 |
Message from the Executive Director
Greetings!
The summer whizzed by in the wake of a number of initiatives sweeping the agency. Since my last message in July we have engaged in a number of activities including, fundraising, strategic planning, an accreditation survey and welcoming new people to the team. I will summarize some of these below:
- Summer Programs - we are pleased with the success of another summer of providing fun, skill building, and memory making opportunities to close to 400 children and youth in our summer camps, including youth leadership development.
- Accreditation: The organization participated in an accreditation survey with CARF International. We took this opportunity to clarify and validate our best practice while seeking feedback and direction for improvement.
- IT Review: An internal Information Technology review was completed and a revised agency IT plan outlines the strategies necessary to build a reliable, sustainable IT foundation for the organization moving forward.
- New Team Member: We welcome Beth Diprose to our Senior Leadership team as our Manager of Youth and Family Services. She comes with a strong background working with children, youth and families in the non profit sector. We are very pleased to have her with us.
- Central Saanich Building Project: There has been solid progress made over the summer months with plans for our new building in Central Saanich. Kate Mansell and Kyla Sanderson are the leads on this project and have provided excellent oversight, keeping the project on track. We are delighted to have the solid support of the Central Saanich Council and district staff moving forward. Fundraising will be moving ahead in the next month.
- Boys & Girls Clubs Pacific Region: The regional Boys & Girls Clubs Conference was held on September 11-13 in Richmond BC with a "Connections" theme where 9 staff had the opportunity to learn, meet our Club affiliates from Western Canada and the Yukon and celebrate their hard work.
- Strategic Planning: We rounded out September by bringing our Foundation Board, Services Board and Leadership team together in a facilitated day of Strategic Engagement. We are excited by the energy and commitment of all who participated and we look forward to building on the renewed direction.
- Fundraising: Our annual appeal has brought in about $18,000 to date. We have received significant support from the District of Central Saanich and the Township of Esquimalt as well as generous contributions and support from companies like TELUS, Future Shop, and Sears. We also received a grant towards our Central Saanich project through a special campaign, Paper Hammer, promoted by the Home Depot. The Wild about Whales event raised $27,000. A couple from the peninsula has increased their monthly giving from $10 to $125 - now that is a vote of confidence in our work! Our sincere thanks to all of these supporters and so many more too numerous to list here.
While we may struggle with financial constraints, we respond with creativity, passion and commitment in our quest to continually provide high quality services. We make the best of the assistance we receive from corporate, organization, and individual donors who contribute to our agency. This support allows us to continue to bring children, youth and families together across our communities. Thank you to all who continue to support the work we do.
Sincerely,
Dalyce Dixon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Boys & Girls Club Services of Greater Victoria1240 Yates Street,
Victoria, British Columbia V8V 3N3 Phone: (250) 384-9133
Fax: (250) 384-9136
Email: info@bgcvic.org Website: www.bgcvic.org
|
|
|
October 17, 2013 - Issue #8
|
|
|
|
|
What's New
CARF Accreditation Survey & Strategic Planning Session
From September 16-18, we had a very successful three days with three wonderful CARF surveyors. We are now awaiting the official survey results, which we will receive in November. Thank you to our staff, participants and community partners for your excellent work!
Capitalizing on the steam that was built in preparation for our CARF accreditation survey, our Leadership Team, in collaboration with the Services and Foundation Boards, took part in a Strategic Planning Session on September 21st. We are confident that this process will keep us on track for supporting children, youth and families, while honouring the importance that our programs and services have in Greater Victoria.
Central Saanich Club - Project Update!
As reported in the last e-newsletter in July, we are planning a brand new facility to house our Central Saanich Club in Brentwood Bay. A site has been identified within the Central Saanich Cultural Centre property and next steps include a by-law to allow us to build on it. The first and second reading were successfully passed earlier this month and the public hearing will happen in November.
The new facility will be just over 1,700 square feet with office space, a kitchen, washrooms, a computer zone and open space for a lounge and foosball and pool tables. We are very excited about our new forever home and can hardly wait to get those shovels in the ground! 
BGC in the Community!
On September 17th, Boys & Girls Club staff members attended the United Way Kick Off, sharing information about how we are "agents of change" within the community. United Way's campaign goal is set at raising $6 million dollars for programs that support the Capital Region District. We are excited to launch our internal UW campaign in October, where our goal is to have 100% participation from our staff.
The Provincial Employees Community Services Fund (PECSF) held their annual campaign launch last week, and we were delighted to be able to engage people with a fun interactive quiz about our programs and services.
The grants that we receive from United Way and PECSF support after-school programs in four communities. Out of school programs offer safe havens for children, providing academic, social, recreational and personal development opportunities that children and youth need to make positive, healthy choices to not only 'survive' but thrive. Thank you PECSF & United Way!
Congratulations Coastline Challenges!
Our Coastline Challenges program underwent its annual government inspection in August. Coastline adheres to a document known as SPOWA (Standards and Policies of Wilderness Activities). The inspection takes place during program and looks at all facets of the program from documentation, risk management to tripping methods and practices. We are pleased to announce that this year Coastline received an exemplary rating with no recommendations. Well Done Coastline!
|
|
|
Spotlight on...
Anney's Closet a great partnership for our Care Home Parenting Program
Anney's Closet is a wonderful resource for the youth served in our Care Home Parenting Program (CHPP) as well as other young women aging out of care and/or leaving group homes. CHPP is a BGC program which helps young women who are pregnant or in the early months of parenting through a combination of housing, life skills training and counselling. Anney's Closet operates out of a storage locker donated by West Shore U-Lock, and is part of the Westshore Soroptimist Club. We are fortunate to have such a great partnership, and have already received...
|
|
|
Tools and Tips
BGC Parenting Programs can help!
Children and youth don't come with instructions and that's where our Parenting Programs services can help! All programs and workshops provide safe, non-judgmental, confidential environments that honour the individual while delivering practical ideas and skill building. For those who are experiencing parenting challenges, feelings of isolation may be reduced by connecting with other parents with similar experiences. Offering everything from one-time Evening Community Workshops, to 4-10 week workshop series and programs, we are here for parents! Learn more at Parenting Programs. You will be warmly welcomed...
|
|
Events
Stay Tuned for Upcoming Events !
|
|
|
