A-DES Explores New Partnerships

Alcohol-Drug Education Service is pursuing a possible partnership with a major, Lower Mainland social-services provider to further the A-DES mission of “helping keep kids drug free.”

Key A-DES staff and board members met last Friday (March 12) with Ian Mass, executive director of Pacific Community Resources Society and Tom Hetherington, PCRS manager of addiction services, to discuss ways the two agencies might collaborate.

Since 1952, A-DES has been working to “promote healthy lifestyles by preventing and/or reducing the problem use of alcohol and other drugs through education and advocacy” throughout British Columbia.

 PCRS operates more than 40 varied programs including school- and community-based drug-prevention initiatives. The agency provides education, employment, housing, counselling, lifeskills, and addiction services for children, youth, adults and families from Vancouver to Chilliwack and Hope.

 “Collaboration among providers is essential,” said A-DES Board Chair Jean Fraser. “It’s something we do frequently on a per-project basis, pooling resources and expertise with other agencies and non-profits. It just makes sense to combine knowledge and skill sets for a common goal.”

 In this case, Fraser said, teaming with PCRS on a regular basis can lend strength, variety and flexibility to both agencies’ drug-education efforts. A-DES may be looking to partner with other like-minded organizations, she added.

 PCRS has provided services for 26 years and has agency offices in Vancouver, Surrey and New Westminster. Alcohol-Drug Education Service is headquartered in Port Coquitlam and in its 58th year of operation.