Committee member

Who do you represent on the Coalition Steering Committee?
My name is Lisa Osmond and I represent the Trinity Conception Family Resource Centre.

Tell us about yourself
I was born in 1965 in Markland, NL and was adopted when I was 19 months old. I grew up in Hr. Grace and am now living and working in Carbonear. I have two beautiful daughters, Sarah, age 17 and Katie, age 14. Both girls are presently attending Carbonear Collegiate.

Tell us about your work
I have been working at the Family Resource Centre since 1996 where I was hired as Resource Mother with our Healthy Baby Club program. In 1999 I accepted the position of Program Coordinator. The Resource Centre currently receives funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada through the Community Action Program for Children and the Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program. We also receive funding from Eastern Health through the Poverty Reduction Strategy. Our programs include Healthy Baby Clubs as well as programs for families with children from birth to age six with priority given to low-income high-risk families. Our programs focus on such areas as prenatal education and support, child development, mental wellness, childhood obesity and literacy.

What are you involved in your community?
When my children were younger I was a volunteer leader with the Girl Guides of Canada. I have been a blood donor for 25 years and have volunteered for school functions such as fundraising committees for school trips as well as chaperoned for school dances, sporting tournaments etc. As a part of my work I am a trained car-seat inspector through Kids in Safe Seats (KISS). I have been involved in many committees such as Regional and Provincial Breastfeeding committees, Regional Wellness Coalition and both Local and Provincial Advisory Committees for Healthy Baby Club etc. I presently keep myself busy with my two teenage daughters.

What are the benefits of being involved with the Steering Committee?
There are several benefits of being involved with the Steering Committee. I guess the greatest benefit is having the opportunity to work with such a wonderful group of people from the various organizations they represent. Together we help promote the wellness coalition in our own area, as well as promote overall wellness such as healthy eating and active living through workshops, networking days and by sharing ideas with each other.

What is your advice to communities who want to get active?
My advice to communities who want to get active is to have a person or persons who can take the lead and discuss what their community already has to offer, such as recreational facilities, boardwalks, church basements etc. A committee can then be struck to seek partnerships with these community groups for space etc. It would also be a good idea to become a member of the wellness coalition to reap the benefits the coalition has to offer such as invitations to workshops, the opportunity to share with others and free promotional items for your group etc