ICCS establishing Project Rise as a new opportunity for community connections, skills training and hope

In an effort to support the on-going responsiveness of its programming to clients and community, Island Crisis Care Society (ICCS) has taken a bold and exciting step forward; moving into the realms of social enterprise and community connections programming with the launch of Project Rise. This new ICCS program will enhance our current portfolio of programming by offering training and pre-employment skills to clients, supporting them on their path towards recovery and independence.

A key component of this new project will be the acquisition and social purpose conversion of an established and respected local business, Nanaimo Bakery & Confectionery Ltd. Beginning July 30, 2021, the bakery and the building it is housed in at 2025 Bowen Rd will be owned and managed by the newly established social purpose company, Rising Hope Services Inc., a subsidiary of Island Crisis Care Society. The bakery and café will continue to operate under this new designation of social enterprise as Nanaimo Bakery & Café, providing high quality products and services to the community, while allowing profits to support the wider work of ICCS and the new Project Rise program. ICCS and Rising Hope Services Inc. will remain committed to honouring the legacy of the Nanaimo Bakery by continuing to offer the same great products and friendly service that customers have come to expect.

“We are thrilled with the opportunity to build a new avenue for programming and support that will benefit both our clients and our community,” said Violet Hayes, Executive Director of Island Crisis Care Society. “The Nanaimo Bakery is such a wonderful presence in our community! Now the bakery will not only provide delicious baked goods but will support an opportunity for meaningful change for people who have not had hope in the past.”

In addition to its social purpose conversion, the Nanaimo Bakery & Cafe will provide a space for ICCS clients and others in the community who are ready to take their next steps forward to gain valuable work experience through select training placements, which will give them skills for a more hopeful future. A

training program offering employment skills will channel into a wider employment program, linking clients with skills and potential for independence into learning opportunities which may change their lives. Alongside these operations, the larger building at 2025 Bowen Rd. will be adapted to house ICCS and Project Rise program offices as well as new community collaboration spaces to benefit the most vulnerable in the community.

“Our vision is to develop a network of community connections, offering employment-ready clients the chance to develop job skills they need for independence,” said Corrie Corfield, ICCS Director of Development. “In addition to potential work experience through the existing Bakery and Café, ICCS will be exploring opportunities for development of other social enterprise training in other areas, and to link with interested businesses in the community that may offer employment placements.”

Beyond client training, ICCS envisions meeting rooms for community events and seminars at the Bowen Road premises, as well as learning and collaboration spaces which will foster dialogue and enhance community spirit. The Bakery and Café will be another focal point for this, bringing people from all walks of life and parts of the community together in one space to support growth – and enjoy good food!

For more information on Project Rise and the social purpose conversion of the Nanaimo Bakery and Café, including information about how to get involved go to:

https://www.islandcrisiscaresociety.ca/project-rise/