By Kathleen Rake
Click Media Works
Mission Community Services (MCS) is in the business of “helping people, changing lives, building community.”
And while its tagline is not typical of organizations associated with the Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce, it’s a pretty big deal.
MCS was founded in 1972 and today provides services supporting some 2,000 people in eight different program areas ranging from the early years and emergency services to multicultural and seniors’ services. Stay tuned for “exciting 40th anniversary celebrations this fall and winter,” said Cory Cassel, community development liaison.
“Christmas Bureau is our big push every year, but we are much more than that. We intend to grow and provide more services to more people, with support from the community,” said Cassel.
His job is to educate the public about MCS (with its main offices next door to Mission Museum on Second Avenue) and what it does in Mission, and then engage community support for “what we do.”
Other MCS sites and care services are on Grand Street, James Street and just off Logan Avenue.
“We want to be the go-to agency when anyone in Mission needs help,” said Cassel. “If we don’t have a specific program or service at MCS, we send people to the right agency.”
MCS receives its funding from provincial government sources as well as through grants, community support and fundraising, said Cassel.
“When we discover a need for a program, we chase funding to support it,” he added. “MCS believes in the synergy between social services and the business community. The Chamber gives us the opportunity to sit around a table and work with people who have the resources to support what we do.
“Don’t be afraid to give back, to roll up your sleeves and get involved,” advised Cassel. “You get all sorts of return from that.”
For more information, go to www.MissionCommunityServices.com or call Cory at 604-814-3941.