Inuvik (May 08/06) - After three years with a full-time employee, the Inuvik Interagency Committee may find itself reverting back a volunteer organization.

For the past three years, the committee has received $100,000 a year from the territorial government's Social Agenda Community Demonstration Program. That one-time funding has run out and that means the end for the Interagency's one job.

Alana Mero, chairperson of the committee, said the organization has had to lay off Yoenne Ewald, who has been an employee of the committee since January 2005.

"Without an employee, the committee returns to being a volunteer organization only," said Mero.

The interagency committee is a non-profit network of representatives from within the community who work toward social change.

Their efforts in the past have led to the establishment of the Inuvik Food Bank, the suicide hotline and the New Beginnings alternate school for youth.

Ewald said the position is needed because it bridges the gap between ideas and action.

"I'm sad to see it go back to a volunteer basis because these projects are something the community can grow from," said Ewald. Some of the projects currently in the works include an online resource directory for Inuvik.

The directory would list services in the community such as substance abuse programs, family counselling and other things that may be needed by people in town.

Ewald also plans the meetings for the committee, held once a month, to discuss topics that need to be addressed.

She said that if the committee reverts to volunteers, it may affect people coming to the table to discuss their ideas.

The committee has an open membership, which currently ranges between 60 and 85 members. "Our hope is that our members can come through for us," said Ewald.