Most local based non-profit groups are looking forward to potentially moving into a new shared use facility in Innisfail, but not Big Brothers Big Sisters of Innisfail.
“In conversation with Tammy Oliver-McCurdie, Family Community Support Services manager, after consulting with the board of Big Brothers and Sisters, I have indicated that we will not be moving into the Parkland Community Church location on 49th Avenue,” said Tim Howard, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Innisfail.
The decision to not move was related to a number of factors.
“We have been advocating for a large, one stop shop for community services in Innisfail that would meet the needs of non-profit groups for some time,” Howard added. “After a public presentation to the Innisfail business community, and a non-profit survey, we have decided to stay put until enough momentum builds in Innisfail for us to pursue that avenue.”
He added that while the move was a good idea, moving Big Brothers into the facility could potentially take up too much space and leave too little room for other needy agencies.
“We will use the facility for programming in the summertime, and as required for our various activities, but if we move into the basement, we monopolize so much of the space that other smaller groups could utilize better,” Howard said.
At present, Big Brother Big Sister programs run in schools and other facilities where their target groups are already. He looked forward to the arrival of the Olds Boys and Girls club in Innisfail, and their working with Side Door.
“We realize that Side Door and Boys and Girls club address a slightly different aspect of youth services,” Howard said. “We are more of an individual mentoring group, while Side Door and Boys and Girls are group oriented. There will be times when we will send children to their programs, and they will send kids to us.”
Ideally, he said, the ‘marriage' of Big Brothers with Boys and Girls club and Side Door would be the ultimate solution, and that was a long-term goal for the executive director.
Looking forward to 2014, he noted that by the end of 2013, his group would have outgrown its present office space but would bide its time until a more permanent solution was found.
For many Innisfail non-profit groups, this agreement is the first step towards a solution that will allow groups to share administration services, and targets a shortage of programming space. The two-year lease will allow partner groups to develop a community strategy that will address service delivery for years to come.
“Family Community Support Services will be operating a youth community kitchen out of the leased facility, as well as Open Studio will be conducting a youth art program. The Side Door will reopen up January 8th, and Boys and Girls club will develop as the future Innisfail committee works on fundraising and programs,” added Oliver-McCurdie. “This will be an exciting time for youth services in Innisfail.”
The lease on the former Parkland Community Church property begins Jan. 1, 2014 with an open house/fundraiser tentatively scheduled for Jan. 31. Interested youth oriented programs or donors can contact Oliver-McCurdie at 403-227-7744.
