TWO SEPARATE ENTITIES, the SGICRC has become…
1. The SGI NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE
Neighbourhood Houses are community driven organizations with a unique focus on neighbours supporting neighbours. A gathering place, where people of all ages, cultures and walks of life can make friends and participate in programs and events. Neighbourhood Houses connect people and empower them to create the change they want to see in their communities.
Part of a worldwide movement, Neighbourhood Houses are based on the settlement house movement that began in nineteenth century England in response to the needs of rural and urban poverty. Today it is a worldwide movement, the International Federation of Settlements and Neighborhood Centers, organized in 1926, now has a membership of more than 7700 settlement houses around the world. In Victoria BC alone there are twelve non-profit Neighbourhood Houses. A multi-service non-profit organization, a neighbourhood house is a hub for community and social service programs from youth outreach to day care, senior services to literacy, food programs to counselling, employment programs and so much more.
Neighbourhood Houses are committed to providing neighborhood services with as much local control and staff as possible to help build community. Collaborating with residents from “birth to death” developing their strengths, Neighbourhood Houses take on the necessities of the time. They never expected to be involved in food security and employment services but those are areas of need. Touching the lives of thousands of people, one Neighbourhood House in Victoria alone reaches over 520 people a day through a youth drop-in centre, specialized programs for the disadvantaged, outreach initiatives in schools and meal deliveries. “The Neighbourhood House service is remarkable. It’s community members helping community members, which I think we really do need to see a lot more.” Gregor Robertson, Former Mayor of Vancouver, BC
2. THE SGI COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTRE – “Empowering Islands, Connecting Communities, Sustaining Futures”
Our Vision
The “vision” of this organization centers on fostering a thriving, interconnected community within the Southern Gulf Islands. It seeks to address critical challenges such as economic and environmental sustainability and access to essential services, by leveraging local resources, knowledge, and collaborative efforts. The organization aims to empower residents of all ages through educational, social, and economic opportunities, enhancing the well-being of the community and preserving the environmental health of the islands. Its mission is driven by a commitment to regenerative economy principles, inclusive community development, and the enhancement of local capacities, ensuring a vibrant future for the Southern Gulf Islands.
Our objectives:
- To be a “one stop shop” supporting businesses, non-profit organizations and the general community to advance a regenerative economy on the southern gulf islands.
- To facilitate collaboration primarily among the Southern Gulf Islands including Salt Spring and among a broader level of rural islands that results in connected and sustainable communities supported by thriving local business and nonprofit organizations.
- To foster and study the development of local educational, social and economic opportunities on the southern gulf islands.
- To support and/or facilitate community activities that protect and enhance a healthy environment for communities of the southern gulf islands.
Please note: Seniors, Youth and Volunteer programs are now coordinated by the SGI Neighbourhood House, please visit www.sginh.ca for details.