Innisfail's community organizations are off to a busy start with new programs starting and old ones picking up where they left off.
During the Sept. 11 Innisfail Community Partners meeting, 10 groups shared with each other and reintroduced programs to those present, in addition to hearing a Healthy Living Coalition success story.
“I have been very impressed with how Innisfail has become part of the success of the Healthy Living Coalition community,” said Patci Hopkins of Alberta Health Services (AHS). “What is more remarkable is that the coalition is working without AHS driving it.”
Eileen Reid, volunteer coordinator for the local Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) office, chaired the meeting and spoke about her agency's activities, from the successful registration night to the Social Needs Assessment, which has received nearly 800 responses to date.
“Of those 800 surveys, only 700 or so can be counted,” said Reid. “They either have too little information, or too much. The deadline for surveys is the end of September and results will be available by the end of December.”
She reported that an earlier priority for Innisfail's social needs was an increase in mental health workers and that movement was being made to recruit a full-time childhood mental health professional which would increase service to one and a half workers
Joanna Pandeiroot, of the John Howard Society, introduced members of the Innisfail Community Partners to its public services, such as pre- and post-release planning, record suspension and career assistance.
“We are based in Red Deer but we do provide service for Central Alberta citizens,” said Pandeiroot, who also noted that an in-school program was part of their offerings.
The Canadian Red Cross presented its Healthy Youth Relationships brochure and outlined its need for volunteers.
Chinook's Edge school wellness workers reported that school programs at all four Innisfail schools had already experienced bookings up to mid-January for programs. They noted enthusiasm was high among students for the upcoming school year.
Tim Howard and Lucille Paquette-Lohman, of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Innisfail (BBBSI), were excited for their fall programs.
“We held a recruitment session and got 25 applications,” said Paquette-Lohman, volunteer liaison for BBBSI. “They still have to be checked out and a couple of kids who were mentored want to be mentors to younger kids, which is what the program is all about.”
Howard, the executive director of BBBSI, spoke on upcoming fundraisers for youth programs such as Smile Cookies, the Innisfail Eagles Skate Scrimmage, and Sparkle with entertainment by Randi Boulton.
“We have a new bunny to replace Einstein,” said Ley-Anne Mountain of Naturally Nurtured. “Our school programs are ready to go and the kids have told me they are excited to start again.”
Reid, in closing the meeting, was pleased with this year's first fall gathering, noting that, “Innisfail service groups are going to have a busy, exciting year of serving citizens of all ages.”
More information on community programs can be found by calling the FCSS office at 403-227-7744 or through the community resource directory.
