We believe the cornerstone of healthy individual life and strong communities is collaboration and sharing. We work together, laugh together and learn from each other on the path to wellbeing.
“Community means strength that joins our strength to do the work that needs to be done. Arms to hold us when we falter. A circle of healing. A circle of friends. Someplace where we can be free.” (Starhawk)
Charitable organizations in the Bowness area face homelessness.
Vision: A permanent home in Bowness where a collaboration of community based agencies, groups and resources work together to build a thriving network of programs, supports and opportunities for people living in Calgary’s northwest.
Mission: Providing culturally respectful information, resources, supports and space for strengthening healthy individual, family, neighbourhood and community life.
Pathways Community Services Association, Families Matter Society and BowWest Community Resource Centre have a combined history of over 40 years serving children, youth, families and seniors in Calgary. All three are registered charitable organizations. All three have a proven track record in collaborating with each other and with numerous community partners to build individual, family and community capacity.
We have been searching for a permanent home since 2002, and have worked closely with potential funders, community organizations and individuals on a “Gathering Place” in Bowness. The three agencies are prepared to provide leadership in creating a model that has the ability to embrace change, growth, creativity and new opportunities. This model also ensures sustainability through cost sharing, integrated services and a deeper pool of talent and resources.
In the meantime we have been working out of temporary, inadequate and/or unsafe spaces and have now reached an absolutely critical point. The lack of appropriate and sufficient spaces already impacts our ability to provide existing programs and supports let alone responding to new needs. Within the next 6 months we have to make difficult decisions about leaving the community we have been a part of for so long.
Collectively we serve over 10,000 children, parents, adults, caregivers and residents on an annual basis. Our combined staff numbers 70 employees and 6 practicum students, making us one of the largest employers in the Bowness area. Combined volunteer hours total in excess of 3,000 annually. We work with over 70 community partners, many of whom are also on the verge of homelessness. We are woven into the fabric of the community on many levels including economic, social, educational and recreational.
We need to move forward. Our sector needs to be able to plan, prepare and be involved in a positive way. For our collaborative that means a permanent home in a beloved community that is a central point for surrounding communities.
Just as it is true for families and individuals facing homelessness to do anything other than struggle for daily survival, so it is true for our three agencies. Too much time and energy is deflected into the search for program and office space. Time and energy that could be devoted to helping build a brighter future for our community, and for the children and families we serve.
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Building Community
