by Stephen Stiles

What’s new in Powell River? Check out the new Community Resource Centre, located right next to Minato Sushi, up on Joyce Avenue.

So what is this new resource centre all about?

The vision is to create a central hub for community information, advice, and referrals for everyone in the Powell River area. Activity is focused around a community café, with its telephone and free Internet terminals. And as the months get colder, the lounge area in front of the large rock fireplace is set to become an increasingly popular spot.

Staff and volunteers are trained to help put people in touch with the services they need. A number of other agencies also provide services on a regular basis: the centre houses Powell River’s Poverty Law Advocate, who offers free help in many different areas, including tenancy issues or legal questions related to employment and benefits. Also based at the centre is the Community Assistance Program (CAPII), offering information and coaching to people on income assistance. A wide range of pamphlets and posters is available for people to peruse.

Based on our philosophy of community helping community, we at the centre look forward to the public’s suggestions and support in delivering programs or workshops that promote community integration and capacity building. If you have ideas, please see us! We especially welcome ideas around using the centre during evenings and weekends. PRACL and YAK (Youth Advisory Committee) already use the centre two evenings per week. Last Saturday we hosted a gardening forum.

While the centre will not duplicate existing services, it does work with other organizations to fill service gaps. A large, diverse steering committee—representing a variety of organizations—works to achieve a broad mandate. Read more »