The front-facing side of the Neepawa Community Ministries Centre has always been the thrift store, and while the store itself provides a valuable service there are several other services that the organisation provides. Among these are the food bank and Christmas hampers, community open garden, camp sponsorships for kids, and a tablet lending library.

The primary role of the organisation is the family services, so the thrift store really exists to support that role. As director Amanda Naughton-Gale says, “The better that the thrift store does, the better we can support other people within the community.” The move a few years ago to a larger location meant a huge increase in business, and the need to plan for the future.

In a fast-growing community such as Neepawa, says Naughton-Gale, a question we need to ask is do we have the resources to support people, and do we understand the supports that people are looking for? This is where a community consultation becomes a valuable tool.

On May 18th, the community will be able to offer their input on how they view the Community Ministries Centre, what supports they’re looking for, and where and how they seek them. Naughton-Gale hopes to get as many perspectives as possible, to provide a snapshot of what we’re doing well and what we’re missing in the community. One area she highlights as currently lacking is public transportation, but she wants to be led by the community’s input on where to direct their resources.

Not everything that arises will be something that the Community Ministries Centre can tackle itself, but having an idea of what the community is looking for will also allow them to seek out partnerships with other organisations to provide the services. With the community expanding at the pace it currently is, they want to get out ahead of the needs as much as they can and hope that the community will work with them in making that possible.