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Castlegar and District Community Services Society hosts AGM

New board members were welcomed at the meeting
cdcss
CDCSS held its AGM on Nov. 6. Pictured from top left clockwise: Heather Salivaras, Jodi St.Thomas, Leanna Kozak, Tim Turnbull, Kim Tassone, Bre Harwood, Bruna Horcoff, Heather Wheating. Not pictured - Chris Popoff.

Castlegar and District Community Services Society (CDCSS) held a successful annual general meeting (AGM) last month, bringing together members, donors, volunteers, and community supporters to reflect on a year of achievements and look towards the future.

CDCSS is a non-profit dedicated to improving the quality of people’s lives by providing a broad range of counselling, support, outreach, and housing-related services.  

The event was facilitated by Rona Parks and Val Mayes and held in-person at the Castlegar Legion. It was a vibrant gathering that highlighted the organization's impact over the past year. This last year has been a transformative journey for the organization, characterized by resilience, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to our tremendous community. 

The meeting also included a recap of annual audited financial statements, where transparency and accountability were key themes.  

Introducing new board members 

As part of the AGM on Nov. 6, CDCSS also introduced several new members to the Board of Directors. The new members bring a diverse range of expertise and passion for the organization's mission to help guide the next chapter of growth and impact. 

The newly appointed board members are Heather Salivaras, Bre Harwood, and Tim Turnbull - who was previously on the CDCSS board. His term expired and was re-elected. Board members who will be continuing their terms as directors include Heather Wheating, Chris Popoff, Leanna Kozak, Bruna Horcoff, Jodi St.Thomas, and Kim Tassone.  

“It is an honour for me to serve on this board – a board made up of various community members bringing a commitment to the staff, agency, and community.” said Heather Wheating, board chair. “Commitment to respectful relationships provides the foundation for our work together as a board and reliance on the agency’s mission and values guides our decisions.”  

Tribute to a past board member 

The board wanted to take a moment to acknowledge with gratitude and respect, a member who has resigned. Bruno Tassone, board member from 2022 until this AGM, stepped up to the plate during a significant and challenging transition time for the agency.  The position of board chair was vacated, and Tassone rose to the occasion, providing leadership and support for the board, staff, and agencies programs.  His years of community leadership along with his passion for community have been valued and appreciated during his term.

Looking ahead 

Together, the board and Executive Director Reidun Rosi have developed a 2024 - 2027 Strategic Plan, with contributions from staff. The CDCSS mission statement and values have also been revisited and reworked to provide a roadmap for the agency’s focus.    

The most strategic and critical priority areas for action over the next three years must be the organization’s stability and sustainability, organizational accountability, prioritizing current programming obligations, and focusing on expertise and service delivery for individuals and families impacted by violence, trauma, discrimination, poverty, and isolation. The CDCSS board and staff are committed to transforming the way they works, think, and act to be more impactful for the community moving forward.  

The AGM concluded with a heartfelt thank-you to all supporters, volunteers, and donors who have made the past year a success. CDCSS is looking forward to continuing to work together with the community to create positive, lasting change. 

For more information about CDCSS, upcoming events, or how to get involved, visit head office at 1695 Columbia Ave., call at 250-365-2104, or visit cdcss.ca or like the new Facebook page - "Castlegar Community Services”. 



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