Today we’d like to introduce you to Hilary Ward and Kim Simas. Them and their team share their story with us below:
When we see someone in a challenging situation, in need, looked down upon because of circumstances, we get motivated. Our passion is serving others – simple as that. That is why we created Backcountry Communities Thriving. Our goal is to ensure the well-being of each child, family, and individual in Julian and the surrounding rural areas through advocacy, service, and support to foster a thriving community.
Backcountry Communities Thriving (BCT) is a nonprofit that serves Julian and the surrounding rural areas. The founders of BCT, Hilary Ward and Kim Simas had been working in the community through a variety of organizations and realized that residents lacked a connection to resources. Being a rural community far removed from metropolitan areas, Julian residents experience challenges with connecting to social services and assistance programs. BCT was created to be a hub of resources for the backcountry residents and assist those who need someone to advocate on their behalf.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Some of the many challenges that we have faced involve being recognized as a location within San Diego County. Most organizations and agencies that support San Diego residents often do not extend their support to those located outside of the most populated areas in the county. Providing transportation for residents to receive medical care is also a huge challenge.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
We are very optimistic about the future outlook for BCT. So much has been accomplished in our first year: Support for Butterfield Ranch Community residents, extension of food deliveries in the desert, community outreach, reestablishment of the Julian Fire Safe Council, and recognition within the community.
Going forward, we dream of having a community resource center in town… BCT aims to be the “hub” of community support for the residents in Julian and surrounding rural areas and to provide all the same opportunities of support for those in urban populations. A storefront that has inexpensive and gently used merchandise for sale, a food pantry, a resource center where you can obtain basic needs and services, and a business center where you can make a copy or fax/scan a document. Why leave the mountain or desert to drive 40 to 60 miles (if you are fortunate enough to have that ability) to find support and services when you can obtain them where you live?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bc-ct.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountrythriving/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bcthriving/
