TVI in the Goldstream Gazette: Sooke and West Shore community group unveils plan to address youth needs
From April 25, 2024 Gazette Online:
A South Island advocacy group, the Village Initiative, is calling for greater municipal participation in a program aimed at improving the health and well-being of youth in Sooke and the West Shore.
The Village Initiative is a network of over 60 community service organizations, including the Sooke School District, Island Health, and United Way South Vancouver Island. United by the philosophy of “it takes a village to raise a child,” the group presented a comprehensive five-year plan to Sooke council to address the needs of local youth.
Their initiatives focus on improved transit accessibility, creating safe environments for youth development, and implementing programs and services tailored to their specific needs.
TVI Steward Cindy Andrew Interviewed on the Love, Sweet Love Podcast
Check-out a spirited conversation between TVI Steward Cindy Andrew and podcaster Gayle Beavil about The Village Initiative and its role in supporting children, youth, and families in Sooke and the West Shore.
Community Action Ignited by BC Adolescent Health Survey Results in Sooke and West Shore
Recent findings from the 2023 BC Adolescent Health Survey (AHS) have sparked a proactive response from local leaders and youth advocates signaling a shift towards collectively bolstering the well-being of the youth in Sooke and the West Shore.
Progress is being made and momentum is building. The above graphic provides a snapshot of just some of the progress to date.
Click to enlarge our TVI Priorities Update.
New Skate Park Officially Coming to West Shore
After more than six years of campaigning by community members, a new skate park is officially coming to the West Shore.
The West Shore Parks & Recreation Society (WSPRS) announced Friday that the Vancouver-based New Line Skateparks group will be building the new park in Colwood, B.C.
SD62 looking to build space for non-profits in plans for new Colwood school
The Sooke School District is exploring building a community hub for non-profits in a new Colwood school.
The proposed design for the south Colwood elementary school site in Royal Bay would include space for groups like Thrive Social Services and BGC (Boys and Girls Club) South Vancouver Island.
Further Details:
The land for the future Colwood elementary school site was purchased back in March 2020 and is a priority ask for capital funding from the provincial government for a school. Read more.
Introducing Play Club!
#TakesAVillage to help build children’s confidence and resilience!
Thanks to a partnership between PISE, Ruth King Elementary, Spencer Middle School, and the City of Langford, the Play Club has been launched!
This program is designed to develop children’s confidence,
creativity and independence through unstructured, mixed-age free play. Children can organize their own games, resolve conflicts that arise, and develop other crucial social skills. Through unstructured free play children learn to think for themselves, build relationships, and negotiate social situations, all for the sake of keeping the fun going!
For more information email play@pise.ca
It Takes a Village: Introducing the Village Initiative (News Release)
Read the News Release issued September 6, 2022 publicly announcing the regional network of over 40 community service organizations dedicated to improving the lives of Sooke and West Shore children, youth, and families.
Vote for a Thriving Community! (News Release)
Read the News Release issued September 14, 2022 launching the public engagement campaign TVI is working on with the Saunders Family Foundation to Get Out the Vote in the October municipal elections.
The Village Initiative Terms of Reference
Supporting a Vision of Healthy and thriving children, youth and families across the Sooke School District (SD62) catchment.
Read the Village News:
TVI’s semi-annual Newsletter
The Village News is published in the Fall and Spring to support connection among TVI members, including updates on the initiative’s strategic priorities, network member profiles, and upcoming meetings and events.
TVI In the Goldstream Gazette:
SD62 partnership aims to find creative options for community service providers
From the September 7, 2022 edition
Community groups and service providers are banding together to better serve the growing western communities.
Called the Village Initiative, its premise is that “it takes a village to raise a child,” according to director Cindy Andrew.