HISTORY

Valour Community Centre is a community hub with three distinct facilities, each located in a different neighbourhood of Winnipeg’s West End. These facilities are the Orioles site in the St. Matthews neighbourhood, the Clifton site in the Sargent Park neighbourhood, and the Isaac Brock site in the Minto neighbourhood.

In 2006, three centers were merged to form a larger board of directors to represent diverse voices from the community. This amalgamation was driven by the need to bring new and diverse ideas to the forefront. It ensured the continued existence of all three centers and maximized the use of finances, reflecting the resilience and resourcefulness of our community.

STRATEGIC PLANNING

In late 2014, the Board embarked on a collaborative strategic planning process, engaging the Valour Community Centre staff, volunteers, and the broader community. This process involved resident surveys, a public engagement workshop, and two board workshops. The intent of this inclusive strategic plan is to provide detailed direction in key areas to improve Valour Community Centre for community members.

Vision

Valour Community Centre aspires to be a community hub with something fun for everyone.

Mission Statement

Valour Community Centre’s mission is to serve the whole community by providing inclusive programming and accessible facilities in a safe environment.

Valour Community Centre’s Five Big Goals

1. We will utilize infrastructure to maximize its potential

   • Ensure constant and efficient use of facilities

   • Evaluate space usage (including storage, grounds, rooms etc.)

   • Identify expansion opportunities and needs and evaluate for efficiency

   • Reach out to more people in the community to increase usage

• Expand activities and programming

2. We will achieve and maintain financial stability

• Fundraise: identify potential donors/sponsors/partners

  1. Create a list of quick revenue generators in case of emergency

  2. Conduct effective budgeting and strive for effective cost control

• Secure ongoing grants from funders and explore infrequent funding opportunities

3. We will see universal community use of Valour CC Facilities

• Reach out to the community more effectively

  1. Expand activities put on by Valour

  2. Identify the needs and desires of the community and specific groups within the neighbourhood

  3. Increase diversity on the Board and within the volunteer base

• Try to understand why people do not currently use Valour or only use it rarely

4. We will reach everyone with our message

• Utilize multiple media/means to reach the community

  1. Utilize different languages in marketing, use inclusive (plain) English, use pictures effectively

  2. Have a higher frequency of newsletters going out to the community

  3. Be aware of context, be context sensitive in communications

  4. Be more open and transparent as an organization and as a Board

  5. Increase Board Diversity

  6. Ensure that staff and volunteers are on the same page with messaging and are informed

• Come up with a communication strategy and communication policies and procedures

5. We will attract and retain the volunteers needed to support our programming

• Create a volunteer recruitment strategy, use incentives

  1. Be honest with prospective volunteers about organizational needs and the commitment for specific volunteer roles

  2. Create a volunteer in lieu of payment scheme

  3. Create a volunteer reward program (long service awards, thank yous, etc)

  4. Target younger volunteers, such as high school students needing hours for credits

  5. Identify specific activities that could attract more volunteers

• Create and maintain a volunteer database