Accessing Our Services
Networks Ministries exists to provide genuine physical, emotional, and spiritual help to the community in and around Dawson Creek, BC, including the Good Food Box program, our Healthy Food Bank, Free Store, Furniture Program (crisis support done through referral only), and Informal Counselling.
If you want to access Networks Services, here are the steps to take.
1) A service provider referral who will verify that your need for assistance is genuine can make a referral for you. This can be in the form of a printed letter, email or phone call from that service provider that is known to us.
Once the service provider has made the referral you can come in for an intake. These typically take 15 mins. Please bring in your I.D. for yourself (and Spouse/Partner if applicable) plus any dependents that live in your home and are in your custody.
2) If a referral from a service provider is not available, we can screen you for eligibility.
You will need the following.
- Photo I.D. for you and additional I.D for all members of your household who will be registered on your account
- Please bring any pertinent information or documents about your current situation that you're comfortable discussing, so we can offer you the best support possible.
Client File Reviews
Once you are accepted on the program, please be aware that we do "Client File Reviews" on occasion.
If you are asked to come in for a file review, please don't panic! This does not mean we are planning to stop providing you with services. We review your file for the following reasons;
- We want to keep your information up to date or collect missing information.
- We want to know if your situation has changed and that you are getting the help you need.
- We want to say hello and let you know we are here to help.
- We want to get feedback on how we are doing and see if you have any concerns.
- We also want to be able to ask questions or inform you of other programs that we think may help you.
If you are asked to come in for a file review, you will be told what you will need to bring in.
If you are currently a client of Networks and you would like to update your information in our system, please email us your name and birthdate and the information to be updated. This can be emailed to office@networksdc.ca
If you are adding family members, please bring in supporting documents so we can make the adjustment to your file.
A Supportive Environment
Everyone needs a safe place where they feel they are amongst friends. Networks strives to be that safe place where people can come and share about some of the things that they are facing and be supported. At Networks, we strive to create this supportive environment from the minute someone walks in the door. No matter what service you are there to access, we will greet you with compassion, a desire to understand your circumstances so we know best how to support you, and a smile. Often, our rooms are filled with laughter and celebration. Other times there are tears, but there is always a sense that you are not alone.
We don't allow negative talk and aim to keep things positive and solution focused. It's about caring for each other and moving forward. For those who are not wanting to share their personal lives, there is no pressure to do so. We do everything with permission.
Informal Counselling
When situations arise where one on one time to talk is more appropriate and there is a greater need for privacy, we can facilitate that as well. We need each other and together we can achieve more. Our Networks Community Care Worker, Pauline Haycock has a Diploma in Applied Psychology and Counseling Skills. Pauline provides Active Listening, problem-solving assistance, referrals to other agencies when needed.