The students and teachers at Riverbend Junior High have stepped up yet again in their ongoing support of Bissell Centre – this time with A Taste of Riverbend.
This annual food and culture fair is the brainchild of Wes Wintonyk and his Grade 9 Leadership Class. Designed to celebrate the diversity of the local community, each student is responsible for two food stations representing nations spanning the entire globe – from India to Germany, Korea, and even the North Pole! This is yet to speak of live entertainment including Scottish bagpipes and Caribbean steel drums.
As part of Riverbend Junior High’s multi-year commitment to Bissell, all funds raised through the event on April 20 go to support our work in the community. Brisk ticket sales and generous food donations from local businesses mean that this vibrant, creative event will also provide us with financial resources that are always needed. The students make a genuine difference in the community.
On behalf of everyone at Bissell Centre, I would like to thank all of the parents, volunteers, business owners, teachers and students who made A Taste of Riverbend so successful.
Introducing Bissell Centre’s very first FASD Awareness Ringtone! Be one of the first to have this modern new ringtone! Just follow the instructions below using the appropriate links.
Instructions on downloading the new ringtone to your phone
iPhone Users – You Can Choose Ringtone
Step 1. Import the M4R song file into iTunes on your computer (save it somewhere and then drag & dop)
Step 2. Synchronize the ringtone file from the Ringtone folder on the left to your iPhone
Step 3. After completing the sync, tap the settings on the iPhone
Step4. Tap Sound – Tap Ringtone
Step 5. Select the ringtone from Custom. (* Song titles may not be recognized when only written in Roman alphabet)
Blackberry Users – You Can Choose_BISSELL CENTRE RINGTONE MP3 BLACKBERRY
1. Open the attachments on your Blackberry phone device
2. Save the MP3 attachment by “checking” the box that says “save as ringtone”
3. Set your phone to audible ringtone, and have someone call you to test it out!
Unveiling for the first time – You Can Choose – an FASD Music Video by Bissell Centre, EFAN and PlanIt Sound
Our new music video!
[youtube=”http://youtu.be/t1D7g2NoESE”]
Our new educational video!
[youtube=”http://youtu.be/vHSllqBVA8c”]
We all know collaboration is at the heart of making positive change in society. We know this because the range and depth of change needed to improve conditions for people and communities will only be accomplished through working together within and beyond each of our sectors. We know that social improvements are tied to economic improvements and vice versa. No one entity can go it alone. Life’s issues and challenges are too complex and vast to assume otherwise.
To go off topic for a moment, the call of collaboration and action raises questions about how we view outcomes and their measurement. The placement of responsibility and accountability outcomes is often, if not nearly always, misplaced when for example a funder holds an organization accountable for a result or set of outcomes that no one can effect alone. I would suggest that our thirst for outcomes and outcome measurement is itself a rally cry for the mutual accountability that sits at the heart of collaboration.
The following Principles of Collaboration are borrowed from the Michigan State University Museum who developed the first 12 principles below for its Carriers of Culture project.
1) Reciprocity: At the heart of successful collaborations there needs to be direct benefit to participating stakeholders. Ideally, these reciprocal rewards, while not often the same, will enrich each partner in expected or unexpected ways.
2) Representation: The most successful collaborations bring all relevant stakeholders to the table to launch and implement the collaboration. This requires thinking broadly to identify potential participants….This includes consideration of … gender, age, geographic distribution…traditions… and I would add culture, knowledge, experience, and connectivity to other networks and resources.
3) Reach: The best collaborations usually have an impact beyond the individual project–they build new collaborative opportunities.
4) Skill and Human Development: Whatever the product of the collaborative project, it should result in the empowerment of those involved, the transformation of their organizations, and building new individual and organizational capacity.
5) Establishing the Framework: There should be a clearly defined leadership structure, a shared understanding of the leadership structure, and a mechanism to regularly communicate.
6) Belief in Collaboration: Those involved must believe that more can be achieved by working together than working alone, and bring this perspective to the dialogue.
7) Institutional Relationships Rather Than Individual Relationships: Individual participants are often also institutional representatives; when this occurs there is a commitment to build institutional capacity by enriching the knowledge and skills of individuals within the organization.
8) Transparency: There is a real need for open and honest expression of aspirations, expectations, and a process to ensure ongoing review and evaluation. Real transparency takes time, energy and a desire to build a sense of trust and respect.
9) Continuity and Regularity: Regular communication is critical as is the establishment of and adherence to timelines.
10) Acknowledgement of Contributions: A willingness to acknowledge contributions and share credit is a goal.
11) Continual Consultation: New relationships demand investments of time, energy and good will.
There are other principles that have a fit in this list. They are:
12) Equitable Participation: Those at the collaborative table not only have an obligation to participate fully, they have a responsibility to ensure that opportunities for participation are extended to one another.
13) Trust: The foundation of collaboration must include trust in one another and a commitment to behaviors that deepen and widen the trust – behaviors like transparency, follow through, honesty, and proven ability to not only influence others but be influenced by our partners as well.
14) Dialog: Dialog is more than communication. It includes helping others get their ideas out before judging them in order to ensure the full expression of ideas. It calls for individuals to be facilitative of mutual exchange much more so than using communication as tool of persuasion.
Reprinted from Anticipate!
Joe* came to Edmonton from a town in rural Alberta. He was new to the city and cautious about connecting with support. He spent a couple of weeks just staying in the inner city utilizing the shelters. Homeless, just released from the Remand Centre, and not keen on going back to the town he came from his relationship with family was strained and resources back home were limited.
Joe was referred to Bissell Centre’s Fetal Alcohol Spectrum of Services (FASS) program and was immediately connected with Bissell’s housing program, Homeless to Homes. Still having some unfinished legal matters to deal with and in jeopardy of going back to the correctional system, Bissell’s FASS Advocate began timely and consistent support.
The two attended his court appearance; Joe could have pleaded guilty to his charges and asked for a trial however he wanted to face them and was totally prepared to deal with any consequences. He spoke very well on his own behalf and his FASS program support person also spoke to his own commitment. The advocate confirmed the supports offered at Bissell Centre and Joe’s willingness to participate. The judge took this into consideration and suggested that Joe continue with the program, his goals and to report back in a couple of months.
Joe acted on his opportunities and with the advice of his advocate successfully completed a work program at Bissell Centre. He also kept up his contact with his advocate and added to his repertoire of resources such as the Fee Reduction program through the City of Edmonton Recreation. He also started participating in the Friday afternoon floor hockey program. The judge that proceeded over his court case was very impressed with Joe’s efforts and his willingness to better himself. This resulted in no more court appearances. Since then Joes has been to see his sister and her family and is now in line to attend a fork lift certification program. He truly has helped himself by taking advantage of the support offered, recognizing his opportunities and putting the effort into his goals he had set up with his FASS advocate.
*Name has been changed to protect their identity.
| For more information on our FASS program |
To book your free FASD presentation contact:
Alaina Thursby
FASD Community Educator
Office: 780.423.2285, ext 157
athursby@bissellcentre.org
Bissell Centre and EFAN have teamed up to create a new educational video on FASD along with a music video and ring tone.
Join us at the new EPCOR tower lobby at 10423 101 Street on April 19th at the Volunteer Fair and FASD video launch event from 11am – 1:30pm.
By Guest Blogger: Karen Lee
Did you know Bissell Centre organizes drop-in watercolour classes for the community members in their Drop-In Centre every Tuesday from 2:30pm until 4pm?
It is a popular activity that attracts clients of all ages and talents. It is a creative outlet for clients to develop and explore their inner artist.
All of the watercolour supplies are provided by Bissell Centre. People just need to bring their imaginations and see what unfolds!
Every day at Bissell Centre, we are grateful for the inspiring support we receive from volunteers. Meg Bernard became acquainted with Bissell Centre while volunteering for the Grade 9 Leadership Class at Riverbend Junior High – with whom we have formed a long standing and successful partnership.
What makes Meg’s story so compelling is the dedication that she shows to her family and her community. She creates the space to volunteer despite the time demands of a young family affected by autism, spinal complications, tourette’s, OCD and herself – Parkinson’s disease. It is her drive and enthusiasm for a better future that motivates her to volunteer.
“When I see ‘Where Hope Finds Help’ it brings to mind the difficult times in my life when I have been clinging to hope and needed the help of others to come out on the other side. I have lived a comfortable life, but there are many times when I have needed help, kindness, forgiveness, love, and someone to lean on. When I look at the participants at Bissell Centre, I can see myself in them. We all need a place where our hope finds help.
I believe in Bissell Centre’s mission to ‘empower people to move from poverty to prosperity’. If I can use the gifts and talents that I have been blessed with to help empower the participants of Bissell Centre then I feel that I have made a worthwhile contribution to the community and have made a genuine difference in the world.”
Meg has made a remarkable difference in her community. In addition to her work with Riverbend Junior High, she provides entertainment at Bissell Centre events and plays a key role in the fundraising efforts for our upcoming Bissellebration Gala on May 5.
“I have been blessed with a great life and God gave me gifts and talents that I can use to help others. My goal is to use these gifts to help others find the same joy, safety, security and happiness that I am fortunate enough to have. I am grateful to have a place like Bissell Centre to help me on my journey to achieve these goals. I look forward to a long relationship with Bissell Centre.”
Message from Bissell Centre’s Board of Governors
Dear Staff, Colleagues and Friends of Bissell Centre:
It is with great pleasure that we announce the selection of Mark Holmgren, Bissell Centre’s current Interim CEO, as the new permanent, full time CEO – effective March 15, 2012. After an extensive search, selection process and valuable input from the Bissell Centre staff, Mark was chosen for his experience in the non-profit sector and proven leadership success.
Mark stepped into the role of Interim CEO only nine months ago and has been successfully leading Bissell Centre through a time of transition with our new vision and mission, as well as a number of organizational changes. Transitions in organizations can be difficult, especially when it involves a change in leadership. We believe that it is because of Mark’s skills and expertise that we were able to make this transition occur smoothly. Mark has proven to be an inclusive and transparent leader who values input from every individual at Bissell Centre and we are confident he will continue to do so in his new role of Chief Executive Officer.
Mark’s experience includes serving as a consultant to many local non-profit organizations as well as governments, holding senior positions with United Way of Alberta Capital Region, and serving as the Executive Director of Operation Friendship. In Mark’s own words, “I am excited and humbled to be given the opportunity to continue to lead the caring and talented group at Bissell Centre. I am passionate about our vision to eliminate poverty in our community and confident in our ability to be innovative as well as provide high quality services to our community members.”
On behalf of the Board of Governors, we feel very fortunate to have Mark as Bissell Centre’s leader and we thank the staff for their important role in helping to select our new CEO.
Best Regards,
Phil O’Hara
Board Chair, Bissell Centre
Guest Blogger: Karen Lee, photojournalist
It’s a common stereotype: Homeless people are too lazy to work and live off of handouts from the government. Yes, there are people like that, but it’s rarely the case. It’s not often we hear about the people who actually want to make an honest living, and perhaps even change their lives.
There is often a long line of people at Bissell Centre’s Employment Services’ Casual Labour office. It’s so popular that they have a Bingo Ball system in place so that everyone gets a fair chance for the day’s jobs. Jobs are in high demand. There are usually more people than jobs available. And they are more than willing to work for a lower-than-industry standard wage. They are willing to travel an hour or more by transit to get to these jobs. They are prepared to sweat and get their hands dirty.
After spending a period of time with some of the workers, I have gained a new form of respect for the clients that apply to work in Casual Labour. The work they do isn’t easy. These aren’t cushy office jobs. The available jobs are often physically laborious and repetitive. The work environment isn’t always pretty. One of the places I visited was a scrap metal yard. It was understandably dirty and muddy. It was a brisk winter day, yet the workers
did not complain once or ask to go inside to warm up. The work is tedious and tiresome, but they don’t seem to mind. It is evident that they are hardworking and dedicated. Mario, a worker in his 60s, was impressive. He could barely speak English and didn’t have the same energy or stamina as his co-worker in his 20s, but he did his best to earn his wage for the day. And he does it with a smile. I can tell he is grateful to have a job, even if it’s just temporary.
I also spent time at a lumber mill. Bissell Centre has partnered with this company for over 10 years and they have had quite a few success stories. There are many great things about this company. One being that Bissell’s 
clients have the opportunity to train and work as permanent staff. For the highly motivated and determined, this is life changing! With a permanent job, they can get better housing and not worry about their next meal. They can support themselves and their family. They can have a sense of dignity and self-respect.
There are lots of able-bodied, hardworking individuals in the Bissell community looking for work. Will you give them a chance? Bissell Centre is always looking for employers to partner with their Casual Labour program. Please contact Employment Services at 780.424.4385.
Thanks Karen for volunteering your time and talent to Bissell Centre. It is only through working together that we will be able to fulfill our vision of eliminating poverty in our community.
If you or anyone you know are interested in being a Guest Blogger on topics such as homelessness, poverty, unemployment, change, human services, food services, mental health, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, or any other relevant topic, please feel free to contact Kristen Clark, Marketing & Communications Manager at kclark@bissellcentre.org.
[youtube=”http://youtu.be/SpmxCmh9c64″]
Alberta is one of three provinces without a poverty reduction strategy. We already know the human costs of living in poverty. A recent report outlines the economic costs as well: Poverty Costs: An Economic Case for a Preventative Poverty Reduction Strategy in Alberta.
If you are interested in learning more or wish to get involved in how to end poverty in Alberta, visit Action to End Poverty in Alberta.
Consider Joining the Call for an Alberta Poverty Reduction Strategy; there is a petition there for individuals as well as organizations.
If you are interested in working with us here at Bissell to address poverty and homelessness, please contact us. We welcome you!
March 1st was a night that many students, volunteers, and Edmontonians will never forget. Grade Nine Leadership Students at Riverbend Junior High School, along with help from Grade Eight Leadership Students and all other class rooms, as well as volunteers, organized and hosted an impressive concert and silent auction – Benefit for Bissell 2012, presented by Lexus of Edmonton – at the beautiful Citadel Theatre.
As guests arrived they were escorted upstairs to the silent auction tables where 65 items were on display for bidding. Among the most notable were a signed Ryan Nugent-Hopkins jersey, a signed Taylor Hall jersey, a hot air balloon ride, numerous gift baskets and other fabulous items donated by local businesses.
Local performers (listed below) donated their time and talent to ensure the students reached their goal of raising $15,000 for Bissell Centre and in support of our vision to eliminate poverty in our community.
– Maren Ord – Juno nominee
– Livy Jeanne – award winning country singer/songwriter
– Madi Amyotte – The Next Star finalist
– Martin Kerr – Canadian Idol contestant
– Jeff Ramsey – local musician
The night’s host, Ryan Jespersen from Citytv’s Breakfast Television, was entertaining as always. Also in attendance was Mayor Stephen Mandel who delivered an inspirational message about youth leadership and ending poverty in Edmonton, and Honourable Dave Hancock, Minister of Human Services who gave a speech about addressing the issues of homelessness as a community.
Year after year Riverbend Jr. High continues to raise money for Bissell Centre by organizing coin drives, hot lunches, dances, and much more. This year they were able to exceed their fundraising goal for the Benefit for Bissell Concert by securing sponsorships, numerous donations, selling tickets to the event, and through a well organized silent auction. Their hard work paid off and they raised approximately $23,000 for Bissell Centre!
We are extremely grateful and continuously impressed by the kind hearts and leadership skills of the students at Riverbend Jr. High School. Keep up the great work class, these skills will take you very far in your life!
