Wheatley social worker creates one-stop-shop for community resources following explosion
Many residents and organizations were forced out of Wheatley’s downtown after the explosion one year ago, but the community banded together, including one social worker who realized a dream of hers.
One of the buildings impacted was the Wheatley Baptist Church on Talbot Street which has been closed since the blast on Aug. 26, 2021. Not only did the congregation lose its place of worship, but the village also lost its only food bank.
“It was all just kind of in our heads and then on August 27th, we thought well, we need to do something and so we found this location, we had extra space so we had more than what we needed for the food bank so we just invited services to just be a part,” said Susan Fulmer.
And so, the Village Resource Centre was born, with the help of a generous anonymous donor.
Fulmer, the centre’s founder, says her small idea has morphed into a one-stop shop for anyone, regardless of whether they were impacted by the explosion or not.
“The information desk that was at the library is closed now, so occasionally we have people come in and say, ‘do you know where I can get some recycling boxes’? When’s garbage pickup?’ Things like that. ‘Where do I pay my taxes? How do I get my dog tag?’” she explained.
The centre also hosts a pantry, library, and a paster is available once a week. Social services with Chatham-Kent also operate out of the space.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.