Downtown Community Centre Doubles Its Hours
We did it! Together with my new colleague Miranda Lane, we are in the final stages of preparation in order to launch our expanded hours of operation and new programs next week! Our hours of operation for the past nearly six years have been Monday through Friday, 9am-Noon; 1:00-3:00pm. And I am very happy to announce that thanks to the Victoria Foundation and others our service delivery hours have doubled from 25 hours per week to 50. Beginning the week of June 20th our hours will be:
- Monday 9 am – Noon; 1-3 pm
- Tuesday 9 am – 3 pm (no lunchtime closure)
- Wednesday 9 am – 7 pm (no lunchtime closure)
- Thursday 9 am – 9 pm (no lunchtime closure)
- Friday 9 am – 7 pm (no lunchtime closure)
- Saturday 9 am – Noon – drop-in
- Saturday 1-4 pm programs
Some of our new programs include:
Art Program
This is a free art program designed to encourage self-expression and creative exploration utilizing a mixed media approach. Pre-registration is required.
Blogging and Expressive Arts
This is an opportunity for those interested in creating and sharing with the community a group ‘blog’ featuring participant stories, poetry, and artwork while building on communication and computer skills. Pre-registration is required.
Cards/games/music
On Thursday afternoons we hope to see you for card and board games and to share the occasional music performances by talented Cool Aid staff and other special events.
Community Kitchen
Our Community Kitchen Program runs throughout the year with each session lasting 6 weeks. If you are looking for new recipe ideas, a chance to build upon your cooking skills, and would like to learn with a group of like-minded folks then come by the Centre to pre-register. Topics will include budgeting, shopping, nutrition and recipe planning.
Drop-In Dodge ball
Open to members of the community looking to have some fun and build community spirit through a friendly game of dodge ball.
Jody Paterson-Writer & Advocate
Jody has written an opinion column for the Times Colonist for the last 15 years, and reported on B.C. issues since 1982. In a special summer project, Jody will be available weekly to help you put your thoughts and concerns into writing so you can better advocate for yourself and the people you know. Jody can help you with: letters to government, letters to the editor, appeal letters to tribunals, government ministries, police and more. Your thoughts, her writing – why not give it a try?
Movie Night
Come join us for popcorn and a large screening of a movie. The last Thursday of every month will be movie night. Participation is limited so come by and get your name on the list.
Outings
Offered once per month, the focus will be on outings into the community – nature walks and other seasonal activities. Space is very limited and pre-registration is required.
Yoga
Increase your well-being with our introductory/beginner’s yoga class – an opportunity to understand yoga basics in a welcoming and supportive environment. No previous experience is required. We have a limited number of yoga mats so if you have one to bring, please do!
Registration is underway and the response from the community has been supportive and encouraging.
We look forward in the months ahead to sharing program participant stories, our success, as well as future program plans and the lessons we have learned in our effort to meet the recreational, social and leisure needs of the population group we serve.
Once again, thank-you Victoria Foundation for helping to make this expansion of hours and programs possible – we literally could not do it without your support.
Guest post by Donna McKenna, Coordinator – Downtown Community Centre, Victoria Cool Aid Society Phone: 250-383-0076 Email: dcc@CoolAid.org Web: www.CoolAid.org/dcc