Barrie library welcomes new support to bridge gaps in the community
A local library has become more than just a place to borrow and read books.
As part of its commitment to serving the community, The Barrie Public Library (BPL) in Downtown Barrie will introduce its first community navigator.
The new community navigator will work with individuals who are experiencing issues like homelessness, unsafe housing, food insecurity, poverty, unemployment, mental health crises and addictions.
“Over 20 years anecdotal of data tells us that homeless individuals do utilize libraries during the day. But this is now an opportunity to capture that data," said Mina Fayez-Bahgat, general manager of the County of Simcoe Social Services.
Starting this week, the Counselling and Wellness Program (CFS) will initiate Ayeshah Karim-Mian who is tasked with addressing those issues in her new role as the library’s community navigator.
“This position will play a front door for mental health and other community resources,” said Karim-Mian.
CFS is a Canadian charity that provides inclusive counselling, psychotherapy, and psycho-educational wellness programs.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
"As CFS is dedicated to working in collaboration with our community partners, we are very excited to join BPL in delivering this program," said CFS executive director Michelle Bergin. "This initiative perfectly aligns with our new strategic plan's objective to increase our impact by bringing service to our local community."
This position is part of a pilot project that will be in place from April 29 to December 31.
"We see people from all over socioeconomic background here in the library. Sometimes they do fall into those gaps where the service need cannot be met," said Karim-Mian.
Ayesha will be available for drop-in sessions at all three of the BPL branches, with a focus on the downtown library.
"This position will help those individuals facing complex societal issues while allowing library staff to focus on the library services they were trained to provide. We look forward to seeing the positive outcomes," said Lauren Jessop, CEO of the BPL.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Blaine Higgs 'furious' over sexual education presentation
New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs has shared his anger on social media over a presentation in at least four high schools.
Grayson Murray's parents say the two-time PGA Tour winner died of suicide
Grayson Murray's parents said Sunday their 30-year-old son took his own life, just one day after he withdrew from a PGA Tour event.
The dreams of a 60-year-old beauty contestant come to an abrupt end in Argentina
A 60-year-old woman saw her dreams of becoming the oldest Miss Universe contestant in history melt away in a haze of sequins and selfies Saturday at Argentina’s annual beauty pageant.
2 died in plane crash near Squamish, B.C., police confirm
Two people died after a plane went down in a remote area near Squamish, B.C. on Friday, authorities have confirmed.
Kingston, Ont. tenants fed up with lack of action from landlord over broken floor tiles
Joel Felder and Misti Pitcher have been living in their apartment in Kingston, Ont. for over two years, but the past 12 months have been miserable.
Driver, 18, gets $3,000 ticket, 32 demerit points after speeding on Laval boulevard
A young driver received a hefty fine from Laval police after they say he was driving nearly 100 km/h over the posted speed limit.
Are you a loud snorer? You could have sleep apnea
You'll have a lot more energy throughout the day if you get a good night's sleep, but not everyone does due to a medical condition.
At least 15 dead after severe weather carves path of ruin across multiple U.S. states in the South
Powerful storms killed at least 15 people and left a wide trail of destruction Sunday across Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas during the latest deadly weather to strike the central U.S.
North Korea informs Japan of a plan to launch military spy satellite
North Korea has told Japan it plans to launch a satellite by early next week, an apparent effort to put its second military spy satellite into orbit.