About Us...
It all began early in 1992 at a meeting of the Ladysmith Inter-Agency Liaison Committee, a group of representatives from the government mandated agencies formed in the early 1970's to maximize cooperation among the agencies while minimizing the duplication of services. During the late 1980's and early 1990's it had become evident that the economic climate in and around Ladysmith had changed. Once the domain of mining and forestry, jobs in those industries diminished and the economy took a downward turn. Social problems became evident. These problems seemed to repeat from one generation to the next running the gamut of various forms of abuses to vandalism and family breakdown. It was during this time that the IALC met to discuss the problems they were observing. A presentation was made by a concerned citizen outlining a perceived need for a different group with a much broader mandate and which was central, local, readily identified and easily accessed.
In 1992 this group pooled some of their own money and decided to form a non-profit association to try to deal with these recurring situations. This became the foundation of the Ladysmith Resources Centre Association.
The first Board of Directors included Tom Beames, Dorothy Durban, Faye Hollett, Dennis Lait, Gerry Montgomery, Mary Mulrooney, Shelley Rattink, Alex Stuart, Doug Thring (Chair) and Betty Turner. Incorporation was achieved on the 22nd of July, 1992. A temporary home was found for the fledgling organization at 225 High Street. Necessary alterations were accomplished when a number of the steering committee members contributed necessary money and willing volunteers donated time and talent. His Honor, Mayor R. Rose, officially opened this, our first home, on November 9, 1992. Very soon, the office was a functioning entity entirely staffed by volunteers under the coordination, training and direction of Sharon Greene, herself a volunteer.
One of the first tasks undertaken by the Centre, with the aid of a Provincial grant, was an extensive assessment of the community's needs. The results of this project formed the basis for justifying the formation of the Centre and for determining directions for the new developments.
Funding for programs such as the Nobody's Perfect parenting program (Feb 1993), Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, Youth at Risk Worker Program, (Jan. 1995), were and are still received from the provincial government. The LRCA also administered funds to groups such as Family and Friends and New Directions in Health to assist them in there formation.
On May 3rd, 1994 the Centre was moved to 112-B French Street (formerly Dr. Neale's Veterinary Hospital). Volunteers again, came forth to do the necessary renovations.
In May 1994, Sandy Barton was hired as Office Manager and in March 1995, Dennis Lait became half-time Coordinator to manage the day-to-day operations of the Associations. The demands for services had increased to a point that staffing was required to meet the need. In June 1997 the continuing growth of the Association resulted in the part time position of Coordinator being changed to the full time position of Executive Director.
On May 1, 1996 the LRCA moved once again to 721 First Avenue, having outgrown its previous location. Again extensive renovations and construction were undertaken with both staff and volunteers putting in many hours.
Expansion of services and programs continues to develop with the addition of the Community Computer Center which provides affordable access to computer and the Internet, Ladysmith Food Bank, supported by the Churches of Ladysmith, the Victim Service program, Community Police Station summer placement program and the Ladysmith Early Childhood Committee. New programs are added as requested and a need identified. Most recently added programs include "Born Healthy" a prenatal program, Good Food Box, Adventures in Early Literacy, and Dad's Group.
The LRCA continues to grow and has become an integral part of the Ladysmith Community. Anyone wishing a more detailed or photographic history of the Association can stop by the office and view the Associations photo album available through reception.
For further information, please email us at