Building Community Through Connection: A Conversation with LTCES Board Chairs Jo-Anne Kingstone and Lesia Wick
28:17
Conversations with You
Host: Amanda Fortier
Building Community Through Connection: A Conversation with LTCES Board Chairs Jo-Anne Kingstone and Lesia Wick
In this episode of Conversations with You, Amanda Fortier speaks with Jo-Anne Kingstone, current Board Chair of the Lake Trail Community Education Society (LTCES) and Lesia Wick, past Board Chair, about the organization’s role in building connection and community in the Comox Valley.
The conversation explores what first drew Jo and Lesia to LTCES, the community school model, and the ways LTCES brings together students, families and community members through youth programming, its community garden and community outreach.
Jo and Lesia also share some of the moments that have demonstrated the impact of LTCES — from the Repair Café, where community members come together to share skills and help one another, to youth discovering community resources such as the public library.
The episode will also highlight the upcoming LTCES fundraiser at Gladstone’s on August 25th from 2–8 PM. The event will feature live music, a 50/50 raffle, silent auction, food and drinks, and an opportunity for the community to come together while supporting LTCES programming.
The Lake Trail Community Education Society is an independent not-for-profit organization that works within Lake Trail Middle School. Although it works in partnership with the school and school district, LTCES is not the school or part of the school district.
LTCES uses the community school model to make the school a hub for the broader community, with programming focused on three key areas: the community garden, youth programming and community outreach.
A central part of the organization’s work is creating opportunities for people to connect, contribute their skills and experience, and develop a sense of belonging and mattering within their community.
LTCES relies on donations and grants to support its programming, with the goal of keeping programs low-cost or free so they are accessible to everyone. The August 25th fundraiser at Gladstone’s is one of the ways the community can help support this work.
If you want to know more about these topics, feel free check the following links:
LTCES: https://ltces.ca/
LTCES Facebook and Instagram for current programming, events and updates.
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Feedback from listeners:
If appropriate, please leave us some feedback at the bottom of this page under the “Leave a Reply” heading. We’d love to hear from listeners about their experiences with community-building in the Comox Valley. What places, organizations or programs have helped you feel connected and like you belong?
Finally, if there’s a local organization, community initiative, or person with an inspiring story you’d like to hear featured on Conversations with You, I’d love to hear your suggestions.
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