Seniors Meal Program – A Great Success!!

Lennon Adkins was hired in the summer of 2020 to help with the development, maintenance, and harvest of this years Community Garden. He has been hard at work alongside Peter and Renske, who have graciously dedicated a piece of their land for the establishment of this garden. Our Community Garden continues to be an incredible resource, providing fresh, organic produce that goes straight to our residents. There has already been roughly 500 lbs of  food harvested and distributed to local residents and we are only half way through the season. Not only has the Community Garden contributed to our mission for increasing food security but also provides educational and employment opportunities to our local youth.  Peter and Renske could not be better mentors and Lennon has proven to be an incredible young man, a very hard worker, and a wonderful student to work with.

This summer student position is funded by Service Canada through the Canada Summer Jobs program.

Job Title: Community Outreach Worker

Community: Cherryville

Status: part-time (15hrs per week) start May 15th, 2021 – May 15th 2022 (possibility for more hours depending on funding)

Position Summary

The Community Outreach Worker will work at the Cherryville Community Food & Resources building providing information and support to inquiring individuals. A focus on working with the aging population and volunteer recruitment and coordination is a priority. The Community Outreach Worker will work closely with our team to grow the organization and implement services that meet the unique needs of our community.

Education, Training, and Experience:

• Bachelor of Social Work, Human Service Certification, or undergraduate degree in related field
• Experience working in community, familiar with Cherryville area an asset
• Knowledge and experience of working with aging population is preferred
• Valid BC Driver’s License as well as a clear driver abstract and access to personal vehicle for work related purposes
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build strong, collaborative relationships
• Technical skills a requirement (computer savvy, able to use excel and word, etc.)

Work Performed

Duties and Responsibilities for this position include:

• Providing information and referral through phone calls, drop-ins (once safe to do), and one-on-one appointments
• Recruiting, screening, and coordinating volunteers
• Tracking and reporting (maintain call log, compiling data, taking notes/records, etc.)
• Checking in with ED on regular basis, give reports and provide data, discuss common needs/concerns of the community
• Networking and facilitating/strengthening relationships with community partners and stakeholders
• Pursue and support community development opportunities
• Experience working in a setting where confidentiality is required
• Must adhere to COVID-19 guidelines, policy, and protocols

Hours

This is a part-time position, consisting of 15 hours per week at 21.00/hour (includes MERCS). This position is secure for one year with the potential to continue depending on funding availability. Hours can be moved around to fit schedule of Community Outreach Worker.

Qualified applicants are invited to submit resume with at least two references by email to:

Meghan Derkach, Executive Director at meghan.derkach@hotmail.com

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position, please note only the applicants under consideration will be scheduled an interview.

In 2016 we teamed up with Lake Country Food Bank and established the “Network of Sharing” in which we have connected nine different food banks that we can distribute food to when we receive large quantities of food. This reduces food waste entering our landfills, a national issue that has major environmental effects, as well as puts more food directly into the hands of community members, programs, activities, and events. Inspired by this partnership, we reached out to collaborate with Nakusp Food Bank who supports five rural communities between us. With safe transport of perishable items being the largest obstacle, we successfully sought and secured funding through Food Banks BC to purchase a refrigerated truck. We are now delivering fresh vegetables, fruits, breads, dairy products, and any other food/household goods we receive in excess that they are willing and able to accept. Extending this network of sharing concept into the Kootenay region has proven to be a positive impact for all communities involved as well as reducing the environmental impact of excessive waste entering our landfills. Our commitment to this social cause has resulted in this expansion of our food bank services, directly contributing to our mission of promoting healthy living and food security while reducing waste.

This program is funded by Interior Health through the Community Food Action Initiative grant.