project Soul Performance
6 - 7 pm (doors open at 5:30)
Lake City Secondary (640 Carson Drive)
Tickets available at Pregnancy Outreach and the Cariboo Regional District Library

Saturday May 2nd - Free Swim
6:30 - 8:00 pm
Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex
Free

Monday May 5th - Remote Control Car Track
4:30 - 6:00 pm
Marie Sharpe Court Yard (250 Cameron Street)

Wednesday May 6th - Youth BBQ at the Boys & Girls Club
5 - 7 pm (youth 13 - 18 are welcome to join)
Boys & Girls Club (17 South 4th Ave - across from Safeway)

Friday May 8th - VOICES Event
6:00 - 8:30 pm
Lake City Secondary (640 Carson Drive)
See more information below on the VOICES event!

Visit https://www.facebook.com/youthweekwilliamslake or call the Boys & Girls Club at 250-392-5730 for more information.

19) "Voices" - an evening of uncensored* musical performances by Youth - May 8th
In celebration of BC Youth Week (May 1 - 7th) all ages are welcome to this drug and alcohol free evening of uncensored musical performances by Youth on May 8th from 6 - 8:30 pm at Lake City Secondary (Williams Lake Campus). Admission is FREE to this 2nd Annual Event in Williams Lake. Refreshments and prizes are available.

For more information please contact Linda at the Boys & Girls Club at 250-392-5730 or linda@bgcwilliamslake.com or Ryan at Youth for Christ at 250-398-7765 or hotspotyfc@shawbiz.ca

*please be aware some content may not be appropriate for younger audience members.

20) May Day - fun for kids May 1st
The Chickadee Early Childhood and Learning Centre is celebrating Mayfest on May 1st at the Miocene Community Hall from 10am - 2pm. There will be craft activities, maypole dancing, flower crown making, storytelling, traditional games and snacks. Everyone is welcome to attend and there is no admission fee. For more information please call (1)-250-296-3265

21) Mental Health First Aid Course - for Adults who interact with Youth on May 5 & 6th
The prevalence of mental health concerns in youth is estimated at 20%. Do you know how to help?

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Canada For Adults who Interact with Youth teaches first aid skills to adults so they can provide help to youth (ages 12-24) developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. In 14 hours* you will learn:

·  Signs and symptoms of common mental health problems and crisis situations
·   Basic actions for mental health first aid
·   Information about effective interventions and treatments
·   How to access help and resources

Mental Health Problems: Substance Related Disorders, Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Psychosis, Deliberate Self Injury and Eating Disorders.

Crisis Situations: Overdose, Suicidal Behaviour, Panic Attacks/Acute Stress Reaction, Acute Psychosis

Date: May 5th & 6th 2015
Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location: 51-4th Ave South Williams Lake BC
Fee: $75.00
To register: call CMHA 250 398 8220
More info: www.mentalhealthfirstaid.ca

*Certificates provided to those who attend the entire 14 hours

22) McDonalds Bike Safety Rodeo- Saturday, May 2nd
Bring your bike and helmet for inspection, take part in our obstacle course and learn safety tips on Saturday May 2nd from 11am - 2pm in the Canadian Tire Parking lot*. This community event is free - to register call 250-398-7665

Participants can enter a dram for a new bike courtesy of Canadian Tire!

*If there is poor weather the event will be moved indoors to the Recreation Complex's Rink 1).

23) Register today - Enterprising Non-Profits (ENP) Workshop - Jun 2nd
A business operated by a non-profit organization is called a social enterprise. They can take many forms and operate across almost every sector. Social enterprise allows a non-profit to generate income by selling a product or service while creating social, cultural or environmental value.

Presented by the United Way and hosted by the CCACS, "Building your Social Enterprise" workshop provides a unique opportunity to have your questions answered. Learn about social enterprise, hear examples from across the province and qualify to apply for an ENP grant to plan and/or develop your social enterprise project. The workshop introduces the what & why as well as an overview of the stages of business development: readiness, pre-feasibility, fesibility studies, and business planning. You must register in advance to reserve your seat.

In Williams Lake, this workshop is taking place:
Tuesday Jun 2nd
Starts at 9:00 am
@ the Central Cariboo Arts & Culture Society (90 Fourth Ave North)
Registration: $20 first person (2nd registrant free)
http://www.gifttool.com/registrar/ShowEventDetails?ID=1670&EID=19422

24) Women's Contact Society's Annual HANDBAGS of HOPE - May 15th
On Friday May 15th, attend the annual Women's Contact Society's (WCS) "Handbags of Hope" event taking place at Chances Signal Point Gaming Centre (1640 Broadway Ave South in Williams Lake) starting at 6pm.

There is a Handbag Auction with Mystery Prizes and all proceeds go towards Prevention of Violence against Women programs. Tickets are available at the WCS or Signal Point Gaming Centre. Call 250-392-4118 for more information.


Feel free to share these updates around the community. The next update will be sent in two weeks from today! Feel free to pass on your events and notices for inclusion!

Mar 23, 2015 - SPC Meeting Mins (draft)



SPC Monthly Meeting Minutes draft - Mar 23, 2015
Location: City of Williams Lake, 11:30 - 1:00 pm
In attendance (from sign-in sheet): Margo Wagner, Susan Erlandsov, Melissa Newberry, Monica Johnson, Shannon Thom, Kourtney Cook, Diana French, Diane Wright, Carla Bullinger and Jessica Knodel

Accept Mins & Agenda
Review & accept meeting minutes from Feb 23, 2015 - Motion FSC
Review & accept meeting agenda for Mar 23, 2015  - Motion FSC
Revisit action items from last meeting - all actions completed

Presentation by Margo Wagner, Cariboo Regional District Director (Electoral Area H)
Margo Wagner presents the survey results from the "Central and South Cariboo Mental Health Services Gaps Analysis - Final Report"

Background: "BC Healthy Communities" have grants for local government  so Director Sorely began inviting as many people together (mental health stakeholder groups together). The momentum was shared and group got bigger. Over 17 metal health stakeholders came to a meeting - from Superintendent of SD, Interior health, Mayor from 100 Mile, CMHA and within 5 minutes it was noticed that most people had never met face to face  although 100 Mile & Williams Lake are only 50 mins away from each other!).

Two stage grant process:

Stage 1 for 5K (it was a challenge because mental health is so linked to physical health - big chain effect). Letters of support came in and they got the grant. They spent money doing this gap analysis. It was at the semi Annual Regional Hospital district meeting where Margot's interest in this began. Joan had a personal reason to begin this initiative (lost someone to suicide).

At this semi Annual meeting, where Margot was... there was no initiatives for the North West because no one really knew what was going on so could not speak to it. This bothered Margot, and the other stakeholders who knew there were gaps, therefore Kimberly Vance-Lundsbye was hired as researcher for a gap analysis survey, which the results of are being presented today.

Survey Questions included: What services are available? How are they intended to work? Do they actually work? What are some road blocks to accessing services? How can we work collaboratively together?

Respondents included: 52 respondents from organizations, 33 people who have used services.

Some Statistics include:
·         46% of total respondents worked in direct client contact
·         37% in 100 Mile
·         52% in WL
·         12% other or both
·         Referrals to other agencies - highest
·         Immigration support - lowest
·         Women geared organizations almost double those for  men.
·         Residents/clients who responded:
·         39% of participants were from 100 Mile Area & 61% from WL area
·         30-39 age group largest, 50-59 is second highest age group, 40-49 in between
·         18-20 & 17 or younger was the lowest user group who accessed services
·         Of the Service providers:  63% felt their services were working (program design and delivery and inter agency collaboration), 37% named geographical constraints, and a lack of specialized care providers as barriers to meeting client needs.
·         Inter agency collaboration - 56% felt knowledgeable about other agencies services., 96% reported they had an established practice f referring clients to other agencies.
·         Major themes emerged as main barriers: Waiting lists! Geographical constraints (isolated) or costs to travel and take time off work etc., "navigating the system", and cultural competency (third huge issue).

The full report is available on the CRD's website at: www.cariboord.ca/uploads/1412/South_and_Central_Mental_Health_Gaps_Final_Report-pdf (or search Gap Analysis in the top right search)

Discussions which followed:
Monica - this particular survey is more of a regional summary, not a gap analysis per se. Is there more info? Margot - it is more an overview of the whole program.

Some changes that have happened since: Interior Health (while in Whistler) mentioned they came to the first presentation... so this has made a difference in getting funding and bringing awareness to our area.

Capital projects were since approved to accommodate mental health clients - e.g. If there is no room for people, they can be safely housed temporarily while crisis nurses on site. For all ages. (Observation unit/room expanded at the Hospital).

Next steps: apply again for BELL grant to reduce the stigma associated with metal health. With the 50K application- getting some mental health facilitator workers trained to go out into the community (to the industries mills and mines and SD). Because they are supposed to give this info to their employees but don't. Also to remote rural communities - focus on well-being, info and sessions.

Also, next year. Stage 2 - for 20K (once more developed).

The CRD continues to hold stakeholder meetings.

It was pointed out that this does not provide a framework for addressing the gaps. There was differences btw clients vs. professional view of services. Funding to do the same doesn't solve identified issues. This is more of a "background" document to leverage funding, but it is not transformative in its application.

Margot - not a quick fix, but people have said it has helped them immensely, including Interior Health. A meeting Al Richmond was at in Vancouver even mentioned it. So, when people apply for additional funding this document/survey helps them leverage their application.

Hospital does capital funding, but not service funding. This is frustrating. This survey is initiating conversations to move forward.

The new drop-in model in our community is moving into will change the face of things - it will be interesting to see how things play out.

Strategic Planning for 2015
At the next Monthly SPC meeting, we will create an action oriented strategic work plan for 2015 that incorporates the already structured SPC main pillars.

Invitation requests: Joan Sorely, Janice Bell & Al Richmond, our City reps, Scott Tolko, other Industry,  Larry Stranberg, Interior Health's Jocelyn Wood, Amber Sommer Hayes (Chamber), SD, TRU (Ray), Cathy Laurients, MCFD (Troy & Diane McHardy), CDC, Irene, Ben & Isobel from Salvation Army, BIA, First Nations groups - WL Indian Band (Carol Archie, Social Development Manager), Three corners health group, Sarah from Punky Lake, Tanya Moores (from TNG), Recreation Services, RCMP, FPC, and Council of Canadians.

Action: ask the above to attend the next SPC meeting. If they are unable to attend in person, we will be contacting them for participation via online survey or phone call after the meeting.

Monthly Briefing Template
Discuss and review template for monthly de-briefings to be sent to City Council once a month to improve communications between local governments (City, CRD) and our MLA. One page brief per month - easy at a glance and a chronological record for us.

Review & Comments:
Looks good, and easy to read.
"Next Steps/Recommendations" - change to "Recommendations to Council"
"Community Initiatives" change to "Actions Completed"
Put colour back into the headers

Also treat this as an executive summary to go before mtg minutes.

First "quarterly" submission to be finalized at next meeting (then will be submitted monthly after each meeting).

Roundtable Updates
(Those not included in Community Updates are below)

MelissaNewberry (BBBS)
Re: Bowl for Kids Sake - 27th annual event. Great support (and vibe) from the community. There are some spots still open with 73 current official teams (want to cut it off at 80 - 90). Having it on a Friday night has helped some work organizations. Face book and social media has also helped get the word out. On a different subject, there is some start up funding from our national body with a focus on preventative measures including healthy eating choices, etc including  Go Girl and Game On's.

Monica Johnson
Update on Project Comeback: The project us moving forward slowly in conversations with Darrell.

Shannon Thom - Williams Lake Employment Services
WorkBC is travelling around the province on a "Find your fit" initiative program this Thursday from 3 - 7pm - Visit www.findyourfittour.ca for more information.

Kourtney Cook - Gibraltar Mine
Some people have been re-hired at different capacities. Things are remaining to look positive.

Diana French
Bill C15 - anti-terrorism legislation is of concern to all citizens. A presentation is taking place in WL at St Peters Anglican Church on Mar 31 at 7pm (100 Mile on Monday, Tues WL, and Wed in Quesnel).

Carla Bullinger, CCPL & CTC
At January's SPC presentation by the CCPL, it was mentioned that Books for Babies had lost Kiwanis funding. After that meeting,  George Atamanenko spoke to the Williams Lake & District Credit Union who then called Carla with a funding offer to continue the program. This is just one more example of how networking at the SPC table can create positive community results.

Meeting adjourned. The next monthly meeting is scheduled for April 27, 2015 at 11:30 am location TBA

Contact Us

The Social Planning Council is made up of volunteers from the community. Many of us work in social services agencies or also volunteer for other organizations.

Our Mailing Address is Box 20045, Williams Lake BC V2G 4R1

To reach the Society Coordinator Jessica Dunn please email spc-coordinator@xplornet.com or call 250-243-2126

To reach the Communities that Care Project Facilitator Barb Jones please email communitiesthatcare.wl@gmail.com or call 250-305-4838

To reach the THRIVE Williams Lake Project Manager Anne Burrill please email annelburrill@gmail.com or call 250-267-7211

To reach the current SPC Chair Larry Stranberg please email happytrails@cfdccariboo.com or call 250-392-3626