In October of 2005 the West Shore Child, Youth and Family Centre was born.
Built with funds from the ChildrenB次元官网网址檚 Health Foundation of Vancouver Island, the multi-use facility in Colwood is home to key support programming for children and families living on the West Shore. Its partners include the Pacific Centre Family Services Association, the Ministry of Children and Family Development the Boys and Girls Club and others.
B次元官网网址淥ur goal (then) was to create a centre servicing kids all together,B次元官网网址� said foundation CEO Linda Hughes, B次元官网网址渟o a family could come to one place to see different professionals, or have their needs met in a well-planned, welcoming place. IB次元官网网址檝e heard it (has become) a real hub.B次元官网网址�
The foundation was looking to invest in a growing child and family focused community, Hughes said, when it chose to invest $7.5 million in a 38,000-square-foot facility a decade ago. Funds were raised by community partners, individuals and businesses. They charge virtually no rent to tenants B次元官网网址� Pacific Centre Family Services pays just a dollar a year.
B次元官网网址淚t has made a real difference to be able to offer quality service in a quality environment,B次元官网网址� said the associationB次元官网网址檚 executive director, Mitzi Dean. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 important to have consistency of space as well. They make it affordable for agencies whatever (their) size. They have increased our capacity, and the more resources we have to staff, the more we can offer to community.B次元官网网址�
All the centreB次元官网网址檚 partners invite the public to join them Sept. 21 for a celebration of a decade of helping West Shore families. The organizations, which collectively employ 125 staff, will each contribute to the event. There will be a free barbecue lunch, face painting, a childrenB次元官网网址檚 dance group and other entertainment for the whole family.
B次元官网网址淩eally itB次元官网网址檚 a celebration B次元官网网址� Hopefully families who have occasion to go there will join us (alongside) people who have donated. It is going to be a really fun family- and child-friendly event,B次元官网网址� Hughes said. B次元官网网址淚 canB次元官网网址檛 believe it has been 10 years and it was time to reflect on that.B次元官网网址�
The event runs from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 345 Wale Rd. For more information, visit childrenshealthvi.org.
alim@goldstreamgazette.com
