Susann Collins, who is the executive director of the Canadian Mental Health Association-South Cariboo branch (CMHA-SC), is also the executive director of the 100 Mile House and District Women’s Centre Society.
She notes the board of the Women’s Centre recently invited the CMHA-SC to take over the management of the Women’s Centre, and there was an agreement to do that.
“Because I’m already the executive director of the CMHA-SC, I am, by default,
the executive director of the Women’s Centre.”
Collins says her role as executive director for both groups is very busy.
“It’s still really, really new because it didn’t take place until recently, so there is a lot to sort out and to figure out.”
She adds it would be ideal to have both groups in the same building, so there isn’t so much running from office to the other.
“So I think the idea would be to find a way to co-locate us. That’s definitely what we’re trying to figure out – what’s the best way to do that.”
She says none of the services the Women’s Centre has been offering have been affected by the change in management.
Collins notes she worked for the Women’s Centre for 11 years.
“I was one of the safe house co-ordinator from 1997 to 2008. So, I’m quite familiar with the organization.”
She adds there is also some history with the two groups having the same executive director.
“We have had a long and good collaborative relationship history.”
Because it’s so new, Collins says they’re just trying to figure out how everything will work together, and that would be a high priority.
“All of these things take time – to figure out what’s best for the Women’s Centre and what’s best for CMHA-SC. We don’t want to rush into anything.
“We just need time together to sort things through … and everything needs to be done in a respectful way for everyone.
Collins says they are working hard on the annual meetings for the two groups right now.
• The Canadian Mental Health Association-South Cariboo annual general meeting will be held at 555B South Cedar Ave. in 100 Mile House today (June 30) from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
• The 100 Mile House and District Women’s Centre annual general meeting will be held at 475 Birch Ave. today (June 30) from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Members are urged to attend their respective AGMs.
