Cowichan Neighbourhood House: Family Resources

The Old Chemainus Fire Hall houses a gymnasium with a sound system upstairs large enough for youth concerts, workshops, and family events. The building also has a large kitchen (2 stoves, 2 dishwashers, 2 refrigerators, and a deep freeze); several computers with free internet; 3 pool tables, 2 foosball tables, a ping pong table, air hockey and other games; 3 comfortable seating areas, 2 TV sets with DVD player, a stereo; piano & organ; and a host of other resources for family and youth who need a place to go. The lower floor is wheelchair accessible, and has a new accessible washroom.

Below is a general description of our resources and family activities, most of which are at the Old Chemainus Fire Hall on 9796 Willow Street. For a list of recent and upcoming events, please consult our most recent calendar (linked to home page). Youth Activities are listed on a separate page. There are too many resources and activities to describe here - in addition to our regular activities described below, the Cowichan Neighbourhood House Association held over 50 special activities and events in the fire hall last year.

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-Healthy Soup Classes: These free classes provide an opportunity for people to learn how to make healthy, economical soups. Participants get to take home some of what they make, and some is saved for our after-school youth drop-in sessions.

-"Social Afternoons" Drop-In: The community drop-in for all ages, which we call "Social Afternoons", provides resources for struggling families and individuals, helping them to find work, acquire some clothes or food, use the phone or photocopier, meet others, and use the computers to write a resume or use the internet. The drop-in is open Tuesday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. In addition to providing resources, we refer individuals to other organizations, such as welfare advocacy and the food bank. We also help with job searches and interviews, rent searches, and any number of family issues that the individual may disclose. We can also teach the folks who drop in how to use the computers and other equipment. The goal is to provide guidance and promote self help by creating a warm welcoming place to visit.

- Free Store: Our Free Store is open on Fridays (1:00 to 3:30) concurrently with the drop-in, and provides clothing (e.g., children, or clothing for job interviews); household tools; household furniture; food on an emergency basis; and many other goods. The Free Store was accessed more than 2000 times last year.

The Free-Store receives donations of materials from several local groups, including: Chemainus Hospital Auxiliary; three local Churches donate materials; Kiwanis; the Chemainus Museum; several seniors at the Chemainus Seniors Centre; and numerous individuals.

- "Recycle Days" garage sales: Arts, crafts and flea market items are sold every second Saturday in the summer. Watch the website for updates..

- Workshops: We run volunteer workshops for volunteers working with youth on a regular basis. Contact us for more details..

- Lending library & book exchange: Our reference library downstairs has reading material on law, family health, and many other topics. We also have a book exchange program. The Library holds about 1500 books at any one time.

- Family Events: We have also received money donations in kind from the Rotary Club and the local Eagles for special activities (e.g., Halloween party). We also hold other events, such as community potluck dinners, Chemainus Days, and other events as people desire.

- Youth Activities & Concerts: For the details on activities for youth, please check the separate Youth Activities page.

Community Resource Centre