June 27th, 2016
Connecting in Kamloops (left to right): Joanne Curry (CLBC Board Member), Marie Sabine (Surrey Delta White Rock Community Council Member), Edwina Jeffrey (Former Community Council Chair), Diane Friedman, Onkar Biring (CLBC Board Members), Alison Scholefield, Vicky Stratton, Sherry Adam (Community Council Members), and Jane Holland (CLBC Board Member).
Members of the CLBC Board of Directors visited the Surrey/Delta community recently to listen and exchange ideas with self-advocates, service providers and community partners.
The tour started at Milieu Family Services, a CLBC-funded service provider in Delta. Milieu staff and self-advocates had the opportunity to share their stories first-hand with Board members Onkar Biring, Joanne Curry, Jane Holland and Diane Friedman.
Milieu is one of hundreds of valued CLBC-funded service providers in the area serving the communities of Delta, North Delta, White Rock and Surrey.
“I was impressed with the quality of service and supports being offered and the impact they’re having on individuals and their home communities,” said Jane.
“It was terrific to hear how services are helping people get jobs and actively participate in social activities.”
Board members then visited the local CLBC Surrey office—the largest regional CLBC office in B.C.—for an open house and town hall discussion with community partners and CLBC staff.
The discussion covered topics ranging from the shifting needs of transitioning youth out of day programs and into existing places to connect in the community, to the challenges facing multi-diagnosis individuals.
“Understanding the needs and challenges of the individuals and families we serve is essential for us as a board when we discuss policies and strategic plans to fulfil our mandate,” said Joanne.
To finish off the day, the Board members met with family members and other members of the Surrey Delta White Rock Community Council .
CLBC Board members recently spent a day meeting people in Kamloops and will be doing a similar tour in Vancouver later this month.
