Phoenix's Vital Signs Report 2009

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On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Phoenix Foundation of the Boundary Communities, it is my pleasure to welcome you to our first Vital Signs Report.

This Report is not meant to break new statistical ground or provide answers to the problem areas identified in it. Rather, it is intended to illustrate how we citizens view ourselves and our life together.

In part, it will guide the Foundation’s granting decisions and give us another level of understanding to advise donors of the priorities of our communities. We hope it will spark dialogue and influence the decisions of grant recipients, charities, community groups and organizations, service clubs, business large and small, all levels of government - municipal, regional, provincial, and federal - and those who support our community through donations and volunteerism.

Vital Signs can benefit the Boundary by:

Highlighting areas of need to encourage further dialogue and response from institutions, elected leaders, charitable organizations, and citizens;

Encouraging cross-sector, holistic thinking on the overall vitality of our communities and provide impetus for cross-sector initiatives;

Building community capacity through shared knowledge for good decision-making.

I wish to thank those who have provided financial and in-kind contributions; to the many people and organizations who gave their time by participating in town hall meetings, sharing information, serving as ‘graders’ or by offering advice. This was a ‘community effort’ in the truest sense of those words and the Foundation greatly appreciates your interest and commitment to this endeavour.

We hope you are moved reading Boundary Communities’ Vital Signs. Let the report serve as a tool to learn and the findings spur you to action in your sphere of influence and in helping our Foundation to do everything possible to improve the quality of life for all those who reside in our great communities. Use Vital Signs to stimulate dialogue and learning, around policy and strategic planning tables, at work, at school, at home. Making a difference is not restricted to those who are privileged or financially wealthy; it is encouraged of everyone generous of spirit. You can make a difference.

Maxine Ruzicka, President, Phoenix Foundation of the Boundary Communities