CRN Foundation > Provincial Community Response Network

Introduction

The B.C. Association of Community Response Networks (BCACRN) grew out of the need to create an on-going, permanent provincial funding and support structure for the benefit of local CRNs, and adults in their communities experiencing abuse, neglect and self-neglect.

Initially a Task Group was created by the Abuse, Neglect and Self-Neglect Planning Group of the Adult Guardianship Implementation Project at the Public Guardian and Trustee of B.C. (PGTBC). This Task Group formed the Association with some members of the Task Group becoming Directors of the Board. The Board meets monthly, on average, usually by teleconference.

Who are the members of the Board?

Debora Enyinnah, Co-Chair - Summerland
Leanne Lange, Secretary – Port Moody
Amanda Brown, Secretary – Vancouver
Jim Poole, Treasurer - Surrey
Susan McIntosh (formerly Thomson) - Surrey
Dr. Elsie Gerdes - Armstrong
Margaret Easton - Coquitlam

Alison Leaney is part time Executive Directorship and Rosalyn Hansen is the part time Executive Assistant. As well, there are Regional Mentors throughout the province who support the work of the Association.

Why do we need to establish long-term funding?

Until 2003, the PGTBC provided modest funding to communities to support the development of CRNs. This initiative arose from the implementation of Part 3 of the Adult Guardianship Act: Support and Assistance for Abused and Neglected Adults. While the initial implementation phase is winding down, the many CRNs in the province continue to need on-going permanent funding and support. The PGTBC gave the Association a “kick start” with a very generous donation presented at the BC CEAS (B.C. Coalition to Eliminate Abuse of Seniors) Annual General Meeting in September of 2003. In March of 2004, communities received their first funding from the Association to continue their important and necessary work.

What is the Constitution of the Association?

The purposes of the Association are:

To promote safe communities, through the development of community networks where individuals and private and public sector organizations can participate in activities to prevent abuse, neglect and self-neglect of adults
To support communities in their responses to adults who are experiencing or at risk of experiencing abuse, neglect or self-neglect
To sustain these community networks by establishing a diversified funding base for their activities
To support other initiatives that benefit adults experiencing or at risk of experiencing abuse, neglect or self-neglect
To receive gifts, bequests, funds and property, and to hold, invest, administer and distribute funds and property for the purposes of the Association; and
To do all such other things as are incidental and ancillary to the attainment of the foregoing purposes and the exercise of the powers of the Association.

What are some key features of the By-Laws of the Association?

Every CRN in the province that is active or has funds is recognized by the Board of Directors and is able to appoint one representative to be a voting member of the Association.
Meetings may be held by teleconference, electronically, or in person.
Voting may be done by voice, e-mail, regular mail or in person.
We will always strive to make decisions by consensus, and this principle will be reflected in our policies.

Provincial and Local Roles

For more information and recent activities, read the Association Bulletins!!!