A new community outreach program based in Clearwater Secondary School combines the school’s existing youth outreach program with a resurrected and expanded Living Well program sponsored by District of Clearwater.
“In a rural community, this is absolutely the way to go,” said CSS principal Alan Stel.
The process began last year when Christine Parsons was hired to finish off the year with the Community LINKS program. This is a provincewide initiative that supports vulnerable students in academic achievement and social functioning.
Working three hours a day, three days a week, she provides opportunities for youth such as boot-camp, yoga, zumba (combines Latin dance with fitness), a Youth Week committee, smoking cessation, self-esteem and wellness workshops.
Parsons had previously coordinated the Living Well program for District of Clearwater, which was developed to supported health promotion and physical activities in the municipality. The District put it on with support from Interior Health and the Community Resource Center.
When Stel realized there was still some money in the Living Well budget, he approached the District to see if what Parsons is doing presently in the school could be combined with a community outreach program similar to Living Well but expanded to include cultural and other activities.
Clearwater town council approved giving the proposal an eight-week trial run during its Nov. 8 meeting.
A coordinating committee has been set up with representatives from the District, School District 73, Yellowhead Community Services and Ministry of Children and Families.
Some details remain to be worked out, such as liability and insurance, but the program is moving ahead, he said.
“Clearwater Secondary is the ideal place for this,” said Parsons. “It is centrally located, and it has facilities such as its grass fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, gymnasium, Sportsplex, library, the Pit, and so on. There are lots of places to offer social, recreational and cultural opportunities.”
Activities that are already underway include discussions with parents and students about sexual exploitation through Clearwater CAN (community action network).
Thursday evenings members of the RCMP meet with local youth to play floor hockey at the school.
A Christmas baking exchange will be held Wednesday evening, Dec. 7. For a cost of $20 per parent and child, participants can make use of the CSS food room to bake Christmas items for gifts, to trade with other participants, or to give to the Food Bank.
A seniors’ reading program is getting underway with Forestview Place. The program will provide outings for those staying in the extended care wing at Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital and a chance to interact with English 12 students.
A local speaker series will invite local professionals to tell the public about their areas of expertise.
“We’re wide open to suggestions,” said Parsons. “Any person or community group interested in participating should contact me.”
A needs assessment survey is to go out to local residents to find what their needs or interests are. The survey will be available on the CSS website Dec. 5 - 13 and will be open to everyone to respond to.