June 15, 2009 - District of Mission

8
214
accessible format to promote inclusion and bridge the 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.
We are 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 to determine best practices for grouping information. In the near future we plan on
organizing interagency meetings to create ongoing resource sharing and networking
opportunities. All these foundational steps will ensure that 'Go Mission' will create not only an
accessible website but a legacy of inclusion in Mission.
Outreach
The purpose of this committee is to improve access to programs and services by relocating
existing services and developing new services based on neighborhood needs.
This sub committee has been involved in many great community initiatives. An outreach literacy
bus has recently completed renovations. This literacy bus will provide outreach services within
the outer community and offer multiple resources such as "scribe services" assisting people fill
out crucial necessary forms to receiving assistance in various ways as well as health services
such as baby wellness check ups. Additionally, a book lending and informational resource
program will be offered out of the bus.
Youth Unlimited have created a parent-teen adventure retreat. This is being offered out of a local
couple's house with services offered on a sliding scale. This program allows parent and teen to
get away for the weekend and spend quality time together experiencing a therapeutic outdoor
environment. A highly successful Monday night youth group is currently offered through Youth
Unlimited and on Nov 22, 2008 an annual fundraising banquet at Four Square Church was held
to raise money for the youth group.
Tara Scheirer a UFV Social Work student coordinated the extreme weather shelter which opened
this past year on Nov 6, 2008 at The Friendship Centre. Mission Community Services recently
hired two new outreach workers to work with the street level homeless population in Mission
and coordinate housing options for them. The Union Gospel Mission introduced increased
programming and life skills tutoring for 2009.
The 1 st stage housing development on 1 st street and the Grand Street Lodge is a celebrated
success within the outreach sub committee. Currently, this sub committee is creating a Terms of
Reference and re-evaluating priorities for 2009. Presently, two areas of interest this
subcommittee is looking at is creating afterschool resources for kids and youth with disabilities
and reducing wait times for individuals seeking addiction and other social services.
Detox
P.O. Box 20, 8645 Stave Lake Street, Mission, B.C. V2V 4 L9
Phone (604) 820-3752 Fax (604) 826.1363 g (604) 820-3715 Web Site: www.city.mission.bc.ca E-mail: khargreaves@mission.ca