Here at The Mustard Seed, we have been overwhelmed by the generosity shown by our communities throughout Alberta and BC this past year. When life was difficult for so many, you stood by us and helped take care of those in need. It is because of YOU that we can be the safety net for the most vulnerable in our community and continue providing them with the help they need most. It is because of our surrounding community's incredible support that we have been able to pivot and expand our services during the pandemic, increase our capacity and develop more programming in our cities. You helped us make a difference.
Here is a glimpse of what we have been able to achieve:
CalgaryWe had the chance to launch a new program in June called SEEDReach. This program is a mobile team that assists those experiencing homelessness throughout the city. The team consists of advocates, nursing staff, and social workers who are able to reach 100+ clients per month.
This past year Kamloops had the chance to renovate its Outreach Centre. Previously this building held dental offices and is now home to the new Health and Wellness Centre. When fully operational, this new building will house a full-time Occupational Therapist, a Mental Health Clinical Counsellor, and a full-time Advocate. Along with these services, there is now a full-time Wellness Receptionist and there will be a hair salon on-site, once the Women’s recovery center opens.
In August, as a response to the fires, floods, and increase in covid cases, Kamloops began the “Gathering Place.” In partnership with the City of Kamloops, The Mustard Seed was able to create an outdoor gathering place with tent-like shelters that provided water, snacks and a place to sit with tables and chairs. This program was brand new to Kamloops and because of it, they were able to meet new guests that preferred a service offered outdoors. From this, Kamloops has expanded its reach to help more of the vulnerable population that they have never connected with before.
Medicine Hat was able to start new programs and events despite the difficulties that the pandemic caused. They were able to move into their new building on June 24, 2021, of this year and have a more designated space for people to cook and serve meals out of. The move to a new building meant that they could also expand the services they do offer as well as have more storage for donations of food and clothes.
Red DeerThis past year, The Mustard Seed celebrated 5 years of helping those experiencing homelessness and poverty throughout Red Deer and Central Alberta. Since 2016, The Mustard Seed has played an integral role in the community of Red Deer. In 5 years, they have provided almost 275,000 lunches to children in need through the School Lunch Program and have been able to serve over 245,000 meals to those experiencing poverty and homelessness. We look forward to seeing what the next 5 years hold!
The Mustard Seed Mosaic Center in Edmonton moved locations in 2021. After being in the same building, serving and helping those experiencing poverty in North Edmonton for more than 10 years, they were able to move into a new facility! This larger building has given The Mustard Seed the opportunity to expand services and follow a more family-focused model. This new space features an advocacy and event space, a community program area and a commercial kitchen. Some of the new programs they have had the chance to now implement are coffee connect, language learning café, youth night, community collective kitchens, Indigenous cultural supports and employment coaching. We can’t wait to see what more can come of this new center in 2022!
All of this expansion of services and programs that took place this past year would not have been possible without your help. It is our donors, sponsors, partners, volunteers, and friends of The Mustard Seed that are the reason we are able to continue doing all this work in our communities. Thank you for your support over this unpredictable year and we look forward to seeing what 2022 has in store.
