Yellowhead Community Services, a non-profit in the North Thompson Valley, works with various funding partners such as the federal and provincial governments, B.C. Transit and most recently in partnership with the United Way.
The partnership with the United Way developed in July after the launch of the Clearwater Regional Community Food Hub.
Christine Peterson is the CEO of Yellowhead Community Services (YCS) and has been in the position since mid-March.
“This is a large organization with a lot of social services throughout the valley. It’s been quite a lot to learn and take in as I have been familiarizing myself with all the services we provide in North Thompson. My previous experience and working background were in working with the provincial and federal governments. First with the federal government for ten years working with what is now Service Canada.”
Peterson described her work in the role as a programs service officer for ten years working in various communities then transitioning over to the province for 14 years working in social development and poverty reduction in the employment service and labour market division.
“One of the things I really loved about my work was working within rural communities bringing services directly to the community and the people who need them. We know that has been something that has decreased over the years with those services becoming a little bit more centralized in places like Kamloops. One of the great things and privileges in working with an agency like YCS is being able to bring those resources back to the community level, making sure there are much-needed services within the community for everyone.”
Examples of those services stretch from “childcare and early child development, literacy and early years programming to programs for seniors and affordable housing, working with youth, transit, food security, mental health and addiction.
Peterson said expanding on food security is “a new focus with our partnership with the United Way” acknowledging the history of food security and sustainability in the valley which has occurred for many years.
Praising the passion many have had over the years for food security in both Clearwater and Barriere through the local farmers’ markets and the ‘soup kettle’ program
“Now with new funding through the United Way with regards to food security we are able to enhance those programs, not only in Clearwater but in Barriere as well,” she said.
Working with other organizations with the same goals and visions is key according to Peterson allowing all involved to have a “greater impact” within rural communities.
“For me, working with this agency brings me back to my roots of working within communities, engaging with stakeholders and making sure the services the clients and citizens need are readily available to them, regardless of the fact they may be an hour or more away from Kamloops perhaps.”
The CEO points to the fact that many living in the valley have become increasingly concerned with driving Highway 5, specifically during the winter months so providing as many essential services as possible simply makes life easier, allowing residents to access support closer to home, something very rewarding to all staff involved with YCS as they make a “real difference” to those they serve in the North Thompson.
“There is a solid foundation of great community work and service already within YCS and the communities of Clearwater, Simpcw First Nation and Barriere. I came to the valley in my previous position having worked in Clearwater before it incorporated and have history from the past in presenting on behalf of government than about what programs were available,” said Peterson.
She regarded having had the opportunity to work with the doctors now transitioning to manage the Wells Gray Medical clinic as “a privilege” and is looking forward to continuing to build on that working relationship in providing those “health-related needs” in the valley.
The CEO for YCS reminded residents there are services in both Barriere and Clearwater available and she is looking forward to “being able to connect” further with residents in the future.
For more information on the partnership with the United Way go to https://www.clearwatertimes.com/local-news/new-clearwater-community-food-hub-helps-those-in-need-5751036
If you require supportive services, you can ‘connect’ by visiting Yellowhead Community Services website at: https://www.yellowheadcs.ca/
