HISTORY OF THE PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES PROGRAM

The Professional Resources Program was established after the closure of the Tranquille Institution in 1984.  The Program was originally based in Prince George and was intended to provide training and support to assist self advocates in successfully returning to their home communities.  Initially the Program primarily provided funding for staff training, professional consultation, and financial support for individuals to travel to out of town specialists.

In 1991 three area non profit agencies – The Dawson Creek Society for Community Living, The Fort St. John Association for Community Living, and South Peace Community Resources Society - representing the South Peace and North Peace areas, requested that the funder, then known as the Ministry of Social Services allocate and allow funds to be administered locally.  Based on these recommendations the Ministry awarded funding specifically for the South Peace and North Peace areas and the Professional Resources Program was created locally.  South Peace Community Resources Society was chosen as the agency responsible for administering and staffing the Program.

A team consisting of representatives from the three non- profit agencies met monthly and were responsible for responding to requests for Program services.  In 1996 the team was expanded to include representatives from for-profit agencies, a family member from Dawson Creek and from Fort St. John, and a Ministry employee.

The Professional Resources Program has since also expanded its services into the Liard area.

The Professional Resources Program continues to provide funding for training events, individual consultations and assessments.

The Professional Resources Program services are in response to the needs of the communities it serves.