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New management for Upper Room Mission

Dec 6, 2019 | 10:29 AM

The new management team at Vernon’s Upper Room Mission has held a meeting with partners and stakeholders to discuss the social agency’s role in the community, and outline some new programs.

General Manager Naomi Rouck, Outreach Manager Jennifer Edwards and Chaplain Dave Bootsma met with community members from the Downtown Vernon Association, neighbouring seniors’ facilities, city bylaw officers and Mayor Victor Cumming on Thursday.

They stressed the importance of new programming that furthers the organization’s mandate to
further the organization’s dedication to supporting all who access the Mission.

“The Upper Room Mission is a place where everyone is welcome. We serve low-income families, seniors, and anyone in need of a meal or a sense of community,” Rouck said. “One of my main goals is to make sure that this place is safe for everyone that comes through our doors.”

Holiday decorations have been put up in the dining hall, and a new play area has been added to provide further benefit to the many families that use the Mission, an initiative of Edwards.

“The kids’ corner allows families the opportunity to access services while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere. The kids can read or play games while the parents get groceries and talk to the outreach team about what services can benefit their entire family,” Edwards said.

Another new initiative is a seniors’ corner — an information centre where seniors can learn about the resources available to them in the Greater Vernon area.

“Whether it’s a person experiencing homelessness here for a warm meal, or a senior who comes to collect free bread and vegetables to take home, or the young family that comes for the sense of community, our doors are always open,” Rouck said. “Everyone is welcome at the Upper Room Mission.”

For more information about available services, visit the Upper Room Mission online.

The Mission is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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