The Richmond Caring Place Society operates an innovative facility that provides managed office space for charitable organizations.
“It’s a unique model,” chair of the board of Richmond Caring Place Society Belinda Boyd says.
“It was considered to be quite innovative when it was first proposed, and it’s still just as innovative today.”
The society’s structure is a not-for-profit whose entire purpose is to run the building so its tenants can provide essential social services to the community in a stable, affordable venue.
“The Richmond Caring Place Society board focuses on the building; maintaining it and hiring great staff to ensure smooth operation of the building so the organizations within can focus on their own business,” Boyd says.
“Tenants don’t have to be concerned with or focused on things like building maintenance. They can focus on their core purpose, which is providing social services to the community."
The Richmond Women’s Resource Centre Association, a long-term tenant of the Caring Place, is one of the longest continually running women’s resource centres in B.C., primarily because it is in a stable, supportive and affordable location. This is the case for numerous tenants who have been in Richmond Caring Place since it opened in 1994.
The Richmond Caring Place is run efficiently thanks to the dedicated efforts of its operations and support staff, and the leadership of its Board of Directors, which is made up entirely of volunteers.
“Our board is incredible, and I have the honour and privilege of chairing it. The people who give their time are extremely dedicated and community-focused,” Boyd says.
“Our goal is to ensure a stable and well-run facility so people can come into that building and know there is a myriad of services available to them. That hub model is integral to a healthy community. People can access many services within that one space.”
The board is currently working on expanding its space to accommodate current tenants and add even more services to this incredible hub model that truly services the community.
“Since the Caring Place opened in 1994, the population and need for social services has increased, but with densification, the locations available to non-profit organizations are diminishing,” Boyd says.
“Community support is important. I invite people to share their stories with us of what the Caring Place means to them.”
To learn more about the Richmond Caring Place Society and its partner agencies or share a message of support, visit www.richmondcaringplace.ca.
