Rosemary Bonderud (left) and Sharon Tomczyk of Forward House.
The Speakers for our General meeting on Feb 2, 2024 were Rosemary Bonderud, President and Sharon Tomczwk, Executive Director of Forward House in Parksville.
See below for a slideshow of photos taken at the meeting.
Forward House was created to respond to the needs for those people needing assistance with overcoming mental health or addiction issues in our area.
Rosemary provided a brief history of Forward House and the Recovery Centre at 136 Hirst Street next to the Parks West Print shop.
Sharon then spoke to us about the mental health and addiction needs in our community and how Forward House is responding to those needs on a day-to day-basis.
Sharon noted that in a community such as Parksville and the surrounding area, about 15% of the population needs some assistance dealing with mental health or addiction issues. Most of their clients are not homeless!
The clear message was that anyone of us needing help or knowing of someone who does, should not hesitate to contact Forward House (250 954 0745) or drop into their Center, preferably in the mornings when there are fewer organized events underway.
The audience was clearly impressed with the initiatives being undertaken by Forward House!
Thanks to Margaret Stevens who initiated this presentation and also to Janet Walker who continues to be associated with Forward House and who introduced Rosemary and Sharon to our Probus Group.
Prepared by,
Al MacDonald, Speaker Committee
