ANOTHER GREAT YEAR AT YCS!

The 2010 Annual General Meeting was an opportunity to celebrate all those involved in our agency's work over the 2009-2010 fiscal year, up and down the North Thompson Valley. Board members, staff and YCS members enjoyed a slide show of events and activities after the business of the evening was completed, followed by some light refreshments. With our mission statement in focus - we continue to support families and individuals in a multitude of circumstances through a variety of programs and services.

We look forward to a newly renovated kitchen area by the fall to allow us to expand our ability to teach life skills, and with the volunteers from Community Kitchens joining our team, we anticipate lovely smells wafting up from the kitchen as new recipes are taught to those looking to expand their budgeting and culinary skills!

YCS AGM June 2010

back to top

GUIDES SPRUCE US UP!

We had an unexpected visit from the local Guides this spring, who spent an afternoon planting some beautiful annuals in our gardens and flower boxes that added so much to the enjoyment of our patio and front garden beds!

We think you're an awesome group and really admire and appreciate your volunteer service in the community - THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Gardeners in the making! (Click picture for larger view)

back to top

LITERACY INITIATIVES TAKING OFF!

BRIGHT RED BOOKSHELF'S ARE OUT!

Many other ideas to increase literacy awareness and skills and abilities are currently being pursued. If you would like more information on any of the programs or if you would like to volunteer your time, please call the Clearwater office - (250) 674-2600 and ask for Kerry Milner-Cairns she'll be pleased to discuss the programs with you in more detail!

Kerry Milner-Cairns, coordinator for the Clearwater and Area literacy programs, has been thrilled with the support from the community for the various programs that are being implemented. One initiative is the Bright Red Bookshelf program which is designed to reach children that may never go to the Public Library. By providing a selection of books in various convenient, accessible locations in town it makes it easy for children and parents to either pick up or share a book. Big thanks to all those who offered donations of materials and books towards this project, and to Clearwater Secondary School students for building the bookshelves and the Challengers group for painting them!

Other literacy programs now in place include:

• Partner Assisted Learning program (PAL) - a free, confidential adult tutoring program where trained volunteer tutors work with learners on any goals they have identified
• Literacy Outreach for Pre-School children - in partnership with the Home Visitor program, literacy kits have been developed to share with families to improve literacy skills. Interested parents/guardians can also get introduced to adult tutors that can assist them with skills too!

back to top

This February YCS was pleased to participate in yet another successful Health & Wellness Fair in the North Thompson - an opportunity to share information on our programs and services with the larger community and network with many other service providers. Thanks to all who stopped by and filled in our Feedback Survey for 2010!

Happy TRAILS James!

James and Elaine Vandenborre on the BIG DAY!

December had us all sending our good wishes to James Vandenborre, Senior Bus Driver for the Clearwater & Area Transit System for a Happy Birthday and a very Happy Retirement. James was Senior Driver for the program since its early days and greatly assisted in its  successful growth and development. We're sure James will enjoy the time with family and friends this new leisure will allow - but expect to see him on the bus now and then! Good luck James!!! 

'TAKE BACK THE NIGHT' WALK

About 30 people, including women, men and children carried candles while walking this past Friday, September 25. The Safe Home program sponsored this year’s local Take Back the Night walk. The purpose of the walk is to speak out against violence against women and to say that women and children should be able to walk alone in their neighbourhoods without needing men to protect them. We had a good response from passersby, some of whom asked us about what we were walking for, others honking and waving. A special thank you to Eric Sieppert for volunteering to be our official photographer for the evening, and to the other men who joined us in support. 

After the walk, more joined the group at the Ski Hill lodge where candles were lit for women who have been lost to violence, and stories were shared about how violence has touched our lives. We enjoyed delicious refreshments prepared by the Ski Hill ladies and gave out some great door prizes. It was a very successful event; bringing more awareness to the community about the Safe Home Program that is available to all women in the North Thompson Valley, as well as other programs administered by YCS.

Candles were lit in memory of those lost to violence

Many people contributed and participated to this important event

Click pictures for larger view

back to top

JAX CAFE ACTIVITIES!

September 16th was the Fall kick off for Jax Café with fun activities and games, lots of food and a musical performance by a band from Vancouver to boot!  Over 100 youth came out to enjoy the afternoon and evening events, bringing with them their high energy and healthy appetites! 

Youth coordinator Adam Moilliet has been actively working with a multi-aged youth group to design a safe and fun environment for high-school aged youth to enjoy. The youth group, with the help of adult volunteers, have arranged a variety of games and activities for Friday and Saturday evenings, as well as manning the drop-in centre for a few after school hours.                                                                Coffee anyone?

The Youth Centre activities, including movie night schedules, are advertised at the high school and on the YCS notice board; or you can contact Adam at 674-2600 for more information or to volunteer some time. 

Youth Drop In at Jax

Giant earth ball game starts the fun!

Youth line up for BBQ delights!

Outdoor concert enjoyed by all

The Annual General Meeting was a chance to share the many accomplishments and challenges faced over the 2008/09 fiscal year, and Jack Keough, Executive Director, reported on many. Included was the re-opening of the Barriere Ridge Elementary School as the new 'Barriere Ridge Community Centre', held in the spring and attended by many dignitaries and local partners. Sharing the facility with the District of Barriere - YCS now operate a "Hub" of programs and services in Barriere from this new centre. "We've got a few more finishing touches to complete - but the community has been filling the centre with a buzz of activity" Keough stated.

Susan Murray, District Manager of Ministry of Children and Family Development thanked Jack and the staff, saying it had been a good year of working together and she appreciated the support YCS provides to individuals and families through the many services offered.

Comings and goings throughout the year were noted, and new staff were introduced to the membership. Program staff then shared highlights from each program area during a photo slideshow of activities and events held since the previous year, which was well received.

Members gather for "Year in Review" slideshow at our Annual General Meeting June 18, 2009

The volunteer Board of Directors are all continuing on for another term.  After the business of the evening was accomplished, they thanked everyone for a job well done before adjourning the meeting and everyone enjoyed some refreshments and the opportunity to celebrate together!

back to top

Click on photos for larger view!

International Women's Day Celebration 

International Women's Day, March 6, 2009, was celebrated in style as well over 100 participants attended a festively decorated event at the Legion in Clearwater. Beautiful music was provided by our very own local musicians "The Lilies".

March 2009

The group was treated to a heart warming power point presentation of women at work. This montage was assembled by CSS student Melissa Sauvé under the capable direction of her teacher, S. Menard. Tea and goodies were served, and about 60 door prizes were awarded to guests.

Kudos for organizing this splendid event are due to our Safe Home coordinator, Wendy Vogels and community volunteers Cheryl Thomas, Cindy Wilgosh, and Jean Bonner, to name a few, along with many others. The generosity of Clearwater and area businesses made this event possible as did funding from BCYTHS.

back to top

3rd Annual Arts, Health & Wellness Fair

Feb 2009

It was a busy day at Clearwater  Secondary School  February 7th. YCS and SB6, along with dozens of other local service and business providers were setting up booths to share information on what they offer.  Many residents, young and old, took advantage of the opportunity to learn what's available right here in our own backyard, while enjoying the opportunity win prizes and take in free workshops!

back to top

YCS Annual Open House!

Performers from the 2008 "Whoops a Daisy Angel!"

We're pleased to invite the community to our annual Open House.  This year we'll be gathering at Jax Cafe to enjoy the daycare children's performance of "Whoops-a-Daisy Angel", and afterwards the 'Town Triers' will lead a sing-a-long. Light refreshments will be available. Come and join us between 3 and 5 pm on Thursday, December 18th at 612 Park Drive - to celebrate the joys of the season!

back to top

Sun Peaks Trips Planned for Youth!

Local youth (Grade 8 - 12) who are interested in ski/board trips to Sun Peaks should contact Adam Moilliet at adam.m@yellowheadcs.ca or (250) 674-2600 for more details. The next trip is scheduled for Saturday, December 20, 2008. Seats are limited, so register early!

back to top

Donation from Canadian Forest Products and Canfor Truckers' Fund!

Once again, we are fortunate to have the local support of this fund! YCS has recently received not one, but two donations from Canadian Forest Products and Canfor Truckers’ Fund to help us accomplish some more of our wish list! Thanks to their generous support, we will be purchasing new furniture for the youth centre. We will also be able to offer some limited local travel support to those more disadvantaged in our community. Our community partners - Canadian Forest Products and Canfor Truckers' Fund - help make things happen!  

back to top

Farewell to Dan Coleman!

Youth coordinator Dan Coleman has recently retired from his coordination role at Jax Cafe. Dan's tireless work with youth was the driving force behind the creation of Jax Cafe, and we hope to be able to continue his good work with youth. Dan plans to stay connected with Jax Cafe, and has been passing the torch to Adam Moilliet who is presently organizing youth activities.

Yellowhead Community Services Board and staff thank Dan for his years of volunteer service and wish him well in his all his future endeavors!

back to top

Singing nursery rhymes and action songs is a great way to engage your child and promote that special bond while meeting other parents in your community at the same time. Check for Mother Goose programs happening in your community and come out to join in the fun!

Click on pictures for larger view

back to top

United Way & Canfor Support Youth Programs!

CANFOR employees lead local groups in the 2006 United Way fund raising campaign!  Our local Canfor employees supported this fund raising effort throughout the past year and it's come back to our very own youth programs! YCS Program Coordinator Lorne Selbee gratefully accepts a BIG cheque for $6000 from representatives of United Way Thompson Cariboo and CanFor - Vavenby Division. Funds will be used to support the youth activities throughout the coming year.

Thank you for your generous support!

L-R: CanFor Employee Campaign Coordinator Fran Johnson, United Way Thompson Cariboo Melodie Grabner, CanFor Human Resources Manager John Gerber,  and YCS Lorne Selbee with BIG cheque!

back to top

Visiting Youth Lend a Hand at YCS!

Baha'i Youth attending a family summer school decided they would like to perform a service for the local community. They chose to help out at YCS by doing a thorough clean-up in the Community Garden, and staining the daycare playground fence in an afternoon of hard work. Thanks to all for a job well done!

back to top

Director Helen Knight Steps Down

After five years of service as a Director of YCS, Helen Knight announced her decision to step down as of the Annual General Meeting held this June 21st, where she was recognized for her many contributions. Helen has supported the Society through her volunteer work as a director, and through her generous donations of time, resources, energy and original art works that adorn the walls of our new facility on Park Drive. Helen stated she was pleased to be a part of the team effort of growth the YCS has undergone over the last five years, and will continue to stay connected with the Society through ongoing projects and events.  THANK YOU HELEN!

back to top

Work Bee at Clearwater Community Garden!

Volunteers came to give of their time and muscles to get the new Community Garden at YCS up and going.  Coordinator Cheryl Thomas reports that generosity of time and donations of seeds, plants and flowers has been overwhelming! Already the local daycare children and Challengers group have become actively involved in the project.

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR VOLUNTEERS!

Before, and then, with a little loving care...

After!

back to top

Tourists visit Barriere Farmers Market!

Every Thursday morning from 8:30 to 12:30 the Barriere Farmers Market offers its variety of fresh locally grown produce and crafts.  Located right across from Gilbert Smith Forest Products on Yellowhead Hwy #5 the market is easily accessible to locals and tourists alike!

back to top

Rec Site Crew Get New Uniforms!

The recreation site crew members were grateful to receive new shirts and hats to identify them as the official Forestry Recreation Site Maintenance workers, as well as a magnetic sign for their work vehicle.  This program is a partnering of the Job Skills Program, funded by Community Living BC, FIA support through Canadian Forest Products Ltd. - Vavenby Division and donations received from the public. The crew have been working diligently, keeping recreation sites ready to be enjoyed by campers and tourists alike!    

Supervisor Madelaine Hegenbarth poses with crew workers Daniel Gill and Gillian Tomyn in new shirts and hats after a hard day's work!

back to top

Health Connections Bus Service Launched!

September 22, 2006 also marked the official launch of HEALTH CONNECTIONS - a new weekly transit service running from Blue River to Kamloops. This service is as a result of a partnership between Interior Health, BC Transit and the TNRD. YCS were very pleased to have Linda Basran, Interior Health Community Administrator for the Thompson, speak to those present about this great new service that provides a much needed low cost link to medical services in Kamloops for Valley residents. Although preference is given to riders attending medical appointments, she reminded us that everyone can use this service by simply booking their seat in advance (click Health Connections for more info). 

Linda Basran serves cake to Senior Bus Driver James Vandenborre (above)

 Linda Basran announces new Health Connections service (below left); Transit Bus for Health Connections (below right)

Click on pictures for larger view

back to top

Lorene Easson, Branch Manager of Interior Savings Clearwater was on hand to offer her congratulations at the Grand Opening, and brought with her a donation for the Success By 6 Clearwater initiative the local branch had raised at a recent hot dog sale. Heather Adamson (nee Hoole), Early Childhood Program Coordinator for YCS, gratefully accepted the funds and encouraged all present to invest in this community initiative that is building necessary community supports and services for children 0-6, preparing them to learn and be successful when they enter school. 

back to top

A Great Day for a Grand Opening!

Beautiful fall weather provided a perfect backdrop to a day of celebration at Yellowhead Community Services. September 22^nd brought many people from near and far; invited dignitaries, community service providers, members, current and past employees, neighbours and volunteers attended the official grand opening ceremony of the Neighbourhood House. Minister of State for Early Childhood Development Linda Reid, joined by local MLA Kevin Krueger and Brenda Aynsley, Executive Director of United Way, arrived that morning to tour the new facility and meet staff working in the programs and services.  They honoured the work of YCS and community members with their expressions of pride, good wishes and their congratulations on a job well done.  

This building was the vision of YCS Executive Director Jack Keough, with the support of the Board of Directors, in response to the pressing needs of the Society to have an appropriate place to operate the increasing number of services and programs we offer. The building project has been in the works since 2002 when we began the work to gain the support needed to bring it into reality. Generous grants, donations, fund raising and volunteer efforts by many groups and individuals succeeded in the development of this beautiful new hub of community programs and services.  A plaque naming those involved with the building project was unveiled by Directors Helen Knight and Judy Schurack, and can be viewed in the entrance way of the Neighbourhood House.

Linda Basran, one of the original Board of Directors that organized and incorporated the Wells Grey Community Resources Society in 1989, was present to launch the new Health Connections bus service to Kamloops, and we were especially glad she was able to join in the celebrations of the day.  

Rev. Lloyd Strickland, who serves as a volunteer Director of the Board for YCS, blessed the new facility with a dedication well suited to the purposes of this new community. Cake and refreshments were enjoyed by all, and the staff had a good time giving tours.   

YCS Board and staff thank everyone who has supported this project, and those who came to share in the celebrations of the day. We look forward to the new opportunities this facility will provide for the community and those we serve. 

Minister of State for Early Childhood Development Linda Reid and MLA Kevin Krueger join YCS Board Chair Judy Schurack, Executive Director Jack Keough and friends in cutting ribbon at the Grand Opening of the Neighbourhood House

Minister of State Linda Reid gives us her stamp of approval!

MLA Kevin Krueger recounts the journey and gives his congratulations

Click here for more picture highlights of our Grand Opening!

back to top

Coffee anyone?

Youth line up for BBQ delights!

Outdoor concert enjoyed by all

JAX CAFÉ - WHERE THE ACTION IS!

September 16th was the Fall kick off for Jax Café with fun activities and games, lots of food and a musical performance by a band from Vancouver to boot!  Over 100 youth came out to enjoy the afternoon and evening events, bringing with them their high energy and healthy appetites! 

Youth coordinator Dan Coleman has been actively working with a multi-aged youth group to design a safe and fun environment for high-school aged youth to enjoy. The youth group, with the help of adult volunteers, have arranged a variety of games and activities for Friday and Saturday evenings, as well as manning the drop-in centre for a few after school hours.

The Youth Centre activities are advertised at the high school and on the YCS notice board; or you can contact Dan Coleman at 674-2600 for more information or to volunteer some time. 

Giant earth ball game starts the fun!

back to top

REAL ESTATE FOUNDATION GRANT AT WORK!

Great changes have been taking place at the Neighbourhood House over the last few months as the landscaping projects got underway. Firstly, you are sure to notice the drive in is a much smoother experience! We were all happy to kiss the spring thaw goodbye and say farewell to the mud puddles!  And despite a late spring start, the hard work of our crew and generous donations from our volunteers have all been pushing hard to make up for lost time.

The Real Estate Foundation of BC generously provided funding for the outdoor developments through a grant received in 2005 that we are now putting to full use. Geoff Ellen, local agrologist, worked to develop the outdoor plan, and is assisting us in making it a reality.  Our official Grand Opening has been postponed until fall when we can show off a little more of the finished product!

The lower garden/patio area has been the focus of energies recently. Just below the site for the community garden, its terraced landscape will provide a comfortable outdoor area where youth, community and program based events will be held. The grounds projects have proven to be yet another means to bring together community groups and services through this facility. We look forward to many future BBQ's and community fund raisers!

Driveways, patios, gardens and paths...it's all becoming a reality with a little help from big machines and lots of big hearts!

The beautiful iris above are a donation from the gardens of local pioneer Bob Miller

back to top

MAY 2006

Second Annual Health & Happiness Fair was fun for all!

The 2nd Annual Health & Happiness Fair was the place to be on May 26th!   Free Food, prizes, local musicians and a special performance by the primary students of Raft River Elementary kicked off the afternoon of fun.  Many booths were staffed and available at the fair as an opportunity to further inform parents of supports and services, and explore the many opportunities for children 0-6 in the valley.

The day was well attended by parents and children, and we give a big thank you to all those volunteers and businesses that helped with their support of this Success By 6 initiative.

Health & Happiness Fair 2006

(Click on pictures to enlarge)

back to top

 

ORIGINAL ARTWORKS NOW GRACE OUR WALLS!

Local artist Helen Knight had the staff at Yellowhead Community Services (YCS) dumbfounded with her generosity. Having told staff that they could come and pick a painting for the building as a gift, when they arrived at her home she offered them as many as they would like! And it doesn't stop there. She not only gifted a dozen of her original works, she insisted that she get them framed and ready to hang on the walls of the Neighbourhood House. Her works have garnered many compliments from our visitors and staff alike.

Helen is a great supporter of YCS and also serves as a volunteer director of the Board. THANK YOU HELEN!

Executive Director Jack Keough receives gift of paintings from Helen Knight

back to top

$30,000 GRANTED BY THE REAL ESTATE FOUNDATION OF BC!

The Real Estate Foundation of BC has made a generous donation of $30,000 for the outdoors and landscaping components of the Neighbourhood House. Tim Pringle, Executive Director of the Real Estate Foundation, was in Clearwater this spring to assess the needs and hear more about the project and land use plans, taking what he learned back to his Board for their review and approval. The Real Estate Foundation of BC's mission is "To support sustainable real estate and land use practices for the benefit of British Columbians". We are thrilled to report the Board were in full support of our plans, and we recently received funds for implementation of the project.

Yellowhead Community Services (YCS) hired a local consultant for the project design. The outdoor projects include natural gardens, paths, improved trail access and a community garden. Use of indigenous plants integrated with value crops is one way we will make use of the land – addressing both the beautification of the facility grounds as well as enhancing programs through added activities for youth and life skills programs on an ongoing basis.

YCS is excited to be on our way to creating a beautiful community centre, and ask you to join us in thanking The Real Estate Foundation for partnering with us to make it a reality!

Interior Savings Support Neighbourhood House!

Interior Savings Community Development Fund, established to assist communities adversely impacted by the 2003 wildfires, have generously provided $50,000 to assist in the construction of the new facility, which is well underway, and expected to be completed in September.

"The Neighbourhood House will act as a resource centre for the entire community," said Jack Keough, Executive Director of YCS. "The generous support from Interior Savings will allow us to offer a full range of community support programs and services." 

Interior Savings present $50,000 to YCS!

Windows in the Neighbourhood House!

Click photos for larger view.

ALL WINDOWS DO

NATED!

YCS was thrilled to recently accept a generous donation  for the Neighbourhood House from Ryan and Eva Myhre of Intricate Glass Inc. The Myhre's, both former Clearwater residents who now reside in Kamloops with their three children, made the donation of all windows for the new facility.  Ryan took time away from larger projects in Vancouver and Calgary to join his Clearwater crew this month, and had all the windows installed within one afternoon.

This donation, extremely valuable in itself, was also an essential piece in demonstrating local support for this project, and enabled YCS to put forward strong proposals for the funding needed to make the Neighbourhood House a reality.

We are very grateful for the fact that Clearwater raised two such community-minded people that, as soon as they heard of the plans for the Neighbourhood House, offered to assist their home town in this way. Our warmest thanks to the Myhre's and crew for their hard work and generous support!

back to top

The Vancouver Foundation, well known for its support of community development projects throughout BC, has once again partnered with YCS's latest community capacity building initiative.  Vancouver Foundation's generous financial support of a $50,000 grant will greatly assist with construction of the 6,000 sq. ft. multi-purpose Neighbourhood House facility at 612 Park Drive, Clearwater BC. 

The facility will house the many programs and services to individuals and families that YCS offers throughout the North Thompson Valley. These include counselling for Addictions, Mental Health, Stopping the Violence and Sexual Abuse Intervention, life and job skills programs for adults with developmental delays, workshops, group activities, family support programs, youth programs, early childhood development programs, and transit services.  New initiatives, such as a community garden, after school care and daycare, toy lending library and walking trail (to name a few) are also planned.

The Vancouver Foundation is certainly no stranger to YCS. They also played a leading role locally in June 2003, helping make the 1st Annual Rural Communities Summit a reality in Clearwater.  Vancouver Foundation also offers its knowledge and support to assist communities to develop their own Foundations in order to foster on-going financial support of local needs. YCS started this process with the help of the Vancouver Foundation, and began the fund raising at the Rural Communities Summit. A committee was struck which continues to work towards this goal.

A huge THANK YOU goes out to the Vancouver Foundation for its tremendous support of all these community projects! 

back to top

HRSDC participants at work

Supervisor on site for clearing

HRSDC Job Creation Project

A GREAT Success!

"Human Resources Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) and Clearwater Employment Services have partnered with us to create an opportunity for four local people to gain valuable skills and knowledge during the construction of the Neighbourhood House" says Jack Keough, Executive Director of YCS. "Our hope is that the participants in this project will walk away with the necessary skills and experience they need to be hired into this field of work." Participants have been on the job since the site was cleared and are expected to stay with the project until mid April. With HRSDC's support, they'll get the job done!

The Government of Canada has contributed funding to this project

back to top