The need for a Resource Centre

The need for a community resource centre in Winkler was identified years ago and although there were many agencies around the table, agreeing on the concept, nothing ever got off the ground. In 2010, a community survey was done, interviewing key community leaders and stakeholders including input from education, police, social services, churches and the business sector. If you could summarize that information into one paragraph it would sound something like this… Growth is changing the fabric of this community. It has contributed to a lack of trust, care, and love for each other. Unless we embrace and manage this change, we will face even greater challenges to infrastructure, greater demands on our social welfare resources and police services, and a further deterioration of the sense of “community” within our community.

A collaborative approach is necessary to address these needs. The development of a Community Resource Centre is in critical need and, based on the collective responses from community stakeholders for this survey, would be of most immediate benefit to the community. It has the potential to address almost all critical and unmet needs identified. This survey, along with interested individuals, who had a dream for a community centre for Winkler for years, pushed the dialogue further and a group of people began discussing possibilities.

Through much research, discussion, prayer, discernment and collaboration, a plan was developed. A group of business owners were approached, presented with the vision of a community centre, and agreed to buy a building on 545 Industrial Drive, which would be shared with “The Bunker”. Continued planning, prayer and hard work ensued, with many individuals contributing either financially or through time, working on the physical structure of the building. Suddenly, it seemed as though something that had eluded our community for years, now, in God’s timing, was happening! In September 2013 we opened our doors with the hope that Central Station would be a place that encourages community and individual growth. We are excited about the growth that has happened at Central Station and the potential for the future.