Enhancing the well-being of the diverse people in the East Kootenay Community Connections Society of Southeast BC (CCSSEBC), often abbreviated to CCS, is a non-profit charitable organization that provides programs and services to Cranbrook and the East Kootenay region. Our food programs include an open gate community garden, Cranbrook Food Recovery, a community meal program, a school meal program, a hydroponic lettuce farm, and a new building we are renovating to house our food programs to support a local, sustainable food system. Since incorporation in 1982, CCS has provided integrated, accessible social services to individuals and families throughout the East Kootenay Region. To respond to community needs we deliver quality services both directly and through community partnerships. Originally a women’s collective (Cranbrook Women’s Resource Society) formed to provide safe harbor to women fleeing domestic violence, the agency has grown considerably over the years and has taken in new programs in response to emerging local needs and funder opportunities. We currently employ approximately 105 part-time and full-time staff to run our programs throughout the region.