Developing community partnerships sounds like something formal and perhaps even foreign but it isn’t. Since coming to Creston, I have watched this community continuously share limited resources, work together to develop needed facilities and programs, and strive for the sustainability of a strong and healthy community.
Community groups, individuals and families benefit when services are co-ordinated through partnerships. Activities and programs are cost-effective and, therefore, sustainable. People’s skills are used and appreciated. Positive relationships develop and grow. Funding agencies obviously benefit, as well. Duplication of services is expensive and gaps in services lead to more expensive problems in the future. Efficient operations attract other resources and these are leveraged to supply even more positive benefits to a community.
Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors members benefit from many community partnerships. The Creston Valley Gleaners Society is a financial supporter. In turn, TAPS seniors prepare dolls for sale and tear and bag rags. TAPS seniors, and other crafty folks, make items for distribution by the Telus Community Ambassadors, who reimburse us for our time. The College of the Rockies Community Greenhouse and Harvest Share provide us with produce when it is available. We plant seeds and wash pots for them. TAPS provides a worksite for folks from Cresteramics who do decorating and baking for us. The Creston Lions Club hosts breakfasts at the TAPS site and this year we are going to assist them with the Creston Valley Blossom Festival. A project that involves TAPS gentlemen working with the Lions on a woodworking task is underway. We feel proud to be able to continue to contribute to our community.
These partnerships have allowed TAPS to work towards sustainability for our valuable program. They also have benefitted the community because it values the wisdom and skills of its elders.
Plan to attend the Lions breakfast at TAPS on March 23. Have a good meal, visit with old friends and share your enthusiasm for this community.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed people can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead
Terry Nowak is an outreach worker with Creston’s Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors.