DIVERSEcity
Our featured presenter was Jessica Foster from DIVERSEcity.
DIVERSEcity is a Registered not for profit agency offering a wide range of services and programs to the culturally diverse communities of the lower mainland. It was established in 1978 as the Surrey Delta Immigrant Services Society and underwent a name change to better describe its focus serving a diverse community. They deliver a wide range of services as embodied by their mission statement "To promote the independence of new Canadians and to build strong,culturally diverse communities"
Jessica was presenting one of their programs "Child and Youth Empowerment Camp" A free 4 day for children between 5 and 14. It is not your normal summer camp but is as its name states an empowerment camp providing tools to the attendees to deal with issues that may include bullying,abuse violence and other emotional or mental health issues.Children and Youth are referred to the camp by School counsellors,teachers,caregivers and the Ministry of Children and Family Development.Jessica explained how the camp operated and the activities they used to deliver the tools.Camps are limited to 40 children & Youth. The Camp is free to the attendees but actual cost per student is $370.00 for which they have no funding available so they are looking to Organizations like Rotary to Lend a Hand. We agreed to present the opportunity to our next board meeting to see if we can provide funding or in kind assistance. For more information on DIVERSEcity here is a link to their Website.http://www.dcrs.ca
President Garry and President Elect Ed thanked Jessica for taking the time share and enlighten us to the work done by DIVERSEcity.