The South Cariboo has received a $7,000 grant from the B.C. Liberal government to receive information from the public on crucial issues.
There will be a Community Café to get input from area residents on how to help individuals, who have mental illness and/or substance abuse and/or experience in the criminal justice system, feel part of our community.
The meeting will be held in the Valley Room (behind the 100 Mile Lodge) on Nov. 28 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Everyone is invited and lunch is included.
Research clearly shows that “social inclusion” is a key factor in leading a healthy and productive life, says Lisa De Paoli, Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre executive director.
"We have been granted this funding to gain input from the community and pilot two yoga/meditation/mindfulness sessions.
"With the information from all of this work and our partners at Canadian Mental Health Association South Cariboo Branch, South Cariboo Community Planning Council, Canim Lake Band, the justice system and many others, we will be developing a proposal to seek $200,000 to implement programs, services, and initiatives to help improve the health and well-being of the most vulnerable adults in our community."
For more information on the community café and this grant proposal, call De Paoli at 250-395-5155 or e-mail ldepaoli@cariboofamily.org or contact Chris Pettman at cpettman@cariboofamily.org.
The Community Action Initiative (CAI), which is funded by the provincial government, is to maximize action and build synergies across sectors and cultures by funding and supporting community-based activities that address substance use and improve the mental health of British Columbians, De Paoli explains.
For more information on CAI, go to www.communityactioninitiative.ca.