THE promotion of equality and in- clusion are among the key priori- ties identified by the new head of the Shannon Family Resource Centre.
Marie Rowland, who has recently taken up the post as co-ordinator of the centre, has pointed to a few ar- eas of significance for the people of Ser veneceyee
Chief among these will be her aim of ensuring the people of the town are welcomed at the centre at all mn eeleky
“There are a few key areas, includ- ing the development of relationships with the local community and the provision of appropriate support needs,” she said.
“The aim is also to highlight in-
equality and social exclusion,’ add- ed Ms Rowland, who is a native of Cork.
She is also keen to play a role in the provision of training in childcare and education and to network with vari- ous organisations in Shannon.
‘Networking is all about going out and meeting the people in the com- munity and making the service more user friendly,” she said.
The Family Resource Centre is situated in the Respond Centre at Ri- neanna View.
The centre offers a wide range of support for families and runs vari- ous initiatives including a parent- and-toddler group, Traveller health initiative, personal development programmes and out-of-school pilot development schemes.
Its out-of-schools programme takes place two afternoons a week and a parent-and-toddler group meets two mornings a week.
Ms Rowland is also involved with the town’s multicultural group ‘Le Chéile na Sionna’ which was set up last year.
The group consists of members from several countries. Ms Rowland is hoping to play a role in ensur- ing the group expands and receives funding.
She also has many other ambitious plans for the resource centre.
“Iam hoping to have a drop-in computer facility and will start a painting group, homework club and a sports club for young people with disabilities,” she said.
The appointment of Ms Rowland
will be followed shortly by the re- cruitment of a community develop- ment worker.
Currently Ms Rowland works alongside an administrator and a part-time co-ordinator for out-of- schools projects.
Having previously worked with Shannon Youth Service and with the Southill Community Training Centre in Limerick, Ms Rowland is anticipating the challenges which lie ahead in her new post. She believes she has one vital asset, initially – her office.
“We have a great resource here, in the building,” she said.