October 1, 2008

Not-For-Profit Centre Open House

Over the past year many of you may have been invited to attend a "Shared Spaces and Facilities" workshop with the United Way, Suncor Energy Foundation and the FCSS. These meetings were held to gather information regarding the benefits of several agencies being housed together in a not-for-profit centre.

It became clear during these sessions that a professional facility; with the potential for access to shared equipment, meeting rooms, and some administrative support, while providing networking opportunities to organizations with small staff numbers would be very well received in the community. In addition, there is some community need for short-term or temporary access to a 'hot desk¹ for groups that may need to publish monthly newsletters or administer an event, but not require full-time office space.

It is exciting to know that The Wood Buffalo Community Village is now operating and is almost at full capacity. While the new centre in Gregoire Park is more oriented to offer client services and program delivery, this United Way facility will focus on accommodating administrative offices; offering the opportunity to network with like-minded organizations, conveniently hold meetings or training sessions and share the professional amenities available.

The United Way has secured a project manager and is now actively moving forward with developing this centre. Our goal is to have several other not-for-profit agencies share space with us and we are inviting you to come learn more about the opportunities available in this ³Not-For-Profit Shared Space² as we prepare to begin our renovations.

Please join us on Wednesday, October 1st to receive more details about this exciting opportunity. Inquiries about the open house may be directed to Rita Makey at the United Way office (791-0077)