Barbara Latkowski
Caledonia Courier
The KEY Resource Centre in Fort St. James has had its share of financial struggles.
But recently, funding from Mount Milligan’s Community Project Fund has impacted the centre greatly and it remains open and running smoothly to help serve the community of Fort St. James.
The objective of the community project Fund is to contribute to healthy communities and support regional groups and members who are focused on: education and training, health, the environment, community and literacy.
And it was The KEY that became the happy recipient of $10,000 on May 9.
The KEY continues to serve often overlooked populations by providing resource services and programs tailored to serve its patrons’ needs.
Population segments include: the homeless, individuals with substance use issues and addictions, the poor, the elderly and single parent families.
The Community Project Fund has been part of a transition plan that has recently transferred the dictatorship of The Key from the College of New Caledonia’s jurisdiction to the now newly formed The Key Resource Centre Society which has become a non-profit society.
Transition Manager, Bernice Wilkes is thrilled with the funding received.
“We are still open and running. It’s so great to be given this help,” Wilkes said.
Wilkes has worked as an advocate and support worker at the centre since 2014.
“Our centre is a safe, comfortable and culturally sensitive place,” Wilkes said. Our patrons are always informed about different programs and resources that are available.”
Through education and training, the resource centre continues to offers essential skills in health, employment, life and literacy outreach services.
The KEY is for the community and it continues to serve everyone regardless of gender, sexual orientation, origin, age, disability or marital status.
The centre is open three days a week and continues to bring in about 50-60 people a day from families, teens and elders.
For a community with a population under 3,000 residents, utilization numbers are impressive according to the centre and they have had immense success with numerous partners and affiliations.
The KEY continues to be about life-learning and empowerment.
“This funding will be a great help to us,” Wilkes said.
“It’s good to know we are still here and that our patrons know that at any time, they can approach us for help.”