Community Mobilization Westman chair named

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This article was published 13/02/2020 (2125 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Community Mobilization Westman has a new chair, who is also working as the organization’s new program co-ordinator.

Jeanine Pelletier took over as chair in November, replacing former chair Mark Sefton.

“The opportunity came up to take on this new role, and I was very honoured and proud to be selected for the position,” Pelletier said. “I’m very excited about it.”

Community Mobilization Westman brings social service professionals together twice a week to sit at the HUB Table, where they work together evaluating risk and proactively connecting people with appropriate services.

Pelletier joined Community Mobilization Westman almost five years ago as a HUB Table member.

Previously, Pelletier worked with victim services in the north before moving to Brandon, where she ran a visitation program for children to have access to their parents, siblings and family members.

“The good part about this program is we were able to help all children access their parents, so that was something I was really proud of,” Pelletier said.

If it wasn’t for Brandon Police Service and other key stakeholders sitting at the executive level, Community Mobilization Westman wouldn’t be where it is today, Pelletier said, adding that her goal is to maintain that collaboration.

“When this team gets together and does a door knock or sets up a meeting to give someone the opportunity to take the help we’re offering, it’s amazing what happens,” Pelletier said. “I have a lot of positive stories, and the team we have is amazing.”

Pelletier’s additional role as program co-ordinator was made possible by the $80,000 grant Community Mobilization Westman received last year from the provincial government.

The grant also allowed Community Mobilization Westman to secure office space and start working toward a second path for Community Mobilization.

“Right now we are risk-driven and work with people who are determined to be at acutely-elevated risk. Once they are connected to services, the case is closed by Community Mobilization,” police Chief Wayne Balcaen said. “We want to give a second stream where there can be some follow-up. … It will increase our capacity to do some secondary assistance with individuals in need in our community. Right now … there’s no follow-up mechanism. This will allow us to have that direct interaction with clients afterward, to have a follow-up piece and ensure they’re still getting their needs met in the community.”

“Basically what that means is they will be getting long-term support after the fact, which is amazing for our clients and our community,” Pelletier added. “It’s the logical next step.”

Pelletier said she is thankful to have so many people sitting at the table who are dedicated to the community and grateful for the work Sefton did as chair.

“We’re very grateful for what he has done for his community,” Pelletier said. “And he volunteered for this, so that speaks volumes.”

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