by SOS District 69 | Sep 20, 2016 | Blog
The STAR program is back at SOS, setting residents up to be successful renters.The free program, which stands for Supporting Tenancy through Action and Resources, consists of four interactive and fun classes. Participants will gain knowledge about things like tenancy rights, living with others, budgeting and conflict resolution. Upon completion, a certificate is issued. The program runs Oct. 3, 5, 11 and 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the SOS Child, Youth & Family Centre in Parksville. Participants can bring their own lunch and light refreshments and snacks will be provided. Plus there are prizes to be won. To register call
250-248-2093 ext. 241. Participants must be 16 years or older.
by SOS District 69 | Aug 25, 2016 | Blog
Using interactive exercises and teaching, couples will have the opportunity to gain new insights, strengthen relationships skills, and improve their intimacy and friendship. All exercises and personal discussions will occur privately between partners.
Each couple will receive one copy of the book, The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work, by Dr. John Gottman and Nan Silver and each person will receive a companion Workbook.
The 7 Principles Program is appropriate for couples contemplating engagement,
for pre-marital couples and for anyone from newlyweds to those who have been
together for decades. It is educational and is intended for couples who wish to
enhance and enrich their relationship.
The program runs at SOS in Parksville on Tuesday evenings, from 7 – 8:30 pm Sept. 27-Nov. 22, 2016.
Funding may be available through SOS for this program.
For more information or to register call 250 – 248 – 6772 Email: annepw@shaw.ca
by SOS District 69 | Jul 26, 2016 | Blog
New faces on SOS Board
The SOS has four new board members following its Annual General Meeting June 22. SOS has been providing vital community programs and services to residents of District 69 for 48 years, and board members work to set direction for the organization, based on the evolving needs of the community.
New board member Martin Fereday moved to Parksville in 2011 with his wife and has been volunteering with SOS, the City of Parksville and with the Parksville Lawn Bowling Club. He and his wife have two sons and six grandchildren. Martin enjoyed a career in municipal engineering and land development prior to retiring in 2010. Pamela May-Straka will also be serving on the board. She has a professional background in science, and enjoyed a career as an exploration geologist. Since moving to Nanoose Bay in 2006 with her husband Joe, the couple has made community service part of their lifestyle. Pam is an avid sailor, occasional potter and she’s passionate about learning. She enjoys helping people and organizations achieve their goals.
New board member Dr. Jennifer Mullett is a Community Psychologist, Director of the Centre for Healthy Communities Research and Adjunct Professor at both UVic and VIU. She has worked abroad and in BC with inter-disciplinary teams on interventions aimed at creating healthy communities and building capacity for social change. She and her husband moved to Oceanside in 2008 and have 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren.
Originally a farm boy from Saskatchewan, Gordon Ball went on to have a 36-year career as a busy Calgary lawyer. The new board member moved to Qualicum Beach with his wife Shari in 2008, and now has a part time practice. He keeps busy speaking about legal matters to local businesses and organizations, writing a monthly newsletter, volunteering, playing hockey and golf, and hiking.
Garry Cox remains SOS president, Janet Smukowich will stay on as the SOS First Vice President, and Wendy Hill was elected as Second Vice President. Barbara Price will remain as the Secretary-Treasurer and Elaine McKinlay and Don Dempson remain as directors.
LISSA ALEXANDER PHOTO
Back row left, SOS Executive Director Renate Sutherland stands with the new SOS Board of Directors. Back row from left, following Sutherland, Elaine McKinlay, Janet Smukowich, Don Dempson, Dr. Jennifer Mullett and Pamela May-Straka. Front row from left, Martin Fereday, Wendy Hill, Garry Cox, Gordon Ball and Barbara Price.
by SOS District 69 | Jun 20, 2016 | Blog
District 69 Society of Organized Services
Annual General Meeting
Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at 7 pm
SOS Child, Youth & Family Centre
245 West Hirst Ave, Parksville
by SOS District 69 | Jun 9, 2016 | Blog
Thanks to a team of volunteers from Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort & Conference Centre and RBC Royal Bank of Canada in Parksville for volunteering at the SOS Thrift Shop on May 28.
Luke Nixon-Janssen and his team members from Tigh-Na-Mara were joined by Kevin Gillanders and his team members from RBC. The volunteers tagged and priced items, brought merchandise to the floor and helped at the cash desks.
The volunteer opportunity is part of SOS’ Community Partner Initiative, where members of a business or organization come together to volunteer for a shift at SOS. Over 80% of SOS funding comes from the Thrift Shop, enabling SOS to offer more than 30 programs and services, mostly free, to residents of all ages in District 69. Thank you for supporting our community!
