New Beginnings

James Bay Community Project

By Kaye Kennish, Executive Director

March is a time of year when we all experience a sense of expectation and anticipation at the approach of spring. There is inner celebration of the lengthening days, growing light, first signs of flowers and leaves. Perhaps unconsciously, we have a sense that we are on the threshold of a time of new beginnings. This is the time when (some) thoughts turn to cleaning and freshening homes or offices.

For those of us who have been around awhile, each new spring is reminiscent of past experiences of this season, and memories of the past mix with and inform expectations of the future. For younger ones the new season brings unexpected interest and intriguing details, and their fascination with the changes helps parents and grandparents see the new season through fresh eyes.

At the James Bay Community Project, we are made aware by our clients of the many different ways of seeing this and every season. We are fortunate to work with people of all ages. In our Family Centre, we see parents and grandparents helping young children understand the changes taking place around them, and enjoying the wonder, curiosity and excitement that the children bring to all their observations.

At our Youth Clinic, we help support young people who are often struggling, due to many varied challenges, to rediscover their earlier joy in life and to look forward with hope to the many seasons ahead of them.

In our health and wellness programs, we provide opportunities for people of all ages to discover new ways to be in the world or new sources of enjoyment and satisfaction, such as yoga, Qui Gong, meditation, and Tai Chi.

In providing services to seniors, we learn about their rich life experiences, their present needs and their hopes for the future. Our Seniors Social Connections group provides a forum for seniors to share these memories and expectations, and to offer support to each other as they seek to reduce the isolation that accompanies some people's later years.

At this time of year, when people's minds might turn to thoughts of how to "freshen" their lives, we can also offer many diverse volunteering opportunities. Our 300 volunteers find helping others and learning new skills can bring a new enthusiasm and sense of purpose to their lives, as well as to the lives of those who benefit from their help or support. We particularly need volunteers to drive seniors to medical appointments, so we're hoping more of you can "spring" into action for us! If so, please contact Lisa Gleinzer at 250-388-7844 Ext. 308 or lgleinzer@jbcp.bc.ca.

Enjoy the change of seasons, take the time to spot the crocuses, and drop into the James Bay Community Project at 547 Michigan Street to see what we have to offer.