Our projects
The Advocacy Centre
Skilled staff provide legal information, education and referral services. Violence, poverty, family law, child protection, affordable housing and homelessness are some of the issues The Advocacy Centre faces head on. The agency has a particular focus on assisting victims of crime, those living in poverty, people with disabilities and those in conflict with systems or individuals with greater power. The Centre actively promotes the rights and equality of women and all who are subject to oppression.
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The Advocacy Centre is currently seeking volunteers to provide Mac tech support; volunteers for intake/reception positions; and appreciates Stepping Stones for Success proud sponsor of Safe Haven. Established in 1988, The Advocacy Centre has been an agency of NDCRS since 1989. It is famous for creating The Guide for Trouble Free Renting; Nelson on a Shoestring; Big Free Days and more. Look for the sandwich sign (pictured at left) outside the office of The Advocacy Centre at 182 Baker Street |
Earth Matters - 182 Baker
A visit to the Cottonwood Garden on a busy market day or a mini-escape to the oasis of Hendryx Street Garden will exemplify the hard work of these environmentally savvy youth. Their projects are beneficial to the community and educational to the public. For example the Composting Education Centre (at Cottonwood Falls Garden) offers walk through tours of how to backyard compost in the summer; and the Fruit Tree Project connects tree owners and pickers to salvage a valuable, local food source in the fall. The Composting Project is ready to sell the results.
Earth Matters is looking for committed long term volunteers to assist with the annual Fruit Tree Project (pickers and tree owners); Gardeners to maintain Cottonwood and Hendryx Street and volunteers wanting a great workout to help turn compost regularly. Email earthmatters@ndcrs.com or visit www.earthmatters.ca if interested.
Photo courtesy of Tim Hicks *Earth Matters volunteer Cheralynne Kennedy jumps out of a back yard composter (above) to promote the Urban Composting Project.
Ward Street Place - 567 Ward
Affordable housing in Nelson is critically low due to sky rocketing rents and conversions in the downtown core. In March 2002 NDCRS purchased Ward Street Place to preserve affordable housing for Nelson residents with low and limited income. Financial contributions from various funders enabled NDCRS to make a down-payment towards the purchase of the building and undertake massive renovations.
Building operations are solely funded by rental income; we receive no government subsidies to assist with building operations or rents. Commercial tenants on the ground floor are important partners in this social enterprise.
Ward Street Place needs volunteers with trade skills for building maintenance and repair. Donations of appliances (fridges, microwaves, toaster ovens and cleaning supplies are always welcome). Donations to bring down the mortgage would help enormously. Contact Leslie Cairns, Building Manager at 352-2320 for details.
Stepping Stones for Success - 567 Ward
Located in the Ward Street Place building, Stepping Stones is an emergency shelter for those who find themselves without safe housing in the West Kootenay area. There are 13 available beds in 5 bedrooms, with a common room, kitchen, laundry and shared washroom facilities. Both Stepping Stones and Ward Street Place demonstrate NDCRS' keen commitment to ending homelessness and securing affordable housing in Nelson.
In addition to the 40 unit residential Ward Street Place and Stepping Stones for Success emergency shelter; the 500 block of Ward Street (pictured above) is home to five thriving commercial tenants including The Pisces Room, Still Eagle, Hairlines, Fisherman's Market and Capitol Barbershop.
| With the help of local individuals and businesses, our goal is to raise at least $1,500 per month to keep the shelter open on weekends 24 hours a day. We would like to continue to provide our clients with relief of hardship around the clock. The shelter accepts donations of food, computer equipment, furniture and household items on an ongoing basis. In particular, bedding, towels, and toilet paper are always needed. Contact Carol Hunter at 352-9876 if you can help. |
When Stepping Stones for Success first opened in December of 2004, we had enough funding to house people 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Now because of funding cuts, we must be closed 5 hours weekdays and 4 hours on weekends. Weekends are the hardest as social services and many other activities are closed.
Services for Community Living
Services for Community Living provides Residential Services to individuals with developmental disabilities. This program offers person centred support and assistance with at-home and community based activities.
Career Development Services supported employment offers assistance in all aspects of getting and keeping a job that is a good fit. From start to finish, the dedicated staff are committed to their clients employment success and partners with the business community to operate an outstanding recycling business.
Former CDS Recycling Job coach Melanie Sylvestre and participant Jason Rempel something something (pictured below). Thank you to the following businesses for their continued support: Poodle Perms Hair Salon, Harry Bachs Massage Parlour and 3 Blind Mice Knife Shop.
Photo courtesy of Della McLeod