BowWest Community Resource Centre

BowWest connects. More specifically, BowWest works purposefully to connect individuals and families to the economic, social and educational opportunities that empower them to lead more resilient lives. Our commitment to Support, Advocacy and Education leads people and communities to action and positive change.

BowWest operates under a governance board that oversees the services provided by a team of staff and volunteers. Community Advocates (Advocates) are at the heart of our work. Practicing a strength-based approach to service, our volunteers and Advocates provide a safe, supportive environment for those who need help to access and navigate programs that support their social, economic and educational goals.

Based in our offices in Ranchlands and Bowness, our volunteers and Advocates also service satellite locations in 8 other communities: Huntington Hills, Pineridge, Hillhurst/Sunnyside, Highland Park, Saddletown, Edgemont and Country Hills. Our Advocates are supported by volunteers who provide organizational support.

Most of the people we serve need access to resources that help them stabilize an uncertain situation. These supports for Basic Needs include food, clothing & footwear, housing, employment & education supports, transportation, health & wellness, & access to leisure opportunities. Some Basic Needs resources are supplied directly by BowWest (free clothing room, emergency food, transportation access). Others are accessed through partnerships where BowWest and an agency partner provide resources. (Our Fresh Market Connections, a free fresh food market held twice a month, is possible thanks to BowWest and the Calgary Food Bank). BowWest also facilitates access to resources through direct referrals, such as WINS for household goods.
Once a plan for stabilization/Basic Needs is underway, our Advocates turn their focus to resources that build resiliency. Here, the emphasis is on increasing skills, knowledge and social connections in four major areas: parenting, social connections, financial empowerment and community engagement.

Our parenting programs are based on the conversation cafe model where the presentation of information is followed by a facilitated discussion among participants. Community Advocates offer individual support as requested.

As a key component of efforts to move past poverty to sustainability, supports to build social connections are woven into all of the services provided by BowWest. All of our evening workshops, for example, begin with a communal meal shared by participants. Similarly, our Homework Club includes opportunities for parents to meet and interact, while programs that focus on community engagement initiatives offer participants opportunities to work with their neighbours to create events which foster new and deeper social connections. Another program, Create & Connect, brings isolated women together to pursue a chosen craft.

BowWest’s financial empowerment work is similarly multi-faceted. Free tax clinics are the usual point of entry for most people. Once a tax professional is done the tax file, a BowWest volunteer or an Advocate meets with the person to assist with benefits navigation and provide some financial coaching. When requested, BowWest will help individuals access eligible benefits. Community Advocates also offer information about RESPs and help qualifying parents access the Canada Learning Bond. Financial coaching is embedded in each interaction. A Calgary Food Bank referral is, for example, an opportunity to facilitate a budgeting discussion, especially since information about income and expenses is part of the application process. BowWest’s financial literacy workshops are typically provided by knowledgeable volunteers.

Community engagement is another priority for BowWest. Much of this occurs organically since our partners tend to be residents of, or organizations serving, the communities where BowWest works. Program development always includes discussions about how BowWest, especially their volunteers, can facilitate efforts to build neighbourhood strengths. The end results include shared initiatives, including events or programs.

Throughout all BowWest's services, volunteers and Community Advocates practice our Values:
• A holistic approach that is strength based and
centred on the person
• Collaborative relationships with our team, patrons,
funding stakeholders and community partners
• Honest communication
• The notion that everyone has value.