SCSA Launches a New Look!
Volume 14 Issue 2
Smithers Community Services is excited to launch our new website. Newsletters can now be viewed online, by signing up for our online newsletter you are not only making a choice for the planet, but you won't ever miss what is happening at SCSA!
SCSA is a not for profit organization with 40 years experience developing and delivering programs and services while cultivating partnerships that enhance the quality of life in our community. Programs and services include:
Housing: Broadway Place Emergency Shelter, Broadway House, Alpine Court, Meadows, Cottonwood Manor
Community Learning: English as a Second Language, Community Kitchen, Community Learning Services, Summer Step Up
Youth and Family: Youth Empowerment Program, Family Support, Risk Reduction, CORR Homes, Youth Support
Other: Christmas Hampers, FASD Services, Helping Hands, Lifeline, Smithers Transit, Volunteer Smithers
Smithers Community Services welcomes a new program and program manager to the crew!
Welcoming Communities is a new program at SCSA which aims to bring together community organizations, local employers, and new Canadians to explore diversity in our region and to work together to make sure Smithers is a welcoming place for newcomers.
Through various discussions, workshops, projects, and events, the program seeks to create awareness, understanding, and community-wide solutions to the challenges of settling into the Bulkley Valley (ex: access to services, housing, isolation, and even the long winters).
If you would like to get involved as a partner, volunteer, or participant and/or share your ideas for this initiative, email Kimberly ([email protected]).
Welcome to the team Kimberly!
Our International community gets Bear Aware!
Members of our International community from Canada, Sudan, Ukraine, Ethiopia, Albania, Germany and Cambodia joined Parks BC for a “Bear Aware” workshop this May. Senior Park Ranger Scott McMillan gave an overview about different bear species, their behavior and how to be safe bear country. We got to see bear pelts and claws and had a great time.
Summer Step Up
Step Up helps students maintain and stengthen their academic skills over the summer. Our tutors provide engaging , individualized one-on-one tutoring to target student's specific academic needs.
Program Manager: Lauren Rutley
Program Coordinator: Rebecca Vandenberg
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 250-877-9405
Welcoming Communities Invites you to get involved!
Are you new to Canada? Is there something you could make or bake from your home culture to share with other Smithereens?
SCSA’s Welcoming Communities Program will be setting up a “Global Made Local” booth at the Bulkley Valley Farmers Market this summer! As a newcomer, you are invited to sell cultural food and/or crafts. You can sign up for one, two, or all of the following dates (Saturdays from 8am-12pm): July 6+20, August 3+17+31, and September 14+28.
If you’re interested in selling products at the market , please contact Kimberly ([email protected] / 250-847-9515).
SCSA Celebrates 40 years
Over 40 society and community members attended the SCSA Annual General Meeting on June 27, 2013. This year we celebrate a significant milestone - 40 years of service as the society was incorporated into a charitable non-profit society in 1973. The society has grown tremendously since 1973; noteworthy investments include purchasing the CN Station in 1997 and becoming an accredited organization since 2004.
Today the society continues to be a successful and considerable contributor to the social and economic health of our region, operating over 20 programs and employing approximately 60 people.SCSA has expanded its service with programs now operating in Hazelton and Houston while continuing to support other community initiatives and partnerships. We look forward to another 40 years of working together to enhance the quality of life in our communities.
SCSA plans to celebrate its 40th year of service by partnering with the Town of Smithers and CN to plant 40 trees in our community. Please visit our website at www.scsa.ca to become a society member.
The Meadows Celebrate with the Mayor
Alma Lacey celebrated her 103 birthday May 23 at the Meadows. Mayor Taylor Bachrach attended the special celebration at the Meadows!
Welcoming Communities/ Community Learning Field Trips
The SCSA Community Learning program (Literacy and Community Kitchen) planned two field trips this spring and invited the Welcoming Communities program (a new program that explores how Smithers can be a more welcoming place for immigrants) to join in as well. Participants learned about harvesting morel mushrooms and about the cultural history of the Wet’suwet’en in Moricetown.
Please view the SCSA website link below for Welcoming Communities updates.
http://www.scsa.ca/programs/other-services/welcoming-communities/
Save the date! Friday, August 16th Volunteer Appreciation BBQ
Save the Date Friday, August 16, 2013
Join Smithers Community Services Association on August 16th and help recognize all of the volunteers in the Bulkley Valley. This event is open to everyone in the community and will be an afternoon food, music and volunteer appreciation!
When: Friday, August 16, 2013 from 11am-2pm
Where: Veteran's Park ( behind the library)