Nanaimo Family Life Association Deck Project

Offering services that touch all ages, non-profit Nanaimo Family Life Association (NFLA) had long needed to refurbish its outdoor deck. Not only was the deck needed as a fire exit, it was also used for outdoor counseling and group workshops that promote health and healing for youth, families and seniors facing challenges.
Once the deck covering was removed from the unsafe deck, the contractor found rotting wood.
With a District match of $4000, our Rotary Club of Nanaimo donated $6000 for new materials, installation, power washing and staining. Repairs included the deck, staircase and railings.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Community Partnerships co-chair Mila Skeeles and member Coralee Katzberg present a donation to NFLA Director Deborah Hollins (center) for the deck repair.
The NFLA deck project took several months to complete during the cold, rainy fall and winter.
Initiated by our Community Partnerships Committee, the project started in the fall of 2022 and completed in March 2023 with a deck staining work party consisting of several of our hard-working members.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our members have a great time working together on community projects. The rewards are always great once a project is completed.
NFLA staff, volunteers, and clients will all benefit from this lovely outdoor space. The staff and volunteers will use it to meet with clients and each other, eat lunch, and get a break from the intense work at NFLA.
Clients who find it more relaxing to be outside will appreciate meeting in the healthy outdoor space so beneficial for their mental health.
And youth will appreciate the patio for creating projects outdoors.
The Rotary Club of Nanaimo has been helping NFLA for several years. In 2020, we supported NFLA with a $10K donation to purchase senior friendly furniture and equipment that gave the non-profit flexibility to quickly arrange for activities and comfortable, practical furniture for its counseling rooms.
 
NFLA provides services to individuals and families throughout all stages of life and across all backgrounds servicing Nanaimo and surrounding areas. Programs include: low-cost counseling and workshops for individuals, couples, youth and seniors, the 'Better At Home' seniors program, 'Gender Journeys’ support group and outreach, ‘Indigenous-Informed Sexual Assault Response Program’, ‘Mid-Island Men Services’, ‘Safe Seniors Strong Communities, and others.