Uncle Gage's Open

Page 19

The Roaring Rapids Friendship Centre was incorporated on Nov. 26, 1980. The end of March 1986, saw a move to a new location and a new building. On July 9, 1986, the name of

the centre was officially changed to Uncle Gabe's Friendship Centre.

Uncle Gabe's has an open door policy which encourages Native and non-Native participation in membership, board positions, staff, as well as all activities offered.

Programs and services offered on a year-round basis are: weekly stew and bannock lunch, Sunday night TV bingo, daily after school and evening programs for youth drug and

alcohol counselling and treatment referrals, and alcohol and drug resource centre and justice programs: Fine Options, Restitution Alternates, Northerners Against Impaired Driving.

Programs offered on a seasonal basis are : Job Entry Programs; Work Orientation Programs; Summer Recreational Day Camp for youth; Trapper Training; Job Re-Entry Training and

others as the need arises.

There are 11 full-time staff and part-time youth workers and one coordinator for special projects. The centre is governed by a seven person board of directors.

The overall goal of the centre is to provide a base for activities which encourages cultural development, support and facilitate the development of individual learning through training,

educational and recreational programs; liase with community service agencies and groups, also to encourage human resource development, thereby enriching and enhancing

individual lifestyles.