Envision Counseling and Support Centre made a presentation to City Council at last night's meeting. They were looking for a sponsorship with the City. As well, since they are the recipients for this year's proceeds of Savour the Southeast, they asked the City to waive the rental fee for Affinity Place, which the City agreed. 

"We are very content," shared Tania Andrist, the resource development coordinator for Envision, "with the City just stepping up and supporting us with Savour the Southeast. The $7,000 typical fee for rent is going to be a big bottom line on our proceeds. We're content with what they've approved so far."

City Council made no decision on the sponsorship proposal however, they did agree to discuss the idea. 

"We would gratefully accept a sponsorship through the City." 

Tania Andrist and Christa Daku Speak At City Council On Monday.

One of the hardships that Envision is facing is the loss of government grants as well as recent tax increases which have hit Envision.

"It's $7,000 per year. It's part of our lease agreement. Although we aren't taxed directly, we are responsible for the space that we lease with the taxes."

As of now, Envision does not charge any fees for counselling services, however, that may change.

"And that is part of the strategic direction. It won't impose on any of the services that we already offer that fit within our mandates. But we are getting calls daily where couples counselling, for instance, where there's no children in the home, we can't serve them and no one else in the community does. So we would like to provide an opportunity to the area itself to provide those services to individuals who need it as opposed to them travelling to Regina. And it would also provide a little bit of an opportunity for a revenue stream for us."

Those changes, if enacted, will likely being April 1, 2018.

"This is the first time in 23 years we've actually approached the city for support. There's a lot of council members who are affiliated with our staff and i know Mayor Ludwig has been very supportive of our programming."

The Town of Oxbow, the RM of Weyburn and RM of Estevan all sponsor Envision. The organization is planning meetings with the Town of Carlyle as well as the City of Weyburn in hopes of sponsorships with those communities. 

READ MORE: Petition For Sponsorship, No Civic Insurance Report Yet Highlights First Council Meeting Of 2018