Supporting the community for 50 years

A joyous occasion was held at the Silver Arch Family Resource Centre in Nenagh this month as members past and present gathered to celebrate 50 years of community support in North Tipperary.

Those arriving to the Silver St centre were greeted with Christmas carols performed by the newly-formed Silver Arch Choir, which suitably set the tone for the occasion. There was also a slideshow depicting key moments in this organisation’s long history, many of them taken from the archives of the Nenagh Guardian.

Silver Arch FRC Chairperson Carmel Toohey traced the history of the organisation back to 1973 and its first incarnation as Nenagh District Social Services. Based at Loreto House on Kenyon St, it evolved from there to cater for every generation of the local community, from pre-school to the elderly.

Ms Toohey spoke of how the social service provider subsequently widened its remit to become known as North Tipperary Community Services, or NCTS. In 2018, it became the first Tusla-funded Family Resource Centre in North Tipperary, rebranding as Silver Arch FRC after relocating to its present home at Silver St.

She believed that the success of the organisation could be put down to the fact that over those 50 years, the focus has always remained on its original prinicples. No matter what those involved in Silver Arch FRC do, they are always guided by the fundamental core principles of respect, trust, equality and empowerment.

SYMBOLIC CANDLE

While so many of those involved over the years have gone to their eternal reward, Ms Toohey said it was great to see among those present last week Angela Toohey, a member of the original Nenagh District Social Services committee in 1973.

Angela was invited to light a candle, which symbolised eternal life to all those who have passed on, and gratitude for their service. The candle also represented a beacon of light for the present members of Silver Arch, for now and beyond.

The chairperson wanted to acknowledge the contribution of the Diocese of Killaloe, which served as a catalyst for the first organisation and remained a steadfast supporter over the years, playing a key role in the opening of the Thrift Shop on Sarsfield St. She took the opportunity to thank Louise Carmody and her predecessor Harry Scroope for managing the Thrift Shop.

Ms Toohey also acknowledged the funders of this service over the years, mainly Tusla, Pobal and the HSE.

She thanked the service users, saying it has been a privilege for the staff and members of Silver Arch FRC to share their stories, pains and joys.

She acknowledged the Board of Directors, those charged with making the decisions and upholding responsibilities, and the staff and volunteers working on the ground. 1998 was a milestone year in that the organisation needed paid staff to continue growing. It now has around 30 staff working in tandem with voluntees.

Its first manager was Geraldine Cronin, later succeeded by Liz O'Sullivan and Caroline Lydon. The dedication of the staff over the years has been “incredible”, Ms Toohey saying this was never more apparent than during the pandemic, when staff members quickly adapted to working remotely in order to continue delivering services at a time when those services were badly needed.

BUILDING ON THE LEGACY

Newly-appointed CEO Maedhbh Gordon said the growth and success of Silver Arch is a result of strategic planning and dedication, and she outlined how she intends for the service provider to build on that legacy.

Its 2021- 2026 strategic plan encompasses a revamped management structure, a data management system and enhanched cost- benefit use of resources. Silver Arch FRC would continue to strengthen families and communities, further developing its child/youth services and those for older persons.

Ms Gordon said there would be a stronger advocacy function within the organisation, building on the knowledge of staff and also forging stronger links with key patrons of the local community.

She said the 50th anniversary celebration was not just about reflecting on the past but of looking forward to the future with optimism and determination. She encouraged those present to build a legacy that that would be looked back on with as much admiration by future generations as those of today think of the last 50 years.