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.
Deb has been on the Board of Directors of Summit Community Services Society since 2017 and currently serves as Board Chair.
Board of Directors
Deb Saffin
Deb is retired from a career in communications, human resources and business management 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.
Deb has been on the Board of Directors of Summit Community Services Society since 2017 and currently serves as Board Chair.
Christy King
Christy lived most of her on the Sunshine Coast before moving in 2017 to the traditional, unceded territory of the Ktunaxa Nation, in what is now known as Cranbrook. Her carrier has been focused on non-profit leadership, recently as Manager of the local BC SPCA Community Animal Centre, and now managing the BC SPCA’s provincial Farm and Equine Program. In her role, she is responsible for ensuring proper care and treatment for farm animals that have been seized through animal cruelty investigations across the province, as well as policy and SOP development related to farm animal care. Christy also serves on the Mental Health Task Force for the BC SPCA, where she uses her passion for mental health and wellness to promote a more healthy, resilient and balanced workplace for her colleagues. Christy joined the Summit Board of Directors in 2022.
Claire Short
Claire is a Chartered Professional Accountant and is currently the finance officer for the Wildlife Rescue Association, a leader in wildlife rehabilitation across Canada.
Previously she worked in public accounting specializing in assurance services for non-for-profit entities and is now thrilled to be immersed in the not-for-profit sector.
Claire was born in the U.K and relocated to Cranbrook in 2020, she enjoys travelling, fitness and cooking when not busy with her two boys and supporting their various sporting pursuits. Claire has recently joined the Board and is looking forward to contributing to the local community.
Aaron Higgs
Bio coming soon…
Pamela Catsirellis
Bio coming soon…
Monica Baranski
Bio coming soon…
Katrina Heyde
Katrina Heyde 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 before moving back here.
Katrina works for Kootenay Employment Services and is responsible for their WorkBC program across the East Kootenays.
Join Summit Community Services Society
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or member of SCSS, please enquire today.