Jay Townsend / Principle of Bringing Community Together
Jay Townsend of Bringing Community Together has been involved within the community living sector since 1998 contributing in roles that include Facilitator, Educator, Day Program Manager, Mental Health Worker, Employment Specialist, Community Resource Worker, and Respite Worker. Jay’s diversity of experience, in British Columbia and Alberta, has provided the opportunity to explore a variety of strategies and concepts associated to connecting people “with” the community. As the community becomes more welcoming to citizens living with diverse abilities it is important that families, organizations and the wider community posses confidence and knowledge that best represents the goal of inclusion and equity. The community’s expectations and vision for the lives of people with diverse abilities is rapidly changing. An innovative approach that recognizes & includes the community is what individuals, families and support networks, are interested in. Bringing Community Together envisions a community that includes and challenges all of its members. All community members should have the opportunity to share their gifts, and connect in real ways to others in the spirit of friendship and interdependence. Jay is motivated to work along side families, support networks, individuals and organizations in the spirit of diversity, acceptance & change.
Recent Highlights (please click on links)
Facilitated "The North Island Connector Project". A demonstration project in Campbell River, BC. This project was completed in March 2011; with a final report to be published and available through CLBC.
Developed and currently facilitating a one-day training day called Building Bridges, across western Canada.
Facilitated the The Friendship Project, a family governed initaive, in the Comox Valley from Oct 2008-Nov 2010
Presented at a breakout session at the "The Changing Faces of Volunteerism Conference" hosted by Valleylinks and Volunteer Comox Valley in Courtenay, BC in November 2009
Presented at annual Best Buddies leadership conference in September 2009
Presented "Working With Families" Session to Human Service Worker program at NIC in July 2009
Co- Presented "The Friendship Project" to sold out session at at BCACL "Bringing the Pieces Together" Conference in June 2009
Coordinated and Co-Facilitated "SPEAK!", a one day community gathering in partnership with the Self Advcoate Liaison Project in May 2009
Co-Presented "Personal Support Networks" at BCACL "Tools for Change" Conference in June 2008
Developed and currently facilitating a one-day training day called Building Bridges, across western Canada.
Facilitated the The Friendship Project, a family governed initaive, in the Comox Valley from Oct 2008-Nov 2010
Presented at a breakout session at the "The Changing Faces of Volunteerism Conference" hosted by Valleylinks and Volunteer Comox Valley in Courtenay, BC in November 2009
Presented at annual Best Buddies leadership conference in September 2009
Presented "Working With Families" Session to Human Service Worker program at NIC in July 2009
Co- Presented "The Friendship Project" to sold out session at at BCACL "Bringing the Pieces Together" Conference in June 2009
Coordinated and Co-Facilitated "SPEAK!", a one day community gathering in partnership with the Self Advcoate Liaison Project in May 2009
Co-Presented "Personal Support Networks" at BCACL "Tools for Change" Conference in June 2008
