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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.

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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.



Friday, January 25, 2013

Community Updates – January 25, 2013

Community Updates – January 25, 2013

1) Next Social Planning Council meeting is this Monday the 28th

Monday Jan 28th is our next SPC meeting at the Glass Slippers Boutique (second floor above Haines Office World / across the street from the Hobbit House) from 11:30 am – 1pm (lunch will be provided – donations appreciated). This is a Community Collaboration meeting and our focus is just that… what does it mean to collaborate? Come to the meeting and find out (agenda is attached).


2) Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex Free Events


Free Skate – Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club on Saturday Feb 2 from 1 – 2:30 pm


Free Skate – Sponsored by Oliver & Co. on Sunday Feb 17th from 2:45 pm – 4:15 pm. Please bring a non-perishable food item for the Food Bank.


*All free events are advertised under the FREE events tab on the www.activewilliamslake.ca website. Feel free to print off posters to display throughout town. For more info please contact the Cariboo Recreation Memorial Complex at 250-398-7665


3) Housing Needs and Demand Study released


Williams Lake City Council recently received the completed Housing Needs and Demand Study for information. The City contracted with City Spaces Consulting in early 2012 to complete a Housing Need and Demand study to assist the Cariboo Lodge Site Redevelopment Task Force.


The report has been received and reviewed by the Task Force. As described throughout this needs analysis, low-income singles (working singles and those living on fixed incomes, including seniors), individuals with special needs, and aboriginal households of all ages face the greatest challenges in finding and maintaining housing that is affordable, adequate and suitable. For some low-income individuals, particularly those that have complex health and substance issues, finding and keeping any form of permanent housing is especially challenging.


The study found that Williams Lake has many caring and compassionate individuals, organizations and faith-based groups, and a number of existing housing providers. Future partnerships and collaborations, together with the support of the City and BC Housing, will be required to comprehensively address current and emerging housing needs. The Cariboo Lodge Task Force will be using the study to inform their recommendations with regard to Cariboo Lodge. The report is available on the city web page.


The City would like to thank the Real Estate Foundation of British Columbia for funding to assist in completing the study.


4) Communities that Care - Positive Action Word of the Week.


Good Morning,


Positive Action – The underlying philosophy of the Positive Action program is that positive thoughts lead to positive actions which leads us to feel good about ourselves which leads to positive thoughts, positive actions, positive feelings, and the circle grows stronger and stronger as we practice and use it.

Last week, our Word of the Week was “Thoughts” - Ideas that Result from Thinking. Our job is to come up with positive thoughts and help the children and youth we work and live with to develop these skills as well.


This week, the Word of the Week is “Actions” – What you do or cause to happen. Our positive thoughts will naturally translate into positive actions, and so we will do or cause GOOD things to happen. And then we’ll feel good about ourselves (and think more positive thoughts, do more positive actions, and so on, and so on, and so on!)


Have a great week,
Carla

For more info contact Carla Bullinger at comthatcares@sd27.bc.ca

5) Human Services Information night - Wed Feb 6th at 7 pm at TRU


“I am sending out a reminder of the event we have planned for Wed Feb 6 at 7:00 pm. This is an evening for individuals to explore educational options to prepare for working in the field of Human Services as well as the kind of work and volunteer opportunities available both in our community and as a career path.


The evening will involve a panel presentation of former students, persons working in Human & Social Service and local employers who will speak about the field, educational and personal requirements and what opportunities there are for entry level work and volunteering.


The event is aimed both at individuals who are considering working the field as well as people who have started working in Human Services and want to explore additional educational options.


If your agency would like to participate, we are asking you bring some information about your agency and the opportunities you have for work and volunteering. After the panel presentation, we will invite participants to meet with agencies for a Q& A.


Please confirm that you are able to attend so that we ensure you have a space for a display. Call me (250 392-8164) if you have any additional questions.”


Cheers,
Jay Goddard


6) Available Web conferences: a) Helping Schools, and b) Reducing Stigmata around Child & Youth Mental Health.

a) Webinar Helping Schools - February 27, 2013

Using Student Inquiry to Rethink Approaches to Teaching and Learning About the Use of Drugs in a Complex World


Wednesday, February 27, 2013 - 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm


This webinar will include a short update on the latest evidence related to school-based efforts to promote health, address problematic substance use and foster resilience in our young people. The session will feature School District 68's (Nanaimo-Ladysmith) efforts to create a culture of inquiry in approaches to teaching and learning, which help young people thrive and survive in today's world where drug use is common. There will also be time for questions and discussion.


More information is available at http://www.carbc.ca/Portals/0/PropertyAgent/818/Files/293/130227webinar.pdf>


b) Webinar- Jan 29-Reducing Stigma around Child and Youth Mental Health


The webinar will take place on Tuesday, January 29, 2013 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (EST).


To register, see "CDPAC/PHAC Best Practices: Child & Youth Mental Health" at www.chnet-works.ca.


Reducing stigma around child and youth mental health is the focus of a webinar co-hosted by the Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance of Canada (CDPAC) and the Public Health Agency of Canada's (PHAC) Canadian Best Practices Initiative.

http://www.ontario.cmha.ca/mental_health_notes_story.asp?cID=1773681


7) Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society’s reminders


a) Culture Project Grants for Williams Lake and CRD Areas D, E, and F


Project grants are available for non-profit organizations or community groups in Williams Lake and the Central Cariboo (CRD Areas D, E, and F) to support and develop arts and culture within this region. Grants are not available to organizations outside this area unless partnered with another local organization and delivering a project within the Central Cariboo. The funding for these grants is courtesy of the City of Williams Lake and the Cariboo Regional District (Central Cariboo Arts & Culture function), and is subject to the availability of funds.


The 2013 Grants program is now accepting Project Grant applications with a deadline of February 8, 2013 at 4pm. Application forms may be downloaded http://centralcaribooarts.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4bec4e96608908765cb86b0a0&id=63c32fd071&e=8493b15ded


Awards will be made by the Cariboo Regional District on the recommendation of the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society, subject to the availability of funds.

Project Grants of between $300 and $2,000 are available for projects which: 1) Are new or build creatively on previous work, 2) Are likely to increase participation in arts & culture, 3) Take place within the Central Cariboo region (Williams Lake and/or CRD Areas D, E, and F) and 4) Will be completed before the end of the year applying for.


For further information on this program, contact CCACS Coordinator Leah Selk at:

Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society
90 Fourth Avenue North, Williams Lake, BC V2G 2C6
Telephone: 778-412-9044
Email: info@centralcaribooarts.com


b) Reminder - Cariboo Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition


The Beetle Action Coalitions in BC, including CCBAC, has received funding from the provincial government to help mitigate the impacts of the Mountain Pine Beetle. CCBAC is actively funding projects to positively impact its Cariboo Chilcotin communities as well as seeking more project applications. Information is available on the CCBAC website (http://www.c-cbac.com/funding-guidelines.html?with an ongoing deadline.


c) Art is Your Business

The Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society has enthusiastically partnered with Island Mountain Arts to present the Art is Your Business Conference in Williams Lake! The conference which had been originally scheduled for October 12-14th has been postponed to May 3-5, 2013. Visit http://www.imarts.com/artschool for more details.


d) Inter-Action: Multiculturalism Grants and Contributions Funding

The Inter-Action Events stream provides funding, normally in the form of grants, to community-based events that foster intercultural or interfaith understanding, civic memory and pride or respect for core democratic values. The primary intention is to create concrete opportunities for interaction among cultural and faith communities. Event Applications will be considered year-round. More information is available on the Inter-Action website at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/multiculturalism/funding/index.asp?


8) Access Williams Lake Online Community Resource Database

Looking for help or resources? Visit www.accesswilliamslake.org to search by name, category, or to print a copy. Remember to also add or update your projects and organizations to this community database.

Friday, January 18, 2013

Community Updates – January 18, 2013

Community Updates – January 18, 2013
1) Family Literacy Week – Jan 20 – 26


The City of Williams Lake officially declares next week Jan 20 – 26th Literacy Week.

The Williams Lake Library kicks of Literacy Week this Saturday Jan 19th with special events for kids. Games for kids starts at 10:45 am to be followed by a special story time at 11 am with local author Victoria Greenley and illustrator Raylene Hale who will showcase their new book “I don’t like my grumpy face”. At 11:20 am there will be singing with LeRae Haynes from Success by Six. Then from Jan 22 – 26th the public is invited to play board games throughout the library. This week is also Library fines amnesty week. Bring in a bag of groceries to be donated to the local food bank and the Library will waive your fines.

Next week’s Tribune will be the “Reach a Reader” edition, worked on in conjunction with the Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy (CCPL) featuring stories and photos about literacy. Every copy sold of Thursday’s Tribune by CCPL volunteers will go directly to the CCPL to help with it’s goals.

2) Food Policy Council Update:
Keep the date: Feb 27th, 1pm, Community Futures Board Room: introduction of New 2013-16 Food Action Plan for community review and input.

As we start the new year, here is a brief summary of our 2012 successes, and 2013 goals.

2012 Successes!

Growers Coop: The Cariboo Growers Cooperative completed its 3rd and best year yet, and we are incredibly pleased with the ever-increasing support the community is showing, demonstrating our commitment to, and belief in, a strong local economy and access to fresh, healthy, organic local food.

Official Community Plan: The City of Williams Lake passed its newest Official Community Plan this year, with local food and agriculture as one of the top 10 priorities. The food policy council continues to work with the city and CRD to further a local food strategy for the Cariboo region.

Second community local food forum: Our second food forum led to the identification of 9 key areas of interest for the Food Policy Council to work on in coming years.

Cariboo Lodge Community Garden: Enjoyed its 3rd successful year as well, and was enjoyed by over 20 community members. Many of these gardeners will be planting a new garden at their seniors complex during 2013, allowing even more gardeners to get their hands dirty this coming season.

Memory Garden Community Garden: 2012’s biggest project was the Memory Garden, and physical evidence of the garden’s presence finally arrived in the form of the first section of fence, 45 raised-bed plots, and the erection of the WLSS-student-created welcome sign. Over a dozen community members have reserved plots already, with many more still available.

Community participation in the project was incredible, with a small but dedicated group meeting regularly to plan, and over 80 individuals coming to the two main work-bees. This included representatives from Rayel MacDonald’s family and friends,

A huge thank you to: United Way, the City of Williams Lake and CRD, Tolko, the RCMP, Rona and Home Hardware, Cariboo GM, and our many volunteers.

2013 Plans!

The Memory Garden will continue to be a main focus of the FPC in 2013, but it’s certainly not the only egg in our basket! Again, please join us on February 27th (see above) to hear about our plans for the year).

Memory Garden:  Early spring will see work in the garden begin again, this time with the installation of a sitting area and memorial plaque in loving memory of Rayel MacDonald.

As the season continues we will be working on: inviting more gardeners into the space, adding drip line, fruit trees, further developing plans for a community root cellar and greenhouse, beginning construction if possible, creating a series of gardening classes to be held in the garden.
On February, 27, The gardeners group committee will join the FPC Quarterly Meeting.

Seedy Saturday: In May we will host the 5th annual Seedy Saturday Event, and planning will begin shortly to ensure this is the best one yet!
Local Currency: In partnership with the Social Planning Council, the Food Policy Council will continue to develop a proposal for a community currency focused on strengthening the local food economy.

Inviting Participation in Our Priority Projects: One of the main goals of the Food Policy Council is to reflect the needs, passions and talents of the community. To this end, we invite you to contact the Food Policy Council (via Cody. see below), and/or come to the February 27th meeting (see above) to see how you can get involved in any of our projects above, or with one of our other priority projects, including: community root cellar, community greenhouse, community gardens, community composting, gleaning (food recovery, local food marketing, local currency, & urban chickens.

We look forward to another great year of growing sustainable food systems and healthy communities.

For more information please contact Cody Slinn at 250-392-0294 or codyigk@hotmail.com or Tatjana Bates at 250-267-5412 or tatjana.bates@interiorealth.ca

3) Scout Island Nature Centre & the Young Naturalists present: A Starry Night Jan 26 from 6-8 pm

Local Astronomers Lynn & Steve Capling will guide this evening of star gazing for all levels. Bring your telescope or binoculars if you have them. Dress warmly for lying in the snow and no headlamps or flashlights please. If very cold or overcast the event will be cancelled. For info, phone 398-8532 or 250-855-8443 or email mmmforbes@yahoo.ca

A Free Public Program made possible by Field Naturalist fundraising and volunteer time.

The Young Naturalists’ Club welcomes kids aged 5-14 accompanied by an adult. You don’t have to be a member, but if you join YNC you get BC’s only home grown nature magazine for children NatureWILD and meet other nature-loving families.

For info on any YNC programs, phone 398-8532 or email j_trelenberg@hotmail.com

4) Communities that Care - Positive Action Word of the Week.

Welcome back to the Positive Action Word of the Week. “Thoughts” is the word of the week.

Thoughts: Ideas that result from thinking.

In the preschool kit this unit begins with a lesson on the positive action of managing the feeling of love. The two hedgehog puppets demonstrate that “When we act in a loving way at school, we treat each other with respect. We share our toys. We listen when someone speaks. All of those things are loving ways to act. And all those actions are positive actions.”;

This first lesson lays the foundation for the other feelings that the students will learn to manage by using positive thoughts and actions. Feelings such as sadness, anger, and worry. And our hedgehogs remind us that we can do positive actions for our friends when they are feeling sad or worried.

For more info contact Carla Bullinger at comthatcares@sd27.bc.ca

5) Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex Free Events

Free Skate – Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club on Saturday Feb 2 from 1 – 2:30 pm

Free Skate – Sponsored by Oliver & Co. on Sunday Feb 17th from 2:45 pm – 4:15 pm. Please bring a non-perishable food item for the Food Bank.

*All free events are advertised under the FREE events tab on the www.activewilliamslake.ca website. Feel free to print off posters to display throughout town. For more info please contact the Cariboo Recreation Memorial Complex at 250-398-7665

6) Williams Lake Central Business Improvement Area Association (WLCBIA) AGM

On Feb 7th from 6 – 8 pm at the Alley Katz Bistro (525 Borland). The AGM is open to all members of the WLCBIA. Members include all businesses and commercial property owners within the WLCBIA boundaries as outline by City Council by-law 2063. Details available soon by mail, on website, or by contacting them directly. If you have questions please call the office at 250-398-5717 or visit www.wlcbia.com online.

7) REMINDER - the next Social Planning Council Meeting
Monday January 28th being held at the Glass Slippers Boutique from 11:30 – 1pm. The Glass Slippers project is a wonderful example of what community collaboration looks like in action and is the perfect place to host our next meeting which focuses on just that… community collaboration. Agenda and reminders will be sent out later this month, so mark your calendars.

8) Reminder - The Potato House Annual General Meeting is on January 21st from 5 – 7 pm.

It is a potato themed potluck with a competition for the best potato dish and all are welcome to attend. Contact the Potato House team for more info or email Mary Forbes at mmmforbes@yahoo.ca

Friday, January 11, 2013

Community Updates – January 11, 2013

Community Updates – January 11, 2013

1) Please note, the next Social Planning Council Meeting on Monday January 28th is being held at the Glass Slippers Boutique from 11:30 – 1pm. The Glass Slippers project is a wonderful example of what community collaboration looks like in action and is the perfect place to host our next meeting which focuses on just that… community collaboration. Agenda and reminders will be sent out later this month, so mark your calendars.

2) The Potato House Annual General Meeting is on January 21st from 5 – 7 pm.

It is a potato themed potluck with a competition for the best potato dish and all are welcome to attend. Contact the Potato House team for more info or email Mary Forbes at mmmforbes@yahoo.ca

3) Salvation Army – looking for volunteers

The Salvation Army is looking for volunteers to assist a group of women who deal with physical, emotional, sexual and physiological abuse issues, in a safe and confidential environment. Wednesday from 2 – 4pm at the Drop in Centre. Call Dina at 250-296-4372 for more information.

4) United Way upcoming event – from Melissa Newberry

The United Way is excited to offer a workshop in the new year for our Community Partners on program evaluation. This free workshop, Evaluation Bootcamp, will be held from 8:30-4:30pm on Thursday, January 31st in Kamloops. The intent of this day is to have participants come away with a solid understanding of the role of evaluation and some tools with which to do it. We hope that this training helps organizations report back to a variety of funders and also benefit their own program design and implementation. We again have limited space for this workshop, so one person from each organization, please. RSVP to danalee@unitedwaytnc.ca by January 15th, 2012.

5) XploreSportz Winter Program

This 4 day program introduces kids ages 9 – 13 to BC Winter Games sports including alpine and cross-country skiing, biathalon, snowshoeing and archery. Sessions will be instructed by qualified coaches in a fun and encouraging environment. Transportation to ski area is provided. Tenative dates Feb 2, 3, 17 & 24th. Cost is $90 and space is limited. To register call 250-398-7665. For more information please contact the Boys & Girls Club.

6) Cariboo Regional District Library – Free Events

Film night – Payback (a documentary based on the book by Margaret Atwood) – 7:00pm, Wednesday January 16th

Armchair Travel – first up is Kayaking the Yukon River with Pat Radolla and John Youds – 7:00pm, Thursday January 17th (preregistration is required).

Chris Harris and Sage Birchwater on Flyover: British Columbia’s Chilcotin Coast – 7:00pm, Friday January 18th

All events are held at the Library - 180 N. Third Ave. Call 250-392-3630 for details or email cderksen@cariboord.bc.ca

7) Community Futures - “There is a great little business I’d like to buy. But how?

IF you are interested in buying a successful business, come see us at Community Futures. We’ve got a lineup of services for the entrepreneur who sees opportunity waiting. Call 250-392-3626 or visit 266 Oliver Street in Williams Lake. www.cfdccariboo.com

8) Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex Events

January 13th – CIBC is sponsoring a Free Skate from 1:00-2:30pm

*All free events are advertised under the FREE events tab on the www.activewilliamslake.ca website. Feel free to print off posters to display throughout town.

9) The Communities that Care Program’s next meeting is on Jan 15th from 1 – 3pm.

This month’s meeting in being held at the Glass Slippers Boutique (above Haines Office World). For more information or to get involved please contact Carla Bullinger, Facilitator, Communities that Care in Williams Lake, BC, email: comthatcares@sd27.bc.ca or cell: 250-267-8249

10) Local Strong Start Programs: StrongStart is a play-based learning program for ages 0-5 and their parent or caregiver. Local school schedules are below. Please contact the schools directly or you can also contact Joan Lozier at 250-398-3839

Marie Sharpe Elementary School hosts the StrongStart Program Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.

150 Mile House Elementary School hosts the StrongStart Program Tuesdays from 8:30 am to 11:30 am.

Wildwood Elementary hosts the StrongStart Program every Thursday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Cataline hosts the Strongstart Program Monday to Friday from 9 am – 12 pm

Mountview hosts the Strongstart Program Monday to Friday from 8:30 – 11:30 am

Alexis Creek hosts the Strongstart Program Monday to Friday from 9 am – 12 pm

Horsefly hosts the Strongstart program Wednesdays from 9 am – 12 pm

11) Williams Lake Field Naturalists present a Free Mushroom Identification public workshop - January 22nd at 7 pm
In preparation for a Spring outing, Bill & Lousia Chapman will cover:

How to distinguish mushrooms using mushroom keys, and how to use the Matchmaker electronic key, which can be downloaded at

"http://www.svims.ca/council/matchmaker.htm" for those who want to practice ahead. (Otherwise, David Arora's "Mushrooms Demystified" is recommended).

Register at 398-8532 or shemphill@midbc.com (only a few spaces left).

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