ASK Salt Spring Welcomes the Community Services TeamRob Grant, Executive Director; Jamie Ferguson, Food Programs Coordinator; Nikky Peers, Youth Program Coordinator and new Seniors’ Community Connector; Kyla Duncan, Clinical Director; and Rob Wiltzen, Operations and Communications Manager | Photo: Gayle BakerJuly 19Twenty joined this ASK Salt Spring gathering welcoming the members of the Island Community Services Team (https://saltspringcommunityservices.ca/contact-us/) that included Rob Grant, Jamie Ferguson, Nikky Peers, Kyla Duncan, and Rob Wiltzen.After our Territorial Acknowledgement, we learned what “excited and delighted” the team members, with many answers focusing on summer joys like water sports, camping, playing with an energetic pup, and family time. Professionally, they expressed pleasure working together to meet community needs.The gathering focused on two themes: an overview of Community Services programs and a discussion of how to improve them. The programs include:Child, youth, and family servicesFood programsSeniorsAdults with support needsShelter and housing firstCommunity housingRecyclingAdult counselling and supportsParticipants asked questions, voiced concerns, and suggested solutions to better serve our most vulnerable residents.Learnings about Island Community Services ProgramsNikky Peers, Youth Program Coordinator and Seniors’ Community Connector (link), shared details about a new seniors’ program funded through a provincial initiative. Nikky’s role is a part-time position, focusing on assessing seniors’ needs, connecting them to supports, and guiding them to resources. She already has 18 clients and can be contacted at (250) 221-9719 or npeers@gmail.com.Kyla Duncan mentioned future programming ideas, such as youth cooking meals for seniors and an adoptive grandparent program. Interested individuals can contact Nikky at npeers@ssics.ca.Community Services provides mental health and counselling services for children and youth, with some adult services since 2017. Current wait times are about two weeks. Family and couples counselling are available depending on counselor availability.The Emergency Shelter offers 30 beds, with 10 additional during bad weather, typically at or near capacity in winter. No one is turned away during severe weather, but some individuals with medical, accessibility, or safety issues may be accommodated elsewhere.Food ProgramsJamie Ferguson discussed programs such as leasing land at Burgoyne Valley Farm for produce, operating the Harvest Kitchen at Fulford Hall, and a food/coffee cart that supports community feeding programs. The Food Bank serves 450-500 individuals monthly, mostly families and seniors, with increased demand recently. Funding comes from donations and grants, with local businesses contributing significant food donations.Concerns about reliance on canned goods were raised; Jamie explained efforts to include more fresh produce and protein sources like lentils and beans. A new school lunch program was piloted this year, offering balanced meals to students, with ongoing adjustments based on feedback.The BC Farmers and Market Association funds a coupon program for local produce, which Jamie has expanded. Over 100 families receive weekly coupons to buy fresh foods at the Tuesday Market. Contributions are welcome to sustain and expand this initiative.Jamie is also leading a project to develop a farming and community gardening area on Lower Ganges Road, exploring innovative ideas like using pigs to improve soil health.Concerns and Follow-upSome participants shared concerns about housing tensions and communication gaps. Rob Grant explained the limitations of Community Services’ role in tenant relations, emphasizing ongoing efforts to improve safety and communication. He committed to follow up on these issues.As the gathering concluded, gratitude was expressed to the team for their openness and dedication. The community looks forward to ongoing dialogue and collaboration.Upcoming Event: Join us this Friday, July 26, 11-1, at the SIMS classroom next to the Boardroom to welcome MP Elizabeth May. What questions would you like to ask her? Please join us!ASK Salt Spring is a program of the Salt Spring Community Alliance — "Neighbours Helping Neighbours Find Answers.
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