The board of directors of the Comox Valley Senior Peer Counselling Society announces that the society has successfully met several challenges that had put it at risk of dissolving.
The society will continue to provide support to our Valley seniors in the future.
Over the past year the society has overcome hurdles related to issues of governance and financing with the establishment of a rejuvenated board and the receipt of a significant grant from the Gaming Commission, which will provide the wherewithal to continue operations.
Much of the success has been as a result of the excellent support and encouragement of other organizations and members of the community.
Principle funders for 2012-2013 are VIHA and United Way Central and Northern Vancouver Island. Other donors that assisted this past year and continued to support us through the difficult times were City of Courtenay, Comox Valley Regional District and the Knights of Columbus.
The annual general meeting will be held March 26 from noon to 1:30 at the Comox United Church, 250 Beach Dr. in Comox.
All members and volunteers of the society are encouraged to attend and take an active interest in the operation and governance of the society. Members of the public are cordially invited to join us to learn more about the society and its programs.
The board also advises all members, volunteers, donors, supporters and community organizations that it has relocated to 448 10th St. in Courtenay (250-871-5940). If you wish to find out more about our programs, call to arrange a meeting.
The Comox Valley Senior Peer Counselling Society (CVSPCS) is a registered charitable non-profit organization active in the Valley since 1991.
The CVSPCS mission is to provide free and confidential peer support and encouragement to seniors 55 and older who are encountering challenges related to the aging process, and to senior caregivers who are coping with the challenges of providing primary home care for loved ones in various stages of dementia.
The society is dependent upon and grateful to volunteers.
Several volunteers have served for over 15 years. Last year, over 50 dedicated volunteers offered more than 4,500 hours of their time to participate in various roles including peer counsellors, supervisors, board members, training team, and caregiver support groups.
These dedicated and compassionate people provide services to the over 150 client referrals received, more than the society can currently provide services for. It continuously receives requests and referrals for Valley seniors and their families in need of assistance.
To meet this growing demand we need more volunteers. If you are interested in learning how to support seniors who require encouragement, relief and compassion, we will provide the training and guidance you require so you can join us.
Our purpose is to assist our clients in continuing to maintain their independence and their confidence. There is no requirement for hands-on personal care.
To request an interview or for further information, contact program co-ordinator Susan Armstrong at 250-871-5940.
— Comox Valley Senior Peer Counselling Society