June 15, 2009 - District of Mission

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disconnect between the community and the resources available. We embarked on the planning
stages to build this 'clearing house of community information' by surveying selected members of
the community, including those with disabilities, to determine how and where they find
information they need; their assistive technology needs and future interest to 'test' website
accessibility. Margaret is working with the Social Development Commission Central Resource
Bureau sub committee to determine scope, boundaries and web format. We have also made
connections with local community services to gather information and are reviewing other
community databases.
We are also in the process of applying for monies through Human Resources and Skills
Development Canada. This money will go towards specialized applications on the website such
as ASL sign language for the hearing impaired and voice activation for the blind.
Project 3 — O.K Kids
Mr. Andy Kwak and I have been researching where there is a community need in Mission for his
program "OK Kids". This program was developed in Moncton, New Brunswick for children
whose parents are incarcerated. The program, which runs over a course of 14 weeks, acts as a
support group for these children in which to safely express feelings and learn coping skills in an
encouraging environment with peers experiencing the same situation. The next step is to research
and request the opinion of Corrections Canada in the Fraser Valley to assist us in determining
need. In March, 2009, Andy and I presented this program concept to The Rotary Club in
Mission. I also developed a power point presentation outlining the Social Development Plan.
Project 4 — Citizenship and Immigration Integration for Mission
On April 29, 2009, Meredith Egan of Mission Community Services held a workshop at the
Mission Leisure Centre entitled "Building More Welcoming and Inclusive Communities and
Workplaces". This all day workshop focused on creating a vision of what welcoming and
inclusive communities and workplaces look like for all Mission residents. A considerable
amount of time was spent discussing what inclusive, vibrant and welcoming support for
newcomers to Mission would include. The workshop concluded with creating a plan for
implementation of this vision.
The necessity for a workshop of this type in Mission arose out of the awareness of increasing
social issues in the immigrant population in Mission. One of these areas is in the rising rates of
alcoholism and domestic violence for immigrant children and families A second area of concern
is the cultural and language barrier existing between landlords and tenants. As Meredith Egan
has been compiling the results of this workshop, I have been searching for funding applicable to
the area of immigration and multiculturalism. Fortunately, funding has become available through
"Citizenship and Immigration Canada". This funding opportunity is available in one of three
categories:
1.Encouraging Ethno-cultural/racial minorities to participate in public decision-making
2. Engaging communities and the broad public in informed dialogue and sustained action to
combat racism (anti-racismlanti-hate/cross-cultural understanding).
P.O. Box 20, 8645 Stave Lake Street, Mission, B.C. V2V 4L9
Phone (604) 820.3752 Fax (604) 826-1363 & (604)820-3715 Web Site: www.city.mission.bc.ca E-mail: khargreaves@mission.ca