Building  Update.

New View Society completed construction its 11,800 square foot Community Wellness Centre in Port Coquitlam in June with programs and residents beginning to move in through the summer. Our Clubhouse, vocational services and employment supports are in place along with some volunteer training opportunities. The Housing and Community Living support program are now housed within the facility where members have access to assistance and supports in one location. Individuals living with mental illness who need supported housing to assist them in their recovery have moved into Iris House – our housing program within the facility. The new facility with its commercial kitchen has given us an amazing resource through which we will be able to grow, in turn allowing us to provide more services to benefit the community. Thank you to all who supported this project!!

New View Society is pleased to announce we are close to completed construction of the new 11,800 square foot Community Wellness Centre in Port Coquitlam.  We received full occupancy permits in July and although there are still a few finishing touches with regard to construction, much of our programming and housing is now in operation.  

The total for the project will be $4,167,366.44.  This includes everything from demolition and preparation of the site to completion of the construction of the new facility.

Funding has come from many sources.  We received funding and donations from over 200 personal donors and through over 30 businesses and organizations; with our major project supporters being BC Housing, Fraser Health and Service Canada.  New View rezoned and sold a 33’ piece of our property to help fund project; as well as contributed reserve funds . 

With the designated donations and contributions New View Society was able to go ahead with our Commercial kitchen. 

Our Clubhouse Program moved into the facility in early June with member tours and orientations taking place throughout that month. By the end of June our Summer Clubhouse programming began.  Members and staff have been enjoying lunches prepared by our staff and member volunteers in the new commercial kitchen.  Our Vocational Services and Employment Supports are in place along with some volunteer training opportunities.  We are close to having all our programming in full operation. 

In addition to New View Society’s existing housing of one 20 suite apartment building and four houses providing semi-independent living, individuals living with mental illness who need supported housing to assist them in their recovery have been moving into Iris House – our housing program located within the facility.  As of this week, we will be at full occupancy. 

 The housing program includes two duplex units housing five individuals each. Residents will have their own bedrooms and will share common amenities such cooking and social areas with the other residents. 

 The Iris I program offers an opportunity for five young adults living with mental illness to live independently in affordable housing and in an environment that provides support and guidance. This support is provided seven days a week and focuses on rehabilitation and recovery.  

 The Iris II program provides safe, supportive housing for adults with concurrent disorders (both mental health and substance use issues) wanting to reduce their issues regarding mental health and substance use. It is an opportunity for clients to live independently in affordable housing under the guidance of a case manager and a daily community support worker. 

 We are proud these programs will use a client-centered approach that builds on individual strengths and projects a sense of hope. Residents will be supported in developing life skills, gaining access to community resources and overall, improving their quality of life. Individuals will achieve competencies towards self-sufficiency and self-efficacy while maintaining and developing natural support systems.  

 The services will be structured to help residents maintain physical and emotional health, participate in community therapeutic and rehabilitative programs, assist with educational and employment opportunities and sustain healthy relationships. An overarching goal of the program is to prepare individuals to move on, when they are ready, to more permanent, independent living arrangements. 

 We were also just been able to achieve our goal of installing flooring for the lower floor of the Wellness Centre. This will allow for recreation and work space for our members, as well as office and meeting space for our housing, employment, administration and community social workers.  

 During late afternoons, evenings and weekends the recreation space will offer the residents of Iris House the opportunity to play pool and video games, utilize the computers, as well as perform music and other opportunities they enjoy. 

With our new Community Wellness Centre very close to full completion, New View Society will be looking for opportunities to expand their ability to improve the mental health of the community- Community Health Through Mental Health.