THUNDER BAY – After 50 years, the Thunder Bay Counselling Centre has a new look and a shortened name.
The new name, shortened to Thunder Bay Counselling, will build on the organization’s long legacy in the city, while providing a more modern take on the services now being offered.
Executive director Nancy Chamberlain said the refreshed and vitalized logo, which features silhouettes of two faces looking at each other, also forming the outline of butterfly wings, signifies changes that have been made at the organizational level, not to mention those undergone by clients seeking help over the years.
“I think it’s always important to stay current and look at the needs of the community,” Chamberlain said on Thursday, just prior to the launch of their 50th anniversary celebration.
The new name is much more responsive to what they actually now do, and while their Winnipeg Street home has long been their headquarters, it’s certainly only a starting point to their interaction in the community.
“Many of our professionals are out in the community. They meet people where they are at, whether it’s at school, at work or at home or at different activities that are going on,” Chamberlain said. “We have a lot of outreach workers. We’re no longer an agency that’s centre-based or office-based.”
Formed in 1967 as the Lakehead Family Service Agency, Chamberlain said the centre is based in humble roots, starting with one staff person, two chairs and a desk.
“It was responsive to the community need at that time in terms of counselling they felt was needed. They added another program a couple of years after that (for) credit counseling. Now we’ve got 15 core programs. We’re a fairly large agency, always taking a look at the what the needs of the community are,” Chamberlain said.
“It’s exciting that 50 years later we’re not only viable, but we continue to be responsive. I think if we’re concerned about anything, it’s that we’re not listening to the community – and today really represents that we are.”
Abi Sprakes first encountered the centre as a teen, when her parents sent her for counselling. Thirty years later she said three things have remained consistent at Thunder Bay Counselling, where she's worked for the past 17 years.
"One, is that we are aware of and responsive to community needs. But secondly we provide quality service, And thirdly, we always continue to always work in partnership with community members and organizations to support and enhance the mental health and wellbeing of those living in Thunder Bay and surrounding areas."
A 50th anniversary event, bringing together partners, as well as past and present board members, staff and clients, will be held on June 1 and open to the public. It will feature themed historical rooms with will include speakers and interactive displays.
The organization is also inviting the community to take part through volunteering or sharing stories on social media using #TBC50.
