by Meg Hamilton

It's a wonderful thing to hear a success story. Especially one based on a vision that has survived for 20 years, through the efforts of numerous dedicated people.

This May, 99 York Street will celebrate 20 years as Kingston Community House for Self-Reliance.

In May 1981, four women donated 99 York St., a three-story house in the north end of Kingston, to the community of Kingston. These women had a vision, and the circumstances and opportunity to share it. The vision was the Kingston Community House for Self-Reliance, an incorporated, non-profit organization. 99 York would become a place where diverse people and groups could share what they had in common Ñ goals and dreams Ñ and get a toehold, providing the opportunity to become self-reliant.

99 York is a central and low-cost meeting space for a variety of groups whose objectives are to enrich the community by sharing resources and trading skills. Some of the groups are social, some are political Ñ all are concerned with enhancing life in the Kingston community. These women understood the huge role played by a friendly and warm environment, a non-judgmental, encouraging and active atmosphere, and an address.

The house has been a valuable resource to the community and has been consistently used over the 20 years. I think this continuity is a testament to the clarity of vision of those who conceived the idea 20 years ago.

Consistency is a principle that builds security and well-being. Groups and projects not big enough to solicit government funding were/are able to meet and do their work, hone their skills, and expand their visions.

As one board member put it, 99 York St. is where "fledgling groups become strong enough to fly on their own and become dynamic parts of the community."

Groups such as Kingston Aids Project, Opportunities Kingston, International Women's Week Coalition, Vision Quest, the Sexual Assault Crisis Centre, Psychiatric Survivors group, and others too numerous to mention are all graduates of 99 York. Time and time again at 99 York St. groups have formed, developed, achieved their purpose, and moved on.

Often though, members of those groups do not terminate their relationships with the address, but maintain their links through membership in other groups using 99 York, membership in the house itself, membership on the volunteer board, or just by checking the bulletin board which is stocked with community info and newsletters.

People keep coming back to the house that is, and has been for 20 years, the focal point for all kinds of social and political networks in the Kingston community. Many bonds and ties have been formed and strengthened, and much amazing and progressive work has been conceived and done here. The last weekend in May is the big celebration/reunion for 99 York St.'s 20th anniversary. The Limestone Quilter's Guild has donated a quilt to be raffled, and entertainment is planned. Friends, neighbours, members and former members are invited to attend. Bring something to barbeque and join us from 3 -7 p.m. on Sunday, May 27th at the house

This article is excerpted from the original, printed in The Vine.