Community social services workers thank Prince George Mayor, Council for recognition

Community social service providers in Prince George are extending a big thanks to Mayor Colin Kinsley and City Council for declaring March to be Community Social Service Awareness Month.

"It's an important opportunity to mark the daily efforts of almost 500 workers here in Prince George who are on the front lines caring for some of the most vulnerable in our society," says George Heyman, president of the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union which represents many community social services workers in the province.

"We appreciate that Mayor and Council in Prince George have joined with more than 20 local governments from across B.C. to recognize the work and commitment of these important frontline providers.

"They offer a wide range of assistance to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities," Heyman says. "They help make sure people don't fall through the cracks when they have a special need or when they are facing a crisis in their lives.

"And they help make our community stronger, healthier and more stable. They provide services to any one."

Heyman says community social services are based on the belief that every person is a valuable member of the community and that all people deserve the support and skills they need to surmount challenges they may face throughout their lives.

Community social service providers work with people with developmental disabilities, offer quality child care, support at-risk families and youth, and provide programs for women and aboriginal people, along with other important services.

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For information contact Stephen Howard, BCGEU communications

For a PDF version of this release, click here.