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The Importance of Community Partnerships Nanaimo is a rich, diversified community with both an intense local focus and a far-reaching vision. Various agencies within the city strive to foster positive relationships among community members and between each other, in order to garnish a sense of strength and vision that permeates all barriers. NMBS believes in being a part of this vision by supporting individuals and families wherever they are at in their lives, and by providing services and programs that are accessible by all, but specific to unique needs. But we can't do it alone. Over the years we have made tremendous efforts to secure on-going, mutually beneficial relationships with other community service agencies, and for these we are grateful. As Nanaimo changes, so do the needs of its citizens, and we believe that together we can meet the challenges inherent in a dynamic society. Our efforts to secure a more cohesive community are on-going. Joint program proposals and other partnership suggestions are always welcome. Current Supported Partnerships
In August 2006, NMBS received a grant from Service Canada to create four full-time staff positions and a project aimed at creating infrastructure and program development for the Society. In 2007, NMBS received a second grant from Service Canada aimed specifically at creating programming to bridge gaps in supports for childbearing women and their families. From this grant, our vision of a Doula Outreach Program was "born". Through November 2008 to June 2009, the NMBS received a third grant through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement to pilot our Doula Outreach program and the many supports and services that fall under its umbrella. This project was very successful and provided extensive doula support to many families in the community. Most recently, the NMBS has received funding through the Minisitry of Housing and Social Development to run a Labour Market partnership, aimed at addressing job retention and sustainability in the non-profit and social services sector. We have been busy researching Co-ops as a model for our society to adopt in the near future. We will be sharing our findings with our community in the near future. To learn more about Co-ops, please visit http://bcca.coop/ To add your voice to our research and project, please join in our forum discussions at www.yournmbs.ca/forums and look for either the Mother's Focus Group or the Professional's Focus Group threads.
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