The Moose Jaw and District Food Bank has launched a new program to make it easier for clients to attain community resources that would otherwise be difficult to access because of societal barriers.
The food bank launched Syn’gage because it recognized that five per cent of Moose Jaw’s population is using its resources, while it also recognized that food insecurity is tied to housing and job instability, explained Cheantelle Fisher, the new client resource representative.
“From what I’ve witnessed … clients of the food bank love the staff and volunteers at the food bank. They feel safe; they feel like they can trust what’s happening there,” she said.
Fisher can act as a resource hub and a source of support for people looking to access community services, such as parenting classes, resumé workshops, job-search training, paying rent, applying for housing or life skills classes. She can also help relieve clients from finding everything themselves or attempting to connect with community organizations.
Some common barriers clients face include being underemployed, not having access to employment, not having identification, lacking paperwork with an address, being unaware of government-funded training programs, having no access to computers, or being unable to file taxes or have someone file for them.
“That’s a big barrier for housing, is making sure your taxes are up to date,” said Fisher. “(Also), big barriers are people not having a phone. If you don’t have a phone, how are you supposed to go anywhere? How are you going to interact with your doctor or social worker or case worker?
“Well, I have a phone. So, if you come in and see me in person, we’ll go down to my office and you can make the phone calls that you need.”
The food bank has a fantastic relationship with Moose Jaw Housing Authority, she pointed out. The authority has supported her as she has helped clients find housing, so they don’t face these barriers.
“There are a lot of systemic barriers that folks are dealing with that I think a lot of (everyday residents) don’t realize are a barrier because it’s something we’ve never had to deal with,” Fisher said. “(For example, if) you’ve never had a job, you have never been through social services, (or) you don’t know what it’s like to not have a driver’s licence or struggle to get a health card.”
Fisher acknowledged with a laugh that she must be multi-talented to help clients. She explained that she grew up in poverty and without much support but became determined to help others have a better life.
“We all need to be sharing what we have (for talents) so that everybody can be successful. Because if I’m the only person that’s successful, that’s pretty gross,” she said. “I want everyone around me to feel their own versions of success. It’s not just about me.”
Fisher took over the client resource rep position in February from Deann Little, who became the food bank’s volunteer program coordinator. Fisher grew up in Regina and, after marrying, later moved to Vancouver Island, where she was the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre’s volunteer coordinator for the past 13 years.
“I’m very proud of this program and I’m in awe of this community every single day,” she added. “The food bank is so blessed and it is 100-per-cent because of the City of Moose Jaw.”
Fisher works Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and can be reached at 306-692-1322, mjfoodbank@gmail.com, or by walking into the office.
