This fall, PLAN will be moving from our Kingsway office location to 312 Main Street in Vancouver. This is a new co-working space being developed for community organizations like ours, and will be called Vancouver’s Centre for Social & Economic Innovation.
Here’s the most important thing to know: Moving our office will not change the work we do with families, nor will it affect the commitments and outcomes you’ve come to expect from us.
The decision to move to a new office was made by a group of families and staff. After carefully considering our needs for office space, as well as the benefits and opportunities of moving to a new location, 312 Main was determined to be the best choice. Here’s the key reasons and benefits:
- PLAN takes place in the community, not an office. We work at people’s kitchen tables, cafes, libraries, common rooms and many other places in the community. Our Mentors and Community Connectors will continue to work remotely and spend time with Lifetime Members and their families in their local neighbourhoods and spaces that they choose.
- It has become clear that we no longer need to use our limited financial resources on expensive rent or office space. Leasing a small, private office at 312 Main Street allows us to significantly reduce our monthly leasing costs for the limited time we require a traditional office space. We will also cut other expenses like internet and photocopying by sharing resources with other organizations.
- While there is some meeting space available at 312 Main, our Board and Committees will have the option of meeting in community spaces like one of the many neighbourhood houses, libraries or even living rooms. Several Committees have already chosen to do so.
PLAN staff will begin working from 312 Main Street this fall. The building is currently being renovated, and we will update you as soon as we know the specific date.
If you have any questions about this, please don’t hesitate to email hello@plan.ca. You can also visit the building’s website at: www.312main.ca.