A collaboration of Peace River regional services are organizing a Pop Up Navigation Centre, to help provide a one-stop-shop for easy access to local and regional resources.
Peace River FCSS programmer Tamara Brunham says the on-site services will include housing supports, employment services, mental health and addictions support, government supports, domestic violence supports, health resources, justice and legal resources, education resources, parenting and child resources, food insecurity supports, and so much more.
“The Navigation Centre Pop-Up is a collaborative initiative piloted by Wetaskiwin RCMP and FCSS this past summer, inspired by the established Navigation Centre in Edmonton,” explains Burham.
“The pilot was well-received and demonstrated the value of connecting individuals directly with local services and supports.”
Peace River’s event will be held at the Sagitawa Friendship Society on Jan. 22 from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Brunham says it is a free, drop-in event and everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
“This event provides an opportunity for community organizations and service providers to come together and share resources, identify service gaps, and strengthen cross-sector collaboration,” Brunham says.
“Working collectively helps create more coordinated and accessible support for those who need it most.”
Brunham notes there will be food, beverages, swag items, and some door prizes provided to attendees. She says if you require transportation to call (780) 624-1000.
“Participating organizations received a formal invitation, inviting them to participate by offering real-time services or information and sign-ups for programming,” explains Brunham.
“The intent is to provide as many supports under one roof as possible for those who may struggle with access.”
Participating organizations include Peace River Family and Community Support Services, Sagitawa Friendship Centre, RCMP, Primary Care Alberta, Restorative Justice, WARVSS, Canadian Mental Health Association, Peace Region Family Resource Centre, Peace Regional Women’s Shelter, North Peace Housing, Future Works, Vision Learning, Taproot, Northern Lakes College, Peace Regional Outreach Campus, Jordan’s Principal, Rupertsland Institute, Public Health- Sexual Health and Immunizations, Registries, Service Canada, Alberta Supports, Recovery Alberta, Salvation Army Food Bank, and Berwyn/Grimshaw Ecumenical Care Society.
“There has been recognized success with Navigation Centres in larger municipalities across Alberta,” says Peace River Mayor Shelly Shannon.
“This pilot project is the same concept on a smaller scale, with all the information and resources in one place,” she adds.
“This makes it much easier to access the many services available and learn about what is offered in our community.”
Shannon and Brunham both urge anyone available to attend the event. They say the resources may directly help you or someone else you know in the community.
“We believe the program will alleviate some of the confusion around what each service provides as well as the process in which to receive it,” explains Shannon.
Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter