Dear Editor:
After being asked many times, “What is Neighbourhood Place and BYAS” I thought I would write this letter to answer that question.
BYAS is the Blindman Youth Action Society and was formed to provide support for the youth of Rimbey. It manages the Blindman Youth Action Building at 4907 – 49 Street in Rimbey where you can find groups such as: Neighbourhood Place, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, The Employment Centre, Youth Unlimited, Adult Literacy and community groups that meeting in the building.
Neighbourhood Place has a mission to enhance the quality of life for children and families in Rimbey-Bluffton and surrounding area. Neighbourhood Place is board-administered and funded by a contract with CFSA (Child and Family Services Association). Officially, Neighbourhood Place is a “Community Capacity Building Initiative.” In layman’s language this means Neighbourhood Place helps identify needed services and supports groups to address those needs. In concrete terms, Neighbourhood Place puts together the community newsletter monthly, hosts an interagency meeting bi-monthly, makes referrals so people in need are matched with the services they require, is active in the Rimbey and Area Early Child Development Coalition, as well as the Community Wellness group addressing Family Violence and Bullying.
Neighbourhood Place has worked with FCSS to host Social Policy Framework community meetings, as well as Mental Health First Aid. Neighbourhood Place facilitates and collaborates to increase community awareness and tries to ensure that the people of Rimbey and area have the services and support they need.
If you would like more information please don’t hesitate to contact us at rimbeynp@telus.net.
Leanne Evans,
program co-ordinator
Rimbey Neighbourhood Place