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The Steinbach Family Resource Centre is throwing a party tonight, and everyone’s invited!
Executive Director Jo-Anne Dalton joined us on the Country 107 morning show, served up by A&W Steinbach, to share all the details about tonight’s annual Community Celebration BBQ. It’s an event that kicks off summer, recognizes hardworking staff, volunteers, board members and community partners, and brings families together.
“We invite all of our community partners and supporters to come on out and celebrate our years,” said Dalton. “We also hold our AGM during this BBQ, but it’s just a brief business meeting. The focus is really on celebrating.”
Honouring 25 years of impact
This year’s celebration feels extra special. Not only is the Resource Centre marking its 25th anniversary, but they’re also honouring someone who has been there since the very beginning.
“We are recognizing one of our founding board members, Carmel, who is retiring from the board this year,” Dalton said. “She was part of the original group that got together before we were even founded to bring this vision to life. Now, 25 years later, we’re seeing the next generation of families come through our doors.”
For Dalton, who has served as Executive Director for seven years, the milestone is both humbling and inspiring.
“It’s impossible to count how many lives we’ve impacted in 25 years,” she said. “There’s this ripple effect that happens when we help one person. It affects their immediate family, their children, and now some of those children are having children of their own.”
Stories that come full circle
During tonight’s BBQ, the Resource Centre will be sharing stories from both past leaders and families who have benefited from the organization’s support.
“One of our staff members will be sharing her own story,” Dalton explained. “She came to us years ago when she was pregnant, and now she’s working with us to support other families. That full-circle moment is what it’s all about.”
Looking ahead to the future
While tonight is all about celebrating the past 25 years, Dalton acknowledges there are challenges ahead. As always, space and funding are ongoing concerns for the growing organization.
“We’re constantly looking at how we can expand programming without necessarily needing more space or major capital dollars,” she said. “We’re also launching an endowment fund to help ensure the long-term sustainability of our organization. If we can raise enough, it will help cover operating costs for years to come.”
The endowment fund is being launched in honour of Carmel Wiebe’s retirement, allowing supporters to contribute to a legacy that will continue to impact families for generations.
Come hungry, leave inspired
The BBQ gets underway at 6 p.m. tonight at the Steinbach Family Resource Centre. Everyone is welcome to attend, enjoy some great food, hear inspiring stories, and learn more about how the Centre continues to serve families across the region.
“We’ve become a name that people recognize in Steinbach,” Dalton said. “And that’s thanks to all of the people who have supported us along the way.”
For more information about volunteering or donating, visit steinbachfrc.ca.