Community Updates (14) - Feb 24, 2017

Community Updates (14) - Feb 24, 2017
Table of Contents:
1) Next SPC Meeting - this Monday Feb 27 at 11:30am
2) Daybreak Rotary's 26th Annual Giant Used Book Sale - until Feb 25
3) SPCA's Open House - Monday Feb 27 - Crazy for Cupcakes
4) Tales and Trails - hands on learning at SINC
5) Hike for Hospice 2017 - Volunteers needed for event to take place
6) Legal Services Society - Williams Lake Regional Conference - Mar 14 & 15
7) Communities that Care's - Positive Action Word of the Week(s)
8) Women's Contact Society - Kids Closet accepting donations
9) TRU's Annual Fundraising Gala - get your tickets for the Apr 8, 2017 event
10) Supporting our Families: "Take a break" - CMHA free support group meets monthly
11) Strong Start Programs in SD No 27
12) Success by 6 - funding available for local projects
13) Potters host fundraiser - Mar 9 from 7 - 9 pm
14) Performances in the Park - call for performers

Please visit the link below to view these updates from around the community:
http://cm.pn/2hk4

SPC Monthly Meeting Mins (draft) - Jan 23, 2017

SPC Monthly Meeting Minutes (draft)

Jan 23, 2017 - 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Location: CMHA Boardroom at 51 North 4th Ave

In attendance (from sign-in sheet): Leah Selk, Margaret Anne Enders, Jay Goddard, Diane Wright, Jamie Wark, Linda Bingham, Carla Bullinger, Kathie Vilkas, Stacey Miranda, Anne Burrill, Kate Lines, Larry Stranberg, Shannon Thom, Milo Macdonald, Jessica Dunn, Sarah Jackman, and Amy Hunlin

Accept Minutes & Agenda

During lunch we:

·   Reviewed meeting minutes from Oct 24, 2016

Motion to accept as presented - MFSC

·   Reviewed meeting agenda for Jan 23, 2017

Motion to accept as presented - MFSC

Meet & Greet and Q&A with Milo MacDonald, new CAO at the City of Williams Lake

New role, but not new to the community.

Oversee the administration of the City and help council meet their goals.

Receptive to productive discussions and presentations.

This council is open to progressive ideas and that is part of the reason he took this position.

                                                      

Anne: SPC has been an organization for over 20 years. Exists to bring people together around social issues in the community. To share info and work together.

Formal relationship with the City the past few years. We, as a group want to continue this relationship with the City and after many staff changes over the past few years.

Discussions:

Accessibility issues moving forward

New care facility beds to be announced soon

Homelessness is another community issue that is front and centre at this particular time.

So much of the fabric of our community attends SPC meetings - people are becoming more aware of social issues.

The SPC struggles with the communication piece (e.g. we don't have regular representation from the City - as we used to, since Social Development Manager position was eliminated). We as a group want to ensure that the information shared via this group makes it to council.

Milo - very open to any and all feedback - feel free to contact him directly.

Mayor also wants to participate more (as able).

Having someone at the table regularly -> shared relationship (rather than a reactive relationship).

In the past, some issues that were going in front of council was brought to this table first, then feedback was provided for consideration.

At this table, you get so many groups at one time (value of this particular table).

Milo can ensure our minutes and meeting invitations get to council.

Current Council is supportive on... Transitional housing and homelessness, youth issues and are currently on the forefront of this current Council's focus.

Rosanna - part of Aboriginal Housing Management - would like to "plant the seed" of home ownership in today's time. People respect what they own, more than what they rent. Integration and belonging is integral to becoming an engaged citizen of the community. Rental stock and homelessness are related and it is good for the local economy.

Some municipalities have helped with initiatives that help citizens become home owners (sell below market value, income cap restrictions).

Anecdotal comment - owning does creates more pride (and confidence in yourself) - win-win.

Roundtable Updates

Margaret Anne (CMHA) - Race Talks Circles - next event is today from 5:30 - 7:30 at the Eagles Nest. Very safe and supportive circle to discuss race and surrounding issues.

Diane Wright - volunteering some time with the refugee support group. Financial fundraising would be welcomed as there are substantial costs they are met with (e.g. up front medical costs).

Jay Goddard (TRU) - Governance structure support from the last meeting was successful (the info went to Kamloops). This is one function of the SPC. Practicum students are busy working. Family Support Institute (parents with children of disabilities) - Jay is the first representative from our area. They can provide presentations, workshops on advocacy, support (in light of many budget cutbacks). This group is coming to WL in the spring sometime. Jay has given them a rural perspective.

Sara (TRU student, and EE of CMHA) - creating a presentation on victim services (how they help the community). Not open to the public, but invitations will follow. There is a perceived lack of knowledge of the services available for them. Mental Health first aid - getting this initiative back into our community.

Leah Selk (CCACS) - Creativity playground event (2 weekends in February). "Mixed creative bag" (posters available). Performances in the Park (deadline to apply to be a performer is around the corner). Project grants deadline is Jan 30 - if you need help applying please contact Leah asap (not the day before).

Sarah Jackman (Punky Lake) - Current initiatives are still moving forward. Still looking for a staff person. Introductory lunch and training is coming up in March.

Rosanna McGregor (Cariboo Friendship Society). Aboriginal mental health plan (10 year review underway - Adults in the Thompson Cariboo Shuswap region). After hours classes are important (Pro D Day time is always so full) and not everyone works on a 8 - 4:30 schedule. Mental Health clients require good front line staff. Proactive planning for addressing the diverse needs of people suffering from mental health issues. "POUR" documentary (program on the CBC's Fifth Estate available on Youtube) - worth watching as it is an alternative housing model. Controversial, but very successful for some individuals. Harm Reduction model (hard sell, but there is a need to at least discuss this at the community level). Question - could a clinic serve this function? Physician managed model. RCMP resources are often used up as a sobering service (e.g. 70% of calls are alcohol related).

Rosanna cont'- Christie Smith is looking to bring back the Batchelor of Social Work program to our area.

ACTION - Put this alternative harm reduction model on our agenda for future discussion.

Shannon Thom - Waiting to hear back regarding - Skills link program for youth (combination lifeskills and job training ) for 16 - 29. Sixth cohort of Older Workers is full (Feb 14th start date).

Larry Stranberg (Community Futures) - Aboriginal Best workshop taking place from Feb 20 - Mar 3rd held in the Conference room at CF. Need a minimum of 15 participants. Flo has more information. Succession Planning (target - Sept) - biggest economic challenge in our region as boomers are retiring but not ready to sell their business (have not planned for this yet). Chamber will help promote this initiative.

Kate Lines (BIA) - Seeding startups (program "Senior and Youth-preneurs"). Pilot project. Community events schedule - the BIA is looking to help move this Calendar of Events for the year. Google calendar was discussed at a meeting hosted at the City. Beth Holden at the City of Williams Lake is the representative to contact.

Anne Burrill - CTC Profile is almost ready to present - Housing first "mini" pilot was started in late October (6 clients have been placed in apartments with subsidies and community supports).  The feedback has been very positive (tenants and landlords are very happy). Presenting to City tomorrow. Full scale three year pilot program is now the goal. There is a new Facebook "Housing First Williams Lake).

Stacey Miranda (City of WL Accessibility) - biggest project at this time is to pursue opportunities to "Age in Place" (mock-up prototype in being created).

Kathie Vilkas (Hospice) - Practicum student helped with the Memory Tree event this year. May 7 - possible event "Hike for Hospice" fundraiser. "End of Life" training coming up again in April. Starting up a grief support group (spring priority). Lobby and advocating for palliative care beds. Calendar Girls production starts Wednesday (information booth from Hospice and raffle).

George Atamanenko (many hats) - Accessible Taxi is now available (took 3 years). The first rider who took the taxi was very happy (now she can make appointments on her own). 70 plus beds was announced.  Linking organizations is also a passion.

Carla Bullinger - the Communities that Care program (initiative of the Social Planning Council back in 2008). Community Assessment report - grades 6 - 12. The second Community assessment is now complete - Some changes:  fewer kids are high risk, more kids have higher levels of protection, 9% improvement in kids commitment to school, grade 8 alcohol consumption has gone down - Feb 15th launch of this second assessment and it's results. New priorities are being identified now moving forward. Accessibility - Plain and simple language is now a goal of the accessibility committee. Family Literacy week - the Family fest is this Sunday the 29th.

Linda Bingham (Boys & Girls Club) - Feb 25th hosting the Dream Catcher's project for youth ages 11 - 13 (celebrating 150 years of Canada). Twenty workshop spots (a Saturday event) this creative project will be taken back to Ottawa. Skills for Success program (with Punky Lake) customized workskills program for youth (employment readiness program - customizable per person). Recruiting supervised workskills employment placements. BC Youth week - first week of May. Planning for this will begin shortly.

Jamie (TRU student) - Practicum placement is with the Boys & Girls Club.

Amy (TRU student) - Practicum at Marie Sharpe Elementary.

Meeting was then adjourned. The next  SPC meeting will be held on Feb 27, 2017

Community Updates (12) - Jan 20, 2017

Community Updates (12) - Jan 20, 2017

Table of Contents:

1) Next monthly SPC meeting - this Mon Jan 23rd at 11:30 am

2) SPC Memberships - renewals are now due

3) Communities that Care's - Positive Action Word of the Week(s)

4) United Way's Community Impact Funds - Grant applications due Jan 30th

5) Family Literacy week - Jan 22 - 29, 2017

6) Free Family Fest - Sunday Jan 29 from 10am - 2 pm

7) Winter Carnival - Jan 28 & 29th in Boitanio Park

8) Supporting our Families: "Take a break" - CMHA free support group meets monthly

9) Announcement: CCACS achieves accreditation

10) CCACS Project Grants - deadline Jan 30 at 4 pm

11) Speaking of Mental Health - Series of free public discussions

12) Williams Lake Wanderers Group - the outdoor activity club

Please visit the link below to view these updates:

http://cm.pn/2ddy

SPC Monthly Mins (draft) - Oct 24, 2016

SPC Monthly Meeting Minutes (draft)

Oct 24, 2016 - 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Location: 51 North 4th Ave Lunch by donation

In Attendance (from sign-in sheet): Shannon Thom, Ashlee Hyde, Jessica Dunn, Diane Wright, Jay Goddard,  Larry Stranberg, George Atamanenko, Bruce Mack, Kathie Vilkas

Accept Minutes & Agenda 11:30 am

During lunch we:

·   Reviewed meeting minutes from Sept 26, 2016

Motion to adopt minutes as presented - MFSC

·   Review meeting agenda for Oct 24, 2016

Add item: UN Roundtable for Sustainable Development

Motion to accept agenda as amended - MFSC

Meet & Greet with Q&A

With Milo MacDonald, new CAO at the City of Williams Lake. Milo was unable to attend today's meeting due to unforeseen circumstances. We will try to reschedule this Meet and Greet asap.

UN Roundtable for Sustainable Development event Nov 2

Event taking place on Nov 2 at TRU - Bruce Mack and Jessica Dunn are planning to attend this event. Jessica will also include more information via Community Updates (see what was sent out Oct 28th below):

From the Oct 28 Community Update:

"The BC Council for International Cooperation (BCCIC) warmly invites you to attend the BC 2030 Meeting on November 2nd in Williams lake. The meeting will discuss how the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) link to the work going on in your community and the opportunities that the SDGs present for political engagement.

In April and May, BCCIC visited communities throughout Northern BC (Williams Lake) to discuss the Sustainable Development Goals, how they relate to the work of local organizations, and what opportunities they present. The information we gathered has been transformed into an online map and summary report "The Invisible Mosaic" which reveals the incredible work being done by groups throughout BC and shares their own recommendations for how the SDGs can be used to strengthen their efforts and make BC a leader in sustainable development both at home and abroad. We're now returning to communities to share what we learned including the opportunities identified and we look forward to meeting with you to discuss how we can take advantage of the SDGs and move our work forward.

One of the main opportunities that participants identified in the SDG framework was the potential for greater political engagement and more support from all tiers of government. In order to take advantage of this opportunity participants recommended more advocacy around the SDGs including educating and engaging with local MLAs and MPs and generating more political awareness and buy-in around them. Building on these recommendations, the upcoming BC 2030 Meeting will discuss the potential for holding a non-partisan candidate meeting in Terrace during the upcoming provincial elections and will look at what topics or questions candidates could respond to.

As a member of the Northern BC sustainable development community we would very much appreciate your participation in the BC 2030 Meeting happening in Williams Lake on Tuesday, November 2nd from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm at the Thompson River University, room 1251. The BC 2030 meeting will last two hours, with refreshments provided, and will cover:

• The key findings from the SDG roundtable meetings held over the past year.

• BC 2030 - The idea of a non-partisan political campaign to generate support for the SDGs and the groups working on them across BC.

• The possibility of holding a non-partisan all candidates meeting in Terrace and the local SDG related topics and questions that candidates could respond to. 

We expect this meeting to be an opportunity for rich dialogue among attendees representing some of the most innovative and socially engaged organizations in the region.

Please RSVP to: dan@bccic.ca or milena.intern@bccic.ca and feel free to forward this email to groups who may be interested.  

All the best and we look forward to meeting with you!

Dan Harris, Program Officer

BC Council for International Cooperation

550- 425 Carrall St, Vancouver BC, V6B 6E3

t 604-899-4475 w bccic.ca Twitter: @BCCIC

P.S. If you would like to learn more about the Sustainable Development Goals please request the available report and visit these links:

http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2015/jan/19/sustainable-development-goals-united-nations

http://www.globalgoals.org

http://bccic.ca/keeping-score-un-sustainable-development-goals

AGM  & Community Collaboration Workshop

Mark your calendars for the upcoming AGM of the Social Planning Council. We have an exciting workshop being offered that day by the Canadian Cancer Society on effective collaboration. AGM business will take place from 10:45 am - 11:30 am (before the workshop begins).

Williams Lake Community Collaboration Workshop - "Walking the Talk"

Want to learn how to collaborate more effectively? BC Cancer Agency and the Canadian Cancer Society are teaming up to offer a FREE Collaboration Workshop in your community!

Participants will walk away with a better understanding of when to collaborate, what is required for successful collaboration, new tools to support partnerships, and ideas for collaboration in their own community.

When: November 4th, 11:30 – 2 pm - Lunch provided

Where: Pioneer Complex (exact room TBA)

Who: Local government, service providers, non-government organizations, and anyone interested in learning more about effective collaboration.

RSVP: By Oct 27, 2016. Space is limited.

Register online at the link below:

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form?EQBCT=dbbd86a9e5164a2e8e36d58dfd80edff

For more information on the workshop itself please call Nancy Shelford at 250-645-2368 or contact the SPC by email at spc-coordinator@xplornet.com or call (1)-250-243-2126.

Discussions that took place about collaboration:

Collaboration, and communications is so important (e.g. not many people knew about the UN workshop). Preventing duplication of work is also addressed.

It is a challenge for all organizations to continue to update other organizations. They are stretched for resources.

The Social Development Manager position at the City of Williams Lake used to play this role (by bringing all the silos together).

The SPC and Communities that Care table are great examples of groups that do reach multiple organizations on a regular basis. The SPC updates sent to the network are very helpful.

Refugee Sponsorship Group - Sharon Taylor

Two refugee families from Sierra Leone are coming to Williams Lake (note: airfare is not covered by the Govt, and at a cost of over $7000 for the entire family there will is need for donations). The families are also in need of winter parkas, and warm clothes (women's small and medium sizes). Volunteers are needed to help the families adjust (e.g. grocery shopping).

For more information, or to get involved please contact Sharon Taylor or Paola Konge (President - WLRSG) at marasister@hotmail.com

Roundtable Updates

Shannon Thom -WLES received funding for another round of Targeted initiative for older workers program to start in January (55plus). Skills link application deadline was extended and they will hear back shortly (job search employability skills for youth 16 - 29). This is a three year federal program.

Ashlee Hyde - United Way's application for funding open Dec 1 - until Jan 31, 2016. Funding workshop took place last week.  New system - one focus area and two outcomes they fit best within in. The youth grant application process (separate) will also be taking place in December. Campaigning for funds is going well (mostly begins in November). People can donate funds themselves as well (not only through workplace deductions). Day of Caring project - organizations can apply for these as well (e.g. Jubilee House project).

Carla Bullinger - Communities That Cares - November Community Meeting to discuss the final profile (that is almost complete now). Invitations will be coming shortly. They have seen some significant positive shifts in certain areas, and this session will be an opportunity to share ideas.

Carla cont': CCPL - The "fall program" (families as learning leaders) over the past year. Some key things learned (the relationship between parents and children was the main foundation for success). The relationship piece is the foundation (supersedes anything else).

Jay Goddard - TRU - All the fall students have found workplace placements. Subcommittee at TRU - a community forum at TRU asked for this subcommittee. We are a unique community with unique community needs (e.g. Kamloops is very different than Williams Lake). We want the WL campus to be re-defined (definition before changes occur). Looking for data and supporting information that could be used by this subcommittee to create this definition (e.g. employment stats). The CTC's Community Assessment report provided much required data. People also suggested talking to Mike Franklin, and Sharon Taylor.

Jay Goddard cont: All candidates forum with the assistance of a TRU Human Services student via the SPC is an idea that is recommended. The Provincial elections in BC take place in May.

Larry Stranberg -Community Futures - October is Small Business Month - there are weekly lunch & learn sessions (see updates). This Friday there will be a business walk.

George Atamanenko - Accessibility Committee is still working on taxi. George would also like to see changes to the transportation act requiring every community to have one. Regarding hospital renovations - 72 beds have been approved (goal is for more beds to be public rather than private).

Kathie Vilkas - Hospice is lucky to have a practicum student from TRU (see Jay's update) and the annual Memory Tree event is taking place on Dec 4th

Bruce Mack - CCPL - The CCPL AGM is taking place on Nov 18th (they are looking for new board members). Also, please check out "Internet for Good" initiative by Telus (affordable internet initiative).

Meeting was adjourned - next scheduled monthly meeting date will be announced.