Summit Community Services Society
Summit Community Services Society is a non-profit society and a registered charitable organization based in Cranbrook, BC dedicated to promoting community well being by providing a continuum of quality, accessible, client-centred support, childcare, and intervention services.
Founded in 1971 and incorporated in 1973, Summit Community Services Society (SCSS) was created to enrich the lives of local residents by providing community services without stigma. Today, SCSS provides a range of social services including counselling, early childhood development, early years programming, and seniors programming in Cranbrook and Kimberley.
Our two distinct branches consist of: 1) owning and managing daycare centres and 2) providing various forms of counselling services to those in need. Headquartered in the SCSS owned Mike Carey building in Cranbrook, the society has a staff of 35 full-time and part-time employees and is guided by a Board of Directors composed of local citizens who volunteer their time and expertise to oversee the operation of the society.
Our Vision, Mission, Mandate, and Values
Vision
Fostering communities where all individuals and families are supported and empowered to live the lives they desire.
Mission
Summit Community Services Society is dedicated to promoting community well-being by providing quality, accessible, client-centred support and intervention services in a respectful manner, childcare services, and support programs for seniors and other populations with under-served needs.
Mandate
- To provide therapeutic counselling services to individuals, children, families, and groups to address a wide range of needs arising from trauma and loss.
- To provide quality childcare through all daycare programs from infant/toddler to preschool to after school care.
- To provide a continuum of support services to groups including victims of crime and/or traumatic loss, seniors, underserved men and other individuals, children, families, and groups to address the widest possible range of needs.
- To provide intervention services that will increase client resiliency and coping skills to improve satisfaction with life and their ability to contribute to their community.
- To lead the way in Early Childhood Education programming, staff support/development and innovations in care and support of families
- To advocate for individual, children, families, and groups to help ensure their needs are being addressed and their rights are acknowledged.
- To provide referrals for individuals, families, and groups to ensure that their needs are addressed.
- To provide resources that may assist clients and service providers in addressing needs of both individuals and the community.
- To educate the public and create awareness on significant wellness and social issues.
Values
Summit Community Services Society’s work is founded in the belief that all people have the right to lead safe, healthy and productive lives.
- Community Service: Providing services for anyone in need, with no stigma. Addressing critical gaps in community services so that no person is left behind.
- Compassionate: Serving all individuals and families with care and dignity
- Dependable: Fully committed to supporting personal resilience and well-being for all clients
- Equality: Providing services to diverse populations, especially underserved and/or marginalized populations, and supporting equitable access for all
- Professional: Delivering high quality programs and services in an ethical, accountable, and welcoming manner.
- Respect: Expressing meaningful recognition and appreciation for Summit staff and all individuals in our community.
Board of Directors
Aaron Higgs
Originally from Vancouver, Aaron moved to Kimberley full time in 2007. A geologist by trade, he worked in the mineral exploration industry for 12 years until 2016, which involved working and travelling across much of northern BC, the Yukon and western Northwest Territories.
Aaron currently manages Nupqu Resource Limited Partnership, a local Ktunaxa-owned resource consulting and contracting company.
Recreation and the outdoors are deep passions for Aaron. He spends much of his time out in the woods in motion, connecting with the land and all living things.
With three children of his own, Aaron has direct experience and understands the need for available child care to have a functioning local economy.
Further to the commitment to healthy communities, Aaron believes it is essential for accessible and adequate metal health and support services that empower people and bring them up. Aaron currently serves as chair of the board.
Deb Saffin
Deb is retired from a career in human resources, business management and communications throughout the East Kootenay and Southern Alberta.
With her family, she has made the East Kootenay area home for over 40 years and has spent many hours volunteering for various ‘helping groups’ and organizations both in the East Kootenay and throughout the province.
Deb enjoys hiking year round, kayaking and paddleboarding and finds time most days to be in the outdoors. She is an avid reader.
Deb has been on the Board of Directors of Summit Community Services Society since 2017 and currently serves as Vice-Chair.
Katrina Heyde
Katrina has recently returned to her hometown Cranbrook after a 15 year hiatus in Montreal. She has over a decade experience in non profits as a director, and co chaired the board for a small refugee rights non profit for 3 years prior to moving back to the Kootenays.
Katrina works for Kootenay Employment Services and is responsible for their WorkBC program across the East Kootenay.
Tanis Richmond
Tanis returned to the Kimberley/Cranbrook area in 2017.
With a passion for policy and a commitment to grounded community development, Tanis strives to blend professional expertise with personal values in the work and projects she undertakes.
Tanis has experience in working with Indigenous and local governments, as well as non profits. She is employed with the Ktunaxa Nation Council Society to support the development of sustainable economic strategies and relationships that honour cultural values and contribute to the vibrant future of the Ktunaxa Nation.
Jenna Gyurkovits
Jenna, a lifelong resident of Kimberley, brings a deep and genuine commitment to community engagement.
Jenna has played an integral role in the Kimberley Scouting Group Committee, contributing her time to support the growth and development of local youth. This interest extends beyond scouting as she actively participates in the Lindsay Park Parent Advisory Committee, demonstrating a keen interest in fostering positive education environments.
Jenna works at Kootenay Employment Services as a Job Developer helping to connect seekers and employers.
Kathleen Erdoino
Since moving to the East Kootenay in 2021, Kathleen, originally from Muskoka, Ontario, has passionately embraced the region’s natural beauty and outdoor lifestyle, and can often be found planning her next mountain biking adventure.
As a Registered Nurse specializing in critical care, Kathleen advocates for evidence-based practice and the utmost in patient safety. Her diverse experiences living in Alberta, the Yukon, and now British Columbia have enricher her understanding of community dynamics and healthcare needs.
At Summit Community Services Society she combines her professional experience with her love for the outdoors to positively impact the community.
Martina Danzer – Executive Director
Martina’s professional background as a teacher, professional art therapist, and instructor for equine facilitated learning blends well with years of successful business management and team leadership.
Her deep love for children and youth guided her career path and enables her to be influential in the social sector of our community.
Her passion for nature and animals has kept her in the Kootenays for the last 25 years. Her sense of curiosity and wonder allows her to leave space for innovative ideas and new pathways to be explored together, and successfully implemented in all areas of life and community.
Join Summit Community Services Society
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or member of SCSS, please enquire today.
