The Island JADE Society wants to try and treat the causes of homelessness and poverty, not just the symptoms.

“We want to take a more holistic approach to the people that we see,” said Sian Thomson, executive director of the society.

The society helps people struggling with poverty to deal with legal issues, deal with the income assistance bureaucracy and deal with other poverty-related issues. The society acts as an advocate for people who have no one on their side. That’s not going to change, but the society wants to change its vision, helping people get out of survival mode and to find some happiness and balance in their lives.

“Nobody deals with poor people’s happiness,” Thomson said. “They just deal with their day-to-day needs.”

Tucker Dinnes, a long-time member of the JADE society board, is a certified life and wellness coach. She will be hosting a series of casual meetings to give people the chance to get together and talk about their struggles, and about their hopes and dreams. She is planning the meetings to be low-key and casual, but also plans to try and discuss some life skills with the group. Topics will include:

n Food and nutrition.

n Budgeting.

n Time management.

n Communication and resolving conflicts.

n Making resumes and doing interviews.

n Setting goals.

Dinnes said the meetings will also touch on topics such as dealing with stress and how to look after oneself, something a single mom living in poverty with kids might not have much time to think about.

Although there will be a lot of ground to cover, Dinnes said she isn’t going to run the meetings like a classroom.

“We don’t want it to become heavy in any way,” she said.

They will be conversations, accompanied by coffee and refreshments, and will be mainly intended for people to make connections and friends.

Dinnes said there are a lot of people living in poverty who think they are alone, living in isolation. It’s a relief for them to find there are others in the same situation, she said.

“It’s all about caring for the person, not just the problem,” added Thomson.

The society is hoping to put on eight meetings over eight weeks for about 12 people. There will be no charge for people who want to attend, but the society is requiring people to fill out an application form.

Anyone interested in applying to attend the meetings can fill out an application form at the society office, 101-500 South Dogwood Street, or call 250-830-1171 for more information.