Welcome to the Village Initiative, helping children, youth and families thrive.
The Village Initiative (TVI) is an interdisciplinary network of more than 40 organizations sharing a commitment to the vision of healthy and thriving children, youth, and families across the Sooke and West Shore communities.
TVI came together to champion shared solutions to the program delivery challenges faced by community organizations in one of BC’s fastest-growing regions. With unprecedented development underway throughout the region, now is the time to create a legacy of community programs and services able to keep pace with such rapid population growth.
It takes a village!
TVI took root when the Sooke School District and Island Health started a conversation with community partners, recognizing that the health and well-being of children, youth, and families are best supported through an all-hands-on-deck approach – a Village. The urgency of our mission has only been underscored by the global pandemic and its impact on children, youth, and families.
Victoria, BC
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The Sooke Branch is currently offering reduced services due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Check our website for a description of currently available services.
The Vancouver Island Regional Library is an incredibly valuable resource for business owners and entrepreneurs. They have recently launched a database called Creativebug, a resource that unlimited access to thousands of online art and craft classes, and award-winning video classes taught by top designers and artists, anytime, anywhere.
Another resource is Grant Connect, a grant-funding information database. With Grant Connect, you have access to:
- Over 11,000 Canadian foundations, 560 corporate giving programs, 370 government grant programs, 120 American foundations, and 200 other kinds of grant opportunities.
- Funder profiles that offer insights on specific grant programs, application preferences, financial summaries, and key decision-makers.
- Data on billions of dollars in past donations.
And, VIRL is also home to Lynda.com, where entrepreneurs can bolster skills with FREE online courses
Visit the Sooke Branch online, here.
Not currently a member of the Library? Register online for your library card.
2065 Anna Marie Road
Sooke BC
Head Office:
90 Commercial Street
Nanaimo, BC
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We Help BC Women Entrepreneurs
Fueling the success of BC women entrepreneurs since 1995
Women’s Enterprise Centre is a non-profit organization devoted to helping BC women start, lead and grow their own business.
Since 1995, WEC has fueled the success of women-led businesses by providing business loans up to $150K. We also provide business skills training, personalized business advice, mentoring, practical business resources and a supportive community to help women business owners gain the skills, mindset, financing and networks they need to realize their business potential.
Our team understands and relates to the unique circumstances of women business owners. Our experienced business advisors, mentors, trainers and facilitators provide our clients with tools and confidence through a supportive, individual and practical approach.
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Worklink Employment Society is a visible and dynamic member of the Westshore, Sooke and surrounding areas that:
- Promotes an awareness of the current world of work and the need for life-long career development
- Provides a supportive environment where members of the community can explore new choices and create positive solutions to their employment needs
- Recognizes the value of the unique contributions of employees
- Encourages the belief that everyone has the potential to achieve self-sufficiency
- Serves with honesty, respect and integrity
WorkLink has been providing government sponsored employment services to the residents of the Western Communities since 1978. In 2008, our services expanded to include the communities of Sooke and surrounding areas including Jordon River and Port Renfrew. We are also pleased to provide aboriginal outreach services to the First Nations Communities of Beecher Bay, T’Souke and Pacheedaht.
Our non-profit organization is funded through both federal and provincial government initiatives. WorkLink is a registered charity in the Province of BC. We are governed by a volunteer Board of Directors chosen from leaders in the community.
In April 2012, WorkLink was selected to become one of the 73 WorkBC Employment Service Centres in BC. We currently offer employment services from either our Westshore storefront or our Sooke satellite office. In addition, we provide extended services to the community of Port Renfrew. Our two others locations, at Tennyson Avenue (Tennyson WorkLink) and on Goldstream Avenue (The Pathway Project) offer group employment programs.
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