The Social Planning Council (SPC) of Williams Lake has been working to address issues related to poverty in the community for 30 years.
Brie Odd, executive director of the Social Planning Council, thanked city council for their support over the years at their regular meeting on May 6.
SPC began in 1995 and has been working to collaborate across the community to support those struggling, explained Odd.
"Our focus has always been the same: connect the dots, strengthen community capacity and support people in moving from surviving to thriving," said Odd.
The group is involved in the Communities Ending Poverty leadership table, which guides their "Revive Thrive" initiative.
They also partner with the Tamarack Institute, a national organization, sharing information and learning to address complex problems.
"Williams Lake is just one of just 10 communities in western Canada working with Tamarack to lead Canada's poverty reduction strategy aiming to reduce poverty by five per cent over five years," she said.
Programs through the SPC have supported more than 1,400 individuals in the community since 2021, said Odd.
"This work reaches across housing, food security, financial stability, mental health and lifelong learning," she said.
She said the goal is a "stronger, more connected community" and the work isn't just about programs, it's about creating connections.
SPC helps support other organizations' work such as seniors supports, literacy training and more.
"We see strong alignment between this work and the leadership you've all shown here," said Odd, mentioning the official community plan project.
She invited council to attend the SPC's annual general meeting and community forum on Nov. 24, 2025 from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Members of council thanked Odd for her presentation.
Coun. Sheila Boehm said she's been on SPC before and while "we all know what people need" but it's a "never-ending list of what we could try to do."
Coun. Joan Flaspohler thanked the organization for their positive, proactive work.
"That is the thing that is the most beneficial within a community, because you're now setting the stage and you're not having to react to things," said Flaspohler.
Coun. Michael Moses said their work could really help reduce the amount of open drug use and homelessness in the community. He said he saw the decrease in funding going towards the SPC from the city over the years as a "disturbing trend."
He said the city could potentially do more to support their work.
Coun. Scott Nelson also acknowledged the work the group does behind the scenes and said he is a "huge advocate and a huge fan."
He said the work that goes on behind the scenes isn't recognized enough.
Coun. Jazmyn Lyons suggested the SPC connect with the high school's social justice class so the students might be able to engage with the organization and the community.
"I salute your organization and your dedication," said Mayor Surinderpal Rathor.
Moses put forward a motion for the city to take part in Communities Ending Poverty via a council appointment, that city council members be encouraged to take part in the pop up events the SPC has planned and that the city begin planning ahead to budget financial support for the Communities Ending Poverty branch of SPC during the next round of fee for service agreements.
Council voted unanimously in favour of the motion.
