The Nelson CARES society concluded their 35th year with a successful Annual General Meeting this month.

While the meeting was focused on accomplishments of the past year — a ever-growing interest in programs, new social initiatives, and success stories coming out of their new transitional housing- — it was hard for directors to avoid bubbling over with excitement for what’s on deck for the next year.

Most notably, the Nelson CARES Society is moving to new office space at the end of September and will be officially open for business again on October 5th. The society is moving to 521 Vernon Street (next door to the Salvation Army) in the former BCGEU location.

The new office space will house three of the society’s programs -- The Advocacy Centre, Supported Employment, and Earth Matters Programs -- as well as the Services for Community Living Program administration, the Nelson Committee on Homelessness Coordinator, and overall Nelson CARES Society administration.

“We are very excited about this long-overdue move to a much larger, more centrally located space. The new office is also physically accessible by all who use our services or work for our society” said Rona Park, Executive Director.

The society had long been searching for the right space to expand its program and meeting space, build in wheelchair access, while leaving some room for expansion.

Once the move is complete, the CARES society will continue offering building on some new initiatives. It will be opening an eco store through the Earth Matters youth program, which will provide more opportunities for employment.

The society’s audited financial statement will be available to the public through their office and will be online by the end of October.

“Things are looking really good for us,” said Park. “We’re looking forward to another great year.”

For more information about the CARES society, visit www.nelsoncares.ca or call 250-352-6011.