Community Updates (15) - Feb 23, 2018

Table of Contents:

1) Next SPC Meeting is this Monday Feb 26, 2018 at 11:30 am

2) FREE Gaming Grant Writer Workshop - Mar 6th - RSVP

3) Success by Six - looking for legacy project ideas

4) CCACS 's - Spring into Art Makers Fair - Mar 10

5) Strong Start - free early learning parent participation program

6) TRU Gala - Spring Dreams - Sat Mar 19

7) Women's Spirituality Circle Event - Sat Mar 17th 10 - 6pm

8) Free Swim at the Recreation Complex - Sat Mar 3 from 4 - 7 pm

9) Free Skate at the Recreation Complex - Sun Mar 11 from 1:45 - 3:15 pm

10) Province of BC - Poverty Reduction Strategy

11) Journey Through Grief: Grief Recovery Support Group (begins Apr 4)

12) Williams Lake Hospice Society is... looking for volunteers

13) CTC's Positive Action Word of the Week(s)

14) Red Cross help is available

15) Looking for Community Resources - visit www.bc211.ca

1) Next SPC Meeting is this Monday Feb 26, 2018 at 11:30 am

You are invited to attend the next monthly Social Planning Council meeting this upcoming Monday, Feb 26th from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm at the Community Futures office in downtown Williams Lake. The draft agenda is below and last month's minutes (draft) is available online at the following link:

http://socialplanningcouncil.blogspot.ca/2018/02/spc-monthly-meeting-mins-draft-jan-22.html

Agenda:

·      Accept Minutes & Agenda

·      Presentation: BC Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations & Rural 

       Development's, Community Wildfire Recovery will be giving us an update on slope      

       stability and environmental rehabilitation within the region, and addressing  

       questions  and concerns.

·      THRIVE Williams Lake Project

·      Provincial Poverty Reduction Strategy

·      Future Projects and Strategic Planning

·      Roundtable Updates

2) FREE Gaming Grant Writer Workshop - Mar 6th - RSVP

Is your organization applying to the BC Community Gaming Grant Program? Attend this workshop and learn how to write and submit a successful application.

This workshop will be taught by Marvene Layte, Northern Interior Communities Association Coordinator, and is geared towards organizations applying to the BC Community Gaming Grant Program. Attendees will learn how to write and submit a successful application to the program which funds arts and culture, sports, public safety, environment, and social programs.

Organizations attending the workshop will also have the opportunity to sign up for a 30-minute one-on-one grant writing session between 1pm and 3pm of the same day. Sessions are offered on a first come, first served basis and must be pre-booked prior to the day of the workshop.

ONLY 16 SEATS AVAILABLE! FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED!

DATE: Tuesday, March 6th, 2018

TIME: 9:30am - 12:30pm (with a limited number of half hour one-on-one sessions between 1:00pm and 3:00pm)

VENUE: Community Futures South Cariboo, 266 Olive Street, Williams Lake, BC

COST: FREE

To register, please call our office at 250-392-3626*. Please indicate if you would like a one-on-one session with the grant writer when you sign up.

*If you are unable to attend the session, please give us 24 hours’ notice so that we may inform a potential participant who has been waitlisted.

3) Success by Six - looking for legacy project ideas

Success by 6 seeking out another 'legacy project' a sustainable project that is reflective of a gap or need for children 0-6 and their families in our community. 

Success by 6, funded by the BC Government, United Way and BC Credit Unions, supports programs, events and initiatives that enhance the lives of children 0-6 and their families, in Williams Lake and outlying areas. 

We have a list of ' legacy' projects that we fund every year, in addition to the 'applications' we receive from agencies and organizations. These legacy projects include four annual free family festivals, the bike rodeo, transportation vouchers for families, a free fitness program and more. 

We are currently seeking additional legacy projects - sustainable programs or events that reflect a gap or need in the community. If someone at the SPC has an idea for a great project, we'd love to hear from you!

LeRae Haynes

Community/Aboriginal Engagement Coordinator

Success by 6

Williams Lake

250-398-9848

4) CCACS 's - Spring into Art Makers Fair - Mar 10

Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society is excited to present, the "Spring into Art" Makers' Fair - March 10th at the Arts Centre in Williams Lake.

Spring into Art is a one-day expo of creativity with entry-level workshops in seven different artistic media. All materials are provided, and no experience is necessary. Spring into Art is a launching pad for adults and mature youth interested in finding a new creative outlet.

Workshops and contributors include:

Pottery; Lesley Lloyd

Creative Writing; Cat Fink

Pen-and-ink drawing; Ciel Patenaude

Fibre Art; Linda Pujue

Charcoal Drawing; Kathryn Steen

Improv/Theatre; Sheryl-Lynn Lewis

Music; Branon Hoffman

Ask us about staff or group rates. For more information, or to register visit www.centralcaribooarts.com/springintoart (or visit The Open Book store).

Half day: $47 plus tax (morning or afternoon, two workshops of your choosing)

Full day: $93 plus tax (four workshops of your choosing)

5) Strong Start - free early learning parent participation program

A StrongStart Centre is a school-based, early learning parent participation program and provides a new gateway to lifelong learning. On your first visit to any StrongStart Centre, please bring your child’s Birth Certificate and Care Card to register into the program.

It offers a high quality early learning opportunity to families with young children that encourages problem-solving skills, self-esteem building practices, and the social skills that will help them successfully manage in school and lay a foundation for life-long learning.

This program recognizes that the parent is the first and most important teacher in a child’s life. Increased involvement in their child’s education contributes to success and teaches family literacy and the importance of a family-involved education.

The StrongStart Early Learning Centres are funded and supported by the Ministry of Education and School District No. 27.

In Williams Lake and Area, StrongStart schedules can be found below:

Cataline - M - F from 9 am - 12pm

Marie Sharpe M - F from 9 am  - 12 pm

Mountview M - F from 8:30 am - 11:30 am

150 Mile House T & Th from 8:30 - 11:30 am

Horsefly Wednesdays from 9 am - 12 pm

Big Lake Mondays from 9 am - 12 pm

Please visit http://www.sd27.bc.ca/programs/early-learning-programs/strongstart/ for more information and any schedule changes.

6) TRU Gala - Spring Dreams - Sat Mar 19

Join TRU Grit for an unforgettable spring-like evening featuring dinner, dancing, silent and live auction in support of Thompson Rivers University Williams Lake scholarships and awards.

Saturday, in the Auditorium

Cocktails at 6:00 pm

Dinner at 7:00 pm

Dancing at 9:00 pm

Purchase your tickets now at:

https://www.tru.ca/williamslake/gala.html

Sponsorship and donations

Donations, sponsorships and contributions to the Gala are greatly appreciated. Contributions can be made through a few ways:

• Cash donation
• Sponsorship (dinner, cocktails, entertainment, etc.)
• Live auction items
• Silent auction items

Gala proceeds provide financial support for TRU Williams Lake students.

Contact Nancy Giesbrecht at ngiesbrecht@tru.ca or 250-302-1052 for more information.

7) Women's Spirituality Circle Event - Sat Mar 17th 10 - 6pm

Women's Spirituality Circle Event, Rising from the Ashes - Sparks of Hope is taking place Saturday Mar 17th from 10 am - 6pm at St Andrew's United Church (1000 Huckvale Place in Williams Lake).

Women's Spirituality Circle invites you to our 4th Annual gathering. We've created this day to explore, process and move through the energies left behind by a summer of extreme wildfires. Join with women of all ages, from a wide range of spiritual traditions, for a day that will uncover teachings about fire from many perspectives and offer tools and practices that spark our hope and resilience.

Activities include a multi-faith panel on fire teachings, sharing circles, expressive arts workshops and entertainment. A delicious lunch is provided and child-minding is available if requested in advance.

Pick up your FREE TICKET at Open Book or CMHA offices (51 South 4th Avenue WL) before Tuesday March 13th.

For more info contact Margaret Anne at 250.305.4426

8) Free Swim at the Recreation Complex - Sat Mar 3 from 4 - 7 pm

Free Swim at the Recreation Complex on Saturday Mar 3rd from 4 - 7 pm sponsored by the Williams Lake Lioness Club. For more info call 250-398-7665.

9) Free Skate at the Recreation Complex - Sun Mar 11 from 1:45 - 3:15 pm

Free Skate at the Recreation Complex on Sunday Mar 11 from 1:45 - 3:15 pm sponsored by Canadian Parents for French. For more info call 250-398-7665. Note - helmets are mandatory for 6 years and younger, and strongly recommended for all skaters on the ice.

10) Province of BC - Poverty Reduction Strategy

Submit your feedback online at https://engage.gov.bc.ca/bcpovertyreduction/ by March 30, 2018 at 4 p.m.

We’re building a poverty reduction strategy, and you can help.

The poverty rate in B.C. is among the worst in Canada. Too many people are struggling to make ends meet, earn a living wage, or find and keep affordable housing. Too many families are suffering without basic necessities, relying on food banks, going hungry or sending their children to school hungry.
 

It’s time to lift people out of poverty.

As a first step, the B.C. government raised income assistance and disability rates by $100 per month to help people who need it most. This is only the beginning. There’s more to do. One of the critical next steps is to build and implement a province-wide poverty reduction plan with targets and timelines. And we want your help.

There are several ways to participate:

• Submit your feedback by email, mail or phone.
• Complete the online feedback form on our site.

Your feedback will help us understand what poverty looks like in communities across B.C., and how we can best take action to improve people’s lives. In order to promote the transparency of this engagement, all feedback collected by the online feedback form and email will be posted to the site. Names will not be included. Feedback will be collected between October 30, 2017 and March 30, 2018 at 4pm.

Submit your feedback online at https://engage.gov.bc.ca/bcpovertyreduction/ by March 30, 2018 at 4 p.m.

11) Journey Through Grief: Grief Recovery Support Group (begins Apr 4)

Williams Lake Hospice Society presents Journey Through Grief: Grief Recovery Support Group Wednesdays beginning Apr 4, 11, 18, 25, May 2 and 9th from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at the Williams Lake Hospice Society Office located at 530 - 4th Ave North (behind the hospital at the former Nursing Residence). Pre-registration is required - limited seating available. No cost to attend; donations greatly appreciated. Call 250-392-5430 for more information.

Weekly sessions

Week 1: Grieving Together

Week 2: Journey Through Grief

Week 3: Sorrow & Loneliness

Week 4: Anger, Fear & Guilt

Week 5: Keeping Memories Alive

Week 6: Moving Toward Recovery

12) Williams Lake Hospice Society is... looking for volunteers

Williams Lake Hospice Society is...

Seeking compassionate and dedicated volunteers!!!

Want to become a Care Partner?

It takes an hour or so each week to...

Bring comfort to others

Do something meaningful

Make a difference

Share gifts and talents

Contribute to your community

End of Life Support Volunteer Training. April 26, 27 & 28th, 2018

To Register or for more information Phone: 250-392-5435 or e-mail: vsc.hospice@yahoo.ca

Space is limited, please confirm your interest and availability, as soon as possible.

Our Volunteers... ARE the HEART of HOSPICE!!!

13) CTC's Positive Action Word of the Week(s)
The Positive Action word of the week for Feb 26th is: Respect: To show special care for people.

The Positive Action word of the week for Mar 5th is: Kindness: To care for others and take thoughtful actions.

If you are interested in learning more about Positive Action and how you could use it in your setting, please contact Carla Bullinger at 250-267-8249 or comthatcares@sd27.bc.ca

14) Red Cross help is available - individuals, families, small businesses, non profits, First Nations

BC Fires- Red Cross is Helping Communities Recover

Nov. 29, 2017

Thanks to funding from the Government of B.C., the Government of Canada and generous Canadians, the Red Cross is able to provide programs and services that help communities, households and individuals recover from the fires.

A) Individuals and Families:

-Red Cross case workers are meeting one-on-one with individuals and households that need additional assistance - both at the Support Centres and through outreach in the communities.

-Safety and Wellbeing personnel also help ensure people have access to a range of holistic supports and resources that include psychological first aid, coping with stress and adversity, and planning for individualized recovery.

-People needing assistance can phone the Red Cross call centre at 1-800-863-6582 to make an appointment to meet a case worker at a Support Centres (the hours and locations are listed here: http://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/current-emergency-responses/british-columbia-fires/red-cross support-centres).

-Those living in small or First Nations communities could also work with their community leadership to arrange for Red Cross workers to visit.

-The Canadian Red Cross addresses immediate psychosocial needs in all its recovery work and considers the needs of special populations and cultures.  The Red Cross also coordinates with community and government partners and community stakeholders to ensure communities are empowered to take care of themselves and each other so they can strengthen relationships and networks, and build capacity and resiliency to better withstand future disasters.

B) Support to small businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and First Nations cultural livelihoods:

-The Red Cross is providing those who are eligible with a one-time emergency grant of $1,500. Applications for Phase 1 closed on Oct. 31.

-Starting Nov. 20, 2017 through April 6, 2018, the Red Cross is accepting applications for

additional financial assistance for items such as uninsured losses, deductibles, minor repairs, clean-up, equipment, and occupational training expenses. The amount for Phase 2 will be based on each applicant’s unique need and determined through the application process.

-Applicants that missed the Phase 1 Oct. 31 deadline can still apply for it when they apply for Phase 2 funding.

-Interested small businesses, not-for-profit organizations and cultural livelihoods on-reserve First Nations persons can apply for the additional funding through the Small Business Helpline (1-855-999-3345) or online at  www.redcross.ca/bcfires/smallbusiness

C) Community partnerships program:

-Community organizations* with programming in communities affected by the 2017 fires can apply for funds that will help promote individual and community recovery and resiliency.

*These include: Registered charities, -Not-for-profit organizations, Municipalities and First Nation Bands, Non-governmental organizations, Schools and school boards Indigenous organizations, Faith-based organizations, and Community groups.

Funding is available to help in the following areas:

-Emergency relief for immediate or urgent needs,

-Community strengthening to support community connectedness and resilience,

-Safety & wellbeing services that address individual wellbeing, violence prevention, and strengthen psychosocial supports for individual and community wellness services,

-Indigenous programming for impacted communities, and

-Disaster Risk Reduction to increase preparedness for future disasters.

Visit redcross.ca or email BCCommunityPartnerships@redcross.ca to discuss  your ideas.

Local contacts for Red Cross are:

Jon Jackson,

Operations Manager BC Wildfire Recovery, 

587-224-8272

Jon.jackson@redcross.ca

Becky Row,

Manager of Northern and Indigenous Engagement BC & Yukon,

250-564-6566 ext 24

becky.row@redcross.ca

Pratyush Dhawan

Community Partnership Program Project Officer

587-645-4763

Pratyush.dhawan@redcross.ca

15) Looking for Community Resources - visit www.bc211.ca

BC211 is a Vancouver-based non-profit 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, Victim Link BC, and the Youth Against Violence Line.

For more information, or to use this free confidential service, please go to the following links:

Call 211 on your phone

https://www.facebook.com/bc211

http://www.bc211.ca/

SPC Monthly Meeting Mins (draft) - Jan 22, 2018

Location: Community Futures Office

In attendance (from sign-in sheet): Larry Stranberg, Anne Burrill, Vanesssa Moberg, Diane Wright, Kathie Vilkas, Janice Breck, George Atamanenko, Shannon Thom, Leah Selk, Margaret-Anne Enders, Rosanna McGregor, LeRae Haynes, Carla Bullinger and Jessica Dunn

Accept Minutes & Agenda

During lunch we:

·   Reviewed meeting agenda for Jan 22, 2018

Motion to accept agenda as presented - MFSC

·   Reviewed meeting minutes from Oct 23, 2017

Motion to accept minutes as presented - MFSC

Special Resolution - Adopt New Bylaws

Special Resolution vote to adopt new bylaws in accordance with the new Societies Act. These Bylaws have been previously reviewed at the SPC Monthly table, and presented at the Annual General Meeting with all requested changes made. The final draft was sent to each individual SPC member in December 2017 (with more than 30 days notice).

Motion to adopt new bylaws - MFSC

THRIVE Williams Lake Project - Anne Burrill

THRIVE Williams Lake, Community Poverty Reduction project - funded by Vancouver Foundation in partnership with the CCPL over the next three years.

Broad work had been done.

Defined process with three distinct phases.

21% (or more) of children in our community live under the poverty line.

Poverty affects everyone, and the larger community.

Dive into strategic action oriented initiatives (more than a "band-aid" approach)

See one pager for more information.

First pieces are underway - literature review, local poverty profile.

Comments:

-University of Calgary - stats (money spent is money saved)

-Economic deprivation huge risk factor for kids

-From a business perspective, the children of today are our future workforce.

-Clear definition of poverty is needed (long standing issue)

-Timing for this is timely - BC is the last province to develop a Poverty Reduction strategy (currently underway with our new Govt).

-How do community level strategies merge with provincial and federal strategies & policies?

-Lots of opportunities with an innovative approach.

-Broader issue - Tim Hortons and minimum wage discussions lately.

-Recalculating the Living Wage is also part of this project.

One pager provided read:

"Poverty in our community is connected to many of the other social concerns our community has been working collectively to address over a number of years. The goal of the Thrive project is to bring all stakeholders together to tackle poverty at its foundation, using innovative approaches that get us beyond the generosity of charity to the fundamental changes needed to ensure all community members have the opportunity to thrive.

Poverty is about income levels, but it is so much more. People who experience poverty do not have the resources needed to meet their physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs and these circumstances exclude them from full and meaningful participation in our community. This is even more critical given the challenges we’ve faced over the past year. People living below the poverty line, who had limited resources, really struggled with the financial impacts of the wildfires and continue to do so.

Over the next three years, we will work together in our community to design and implement a poverty reduction strategy with innovative solutions.  We will take a look at how poverty is spread across the population of our community and what direct and indirect impacts it has on both individuals and our community. We will explore the specific needs and opportunities that will have the greatest and most lasting impact. We will be inspired by the work being done in other communities, such as the Business Community Anti-Poverty Initiative in Saint John New Brunswick, who have made significant progress toward reducing poverty in their neighbourhoods. And we will create new and innovative solutions on the ground, to lift people out of poverty so that they can live fully and thrive in our community. Our community’s future success is rooted in the health and prosperity of every citizen.

Thrive has three phases:

• Identifying the key challenges related to poverty through a Poverty Profile of our community and an exploration of what is working in other communities
• Designing innovative, actionable strategies that will make the most impact in our community
• Initiating and implementing strategic actions to make change in our community

Across Canada, communities are tackling this challenge and working together to make changes at individual, community infrastructure, services and systems levels. We are joining them, and we intend to be an example of rural success in this work.

We don’t have all the answers, but we have incredible people, a strong collaborative approach to tackling tough challenges, and with the right people on board we can create a more equitable and prosperous community for all.

Watch for your opportunity to participate in this initiative. If you’d like to know more, please contact our Project Facilitator:

Anne Burrill, Thrive Project Facilitator

anne@changemakerconsulting.ca

250-267-7211"

Post Wildfire Social Impact Network

Update on the discussions and developments taking place.

Participants - City, CRD, Red Cross, United Way, SPC, Mental Health Working Group (Province), and Community Futures.

Consensus - Gaps in communication, data, etc.

Direct "causal" lines are blurry often (e.g. direct result of the fire versus indirect).

Many different "silos" - need to be woven together.

CTC meeting - at the last meeting, the impact of the wildfires on adults, specifically the care providers was brought up. Next meeting is Feb 20th from 8:30 am - 1:00 pm at the Pioneer Complex.

Womens Spirituality Circle - Mar 10th - theme - Rising from the Ashes, sparks of hope. All day gathering. Food, workshops, multi faith event for everyone. Day of connection for all women.

ACTION - invite Emergency management BC to a SPC meeting.

United Way is in the process of hiring a Recovery Manager for the Williams Lake Area (as well as 100 Mile House and Ashcroft).

Provincial Poverty Reduction Strategy

Community Meeting is taking place on Feb 2nd from 5 - 7:30 pm - World Cafe Model with tables (facilitated)

Rosanna also sits on the Minister's Committee (Minister of Social Development).

Looking for: definition of poverty (more than those on income assistance - includes working poor, single parent families, etc.).

Minster Shane Simpson plans on re-writing legislation of the Social Assistance Act - currently taking committee through the steps required.

Feedback collected should drive the changes advocated for.

Comment - timing for this might be too quick (proper advertising with enough notice has not been completed). Cariboo time is in effect in this region.

Anne will contact SPARK regarding utilizing the information collected locally by the Province at this event for future use within the THRIVE project data.

Roundtable Updates - more details were sent out via community updates.

Carla Bullinger (CCPL) -Literacy Week ending with the annual event Family Fest,  Sunday from 10 - 2 pm in the Gibraltar Room.

LeRae Haynes (Success by Six) - looking for a legacy project to fund (for Children o - 6 and their families). Sustainable project that can be ongoing.

Rosanna McGregor (Cariboo Friendship Society)- looking for a sign language teacher - to teach basics in a workshop setting. Renovations at the Friendship Centre are underway (Mar 31 is completion date). Saturday Feb 3rd is the Polar Bear Swim - taking pledges.

Margaret Anne Enders  (CMHA) - Women's Spirituality Circle Event on Mar 10th, theme is "Rising from the Ashes - Sparks of hope." All day gathering. Food, workshops, multi faith event for everyone. Day of connection for all women.

Leah Selk (CCACS) - Arts & Culture grant deadline is Jan 31st. New intake for grants begins in June. March event - "Spring into Art" workshops (full or half days).

George Atamanenko - Museum update - moved buildings. Meeting next week to discuss options moving forward. Fed up with negative publicity - the Cowboy exhibit will be better! Accessibility committee update - TRU, SD and construction contractors (Phil Harrison designer) are developing table top models for accessible accommodation units. We can be the rural accessibility capital if we want!

Janice Breck (CMHA ) - Cash raffle draw tickets are available at Walmart over the weekends (Jan 31 draw date). Valentines MCHA-CCB Strawberry Fundraiser

Kathie Vilkas (Hospice) - Journey Through Greif workshop.

Vanessa Moberg (WLCBIA) - Strategic planning process is underway at the BIA. Struggling with social connection - living wage and poverty reduction are two areas of mutual interest.

Anne Burrill - Housing First - response to homelessness in our community (25 people have been housed in the last year), assisting with rent supplements. Renewal of funding for another year. Many locals are struggling for many different reasons. Note - if you have extra furniture, Housing First is accepting donations (contact Anne or CMHA's Wayne Lucier)

Larry Stranberg (Community Futures) - Social Enterprises are the largest sector experiencing growth in Canada right now. The Red Cross is at Community Futures this week. Over 200 businesses have already received assistance, and they are encouraging small businesses to apply.

Big Brothers Big Sister (via Carla Bullinger) - Feb 10th Big Night Out - prom night for adults. Gowns are available to rent from the Glass Slippers boutique.

Meeting was adjourned at 12:59 pm - MFSC

                       Funding support for the Social Planning Council is provided by the United Way & City of Williams Lake