Author: Irene Mella

  • CNH Board Call for Nominations 2025

    CNH Board Call for Nominations 2025

    The Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) Board of Directors represents the members of CNH. It provides direction by establishing policies, priorities, long-term plans and renewal for the Society. The valued contributions of the Board of Directors allow many people in our community to thrive.

    CNH is accepting nominations for its Board of Directors. This is an exciting opportunity to join the Board of such a vibrant organization.

    Applicants should live and/or work in Renfrew-Collingwood, have a broad understanding of the neighbourhood, feel committed to becoming engaged in improving all aspects of our neighbourhood, and be able to bring expertise and perspectives that increase our organization’s capacity to be equitable and inclusive.

    We are interested in hearing from people from all backgrounds and ages but are especially interested in applicants who have experience in law, are a youth passionate about improving their community, or have experience in fundraising. We are also particularly interested in candidates with relevant lived experience or who are representative of a historically marginalized group.

    The CNH Board of Directors is committed to an anti-oppressive, anti-racist approach to its work and welcomes those who thrive in a vibrant, welcoming environment.

    Applicants should be able to spend 8-10 hours per month on Board-related work and be able to commit to a one-year term, starting September 2025. The deadline for applications is June 15; members of the Board’s Nominations Committee will be contacting applicants June 15-30. If you are interested, please contact Board President Davy Chiu at president@cnh.bc.ca and include:

    • Your name
    • Contact information
    • Years in the Renfrew-Collingwood Neighbourhood
    • A few lines on why you are interested in joining the CNH Board of Directors and your relevant experience

    Deadline for applications is June 15, 2025.

  • Media release: Coalition forming to urge federal parties, new minister for renewed vision for immigration

    Media release: Coalition forming to urge federal parties, new minister for renewed vision for immigration

    Today, just hours after Mark Carney was sworn in as Canada’s Prime Minister, an emerging coalition of social service providers challenged federal parties and new Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Rachel Bendayan, to offer a renewed and unifying vision for immigration in Canada as they head into an imminent election.

    The media event was organized by Vancouver Neighbourhood House Settlement Serving Organizations and the Association of Neighbourhood Houses BC in response to what was described as “faltering trust” in Canada’s immigration system.

    “In the face of an alarming rise in anti-immigrant rhetoric and deepening concerns about our economic security, this is a critical time to help Canadians recognize the value that newcomers bring to our economy and to the social fabric that makes Canada such a special place in the world,” said Betty Lepps, Executive Director of Collingwood Neighbourhood House, urging federal parties to provide “a long-term vision that provides stability and certainty for newcomers and the organizations that support their success. Their success is our success.”

    Collingwood is among many organizations that were surprised by debilitating funding cuts by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in the last days of 2024, only three months before taking effect on April 1st, without any transitional planning. Collingwood lost 100% of their funding after providing settlement services for 40 years in a part of Vancouver that many newcomers call home.

    “Across Vancouver’s neighbourhood houses alone, we are coping with $5 million in cuts while the sector at large is still struggling to support hundreds of thousands of people who are already here,” added Lepps. “We’re losing entire programs, and being forced to lay people off, roles that are primarily held by racialized women.”

    As she spoke, Lepps was surrounded by representatives from other organizations impacted by the cuts, including the Affiliation of Multicultural Societies and Service Agencies (AMSSA), Immigrant Services Society of B.C. (ISSBC) and Vancouver Community College, which is itself facing a shutdown of its Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program in light of the cuts.

    Chris Friesen, Chief Operating Officer of ISSBC, echoed Lepps on the need to push back on disinformation, and outlined the integral role of immigration in Canada’s economic growth.

    “In British Columbia alone, a 2024 Labour Market Outlook Report projects a labour force gap of 1,120,000 within the next decade as more people age out of the workforce than will enter it. Almost 50% are expected to come through new immigrants,” said Friesen. “We urgently need  political leadership to bring us together as a country to develop a renewed long term vision for immigration. Our economic prosperity, our pension plans and our collective future depends on it.”

    The event featured two newcomers who shared their settlement journeys, and the impact that finding a supportive community at their local neighbourhood house had on their lives. 

    “I spent several months searching for a new job with no success, until I found South Vancouver Neighbourhood House. They introduced me to the Project-Based Labour Market Training for Settlement

    Practitioners, a program that gave me hope and changed my life,” shared Shanna Delantar, who now works supporting youth newcomers at South Vancouver Neighbourhood House.

    The coalition was also joined by Jenny Kwan, Member of Parliament for Vancouver East and NDP Critic for Immigration, who has been actively engaged with impacted communities on the issue.

    “Newcomers are being used as a political scapegoat for Canada’s failed housing policy. Government and the official opposition members playing the blame game are dangerously fanning anti-immigrant sentiment,” said Kwan, adding that the recent cuts “are dismantling invaluable infrastructure that the community took decades to build up to help integrate newcomers. A neighbourhood house is the living room of a community. Gutting their settlement services funding by 50 – 100%, harms the very social, cultural and economic fabric of Canada. It is short-sighted and will only do more harm than good.”

    A study conducted in 2023 by the Conference Board of Canada drew a clear link between investment in settlement supports and retention rates of newcomers. “We know that when we invest in and support newcomers, it brings good outcomes not only for them, but for all of us.” said Lepps, herself a first generation Canadian. “For generations, Canada has offered a promise of welcome, safety and inclusion for people seeking opportunity or displaced by crises. With the direction we’re headed in, that promise is being broken. We’re at risk of losing who we are as a nation.”

    -30-

    MEDIA CONTACT:
    Stephanie San, South Vancouver Neighbourhood House Communications
    Phone: 778-984-2505
    Email: stephanie.san@southvan.org


    Secondary contact:
    Jenna Otto-Wray, ANBHC Communications
    Phone: 604-725-4547 (text or call)
    Email: jottowray@anhbc.org

  • Embracing her roots: An interview with local business owner Kemm Angulu

    Embracing her roots: An interview with local business owner Kemm Angulu

    Born in Nigeria and having lived around the world, including Singapore and South Africa, Kemm Angulu has made the Renfrew-Collingwood neighbourhood of East Vancouver her home since 2000. She is the owner of Dumonde Beauty on Kingsway, which was established in 2006 and has a mission to make beauty accessible to all and be a force for good.  

    Kemm’s daughters went to school at Carleton Elementary, where Kemm participated in activities, volunteered, and rallied with other parents and community members to keep the school open when it was at risk of closure. She has also been a familiar face at the annual Collingwood Days festival, where she’s enjoyed the opportunity to showcase her beauty products and connect with the community over the years. 

    In response to Black History Month, which is recognized each February, Kemm shares with Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) about what it means to her and how we can go beyond celebrating the Black community once a year. 

    Reflecting on a past legacy

    Like Kemm, Viola Desmond, a Canadian civil rights pioneer, was also a successful Black businesswoman. Viola, who fought against anti-Black racism and segregation in 1946, paved the way for many Black women, Kemm explained, who noted that she first learned of Viola when she came to Canada. 

    “Dumonde started from just creating skin care products to help my own acne and discolouration,” said Kemm.” I couldn’t find products that worked for me so making my own ended up being the solution.”  

    “I didn’t think this hobby would grow into a thriving business that is well known in the community.” 

    In 2018, Desmond became the first Canadian woman to be featured on the Canadian $10 bill.  

    Kemm is inspired by Viola’s legacy and said, “I’m on this land, too. I can lay an example down for people coming after me. You know, my kids, my great-grandchildren.” Kemm wants future generations to know that “those are the people that fought for us to stand on this land” and their positive impact.  

    “I personally want to do something that the future coming after me, they would say, oh, you know, ‘Kemm Angulu wants to do this [for] the community,’ added Kemm, who encourages every Black person to do that as well. 

    Appreciating what she has

    Kemm encourages people to learn about her culture, where discipline and respect for elders are fundamental principles. She said that in Africa, the responsibility of raising children is shared by the wider community and family is very important. “I’m the firstborn. When you’re a firstborn, you have to do a lot of things. You have to work hard. You have to help your family, you know, it’s a culture thing. It’s a culture thing and I embrace that culture, I love that culture. Because you know what, family is very important.” 

    Kemm said, “I tell my kids: make sure that you stay together. We build together. You come together as a family. So the culture aspect is totally something that keep us going in life, something that makes us appreciate what we have.” She added, “I still always tell them you are African. Where you’re from matters. I use what is good in my country and what is good here to raise my kids. To be good leaders and good people in the community.” 

     “And Canada said, come with your culture. Absolutely, I’m in this land with my culture.” 

    Sharing knowledge, showcasing culture

    Kemm works with youth in the Black community so that they don’t forget where they or their ancestors came from. “Sometimes when we don’t do this often, our kids forget,” she said. “We’re too busy to show them how things are done. They will forget. And that’s how history dies if you don’t pass it on to the new generation.” 

    One of the ways that Kemm shares her knowledge and showcases Black culture is by providing braiding workshops, including at Douglas College this past February, where participants learned different braiding techniques like cornrow. Kemm has also shared her love of dance with her daughters, Marie and Khalimat. Marie now leads the Roots Crew, which performs hip hop dance and Afrobeats around the city. Kemm said, “I keep telling her, you have to find something to show people how the culture is and how things are done. You know, I love to dance. So I teach her a little bit and she take over and she do it.”  

    Kemm said that she believes it’s important for everyone to celebrate and reflect on Black History Month. She wishes that it was done not only in February. She said, “I would love if they don’t just make it a once in a year thing” and hopes the community could do more to showcase Black culture, including Afrobeats or something African every month.  

    “Black people – we are here, and we are here to make the place better,” she said. 

    Ultimately, Kemm would like to see something in Vancouver to bring people together. She suggested throwing a fun thing for Black people and, “the more people see something, the more they get familiar with it.” She is willing to do more and wish it would be happening. 

    This story was originally written to celebrate Black History Month in Renfrew-Collingwood. We encourage everyone to learn more about Black Canadian communities throughout the year and how they continue to help shape our communities, and to celebrate together. Learn more about Dumonde Beauty at dumondebeauty.com. 

  • Statement on IRCC Funding

    Statement on IRCC Funding

    We regret to inform you that as of April 1, 2025, we will no longer have funding from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) at Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH).

    In December 2024, right before the holidays, neighbourhood houses and settlement organizations across BC received their budgets from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). With less than 4 months before our current Contribution Agreement (CA) expires, we learned of substantial funding reductions, impacting IRCC funded organizations such as Vancouver Neighbourhood House Settlement Consortium (VNHSC) partners and many other neighbourhood houses in BC.

    The impact on CNH is a significant loss. CNH has been providing settlement services for 30 years. This loss represents our full funding which will end on March 31, 2025. This impact will include our programs, staffing, and community loss.

    The decision from IRCC to cut our entire funding without a transition plan has put us in a position to create a plan that will best support all the areas impacted. Which means we ask for your patience and support as we transition with this decision, as we work to provide you with pertinent information as to what the next steps and directions will be.

    We are working as a collective across the Association of Neighbourhood Houses BC (ANHBC) , VNHSC, and the BC Neighbourhood House Network to plan for what this means for us as an organization and a wider movement, but we know the impact is widespread, the discontinuation of funding to service provider organizations that have been providing these settlement services for years.

    During this time if you have any questions or concerns, please email info@cnh.bc.ca and we will respond as soon as possible.

  • Announcing the new CNH executive director

    Announcing the new CNH executive director

    We are thrilled to announce that Elizabeth (Betty) Lepps has been hired as the Executive Director of Collingwood Neighbourhood House, effective July 2, 2024.

    Betty brings extensive experience in community development and non-profit management. Her personal and professional journey includes integrating diverse systems to meet individual and family needs, enhancing community wellness, and addressing critical social challenges that hinder the thriving of people and communities.

    Betty’s contributions to various committees focused on systemic change for marginalized populations have been highly praised at municipal, ministerial, community, and national levels. She has collaborated with numerous Indigenous and immigrant communities across Canada and the USA, delivering family and community-based training in partnership with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and key community members to preserve traditions and protect families.

    With a proven track record of adaptive, collaborative, and courageous leadership, Betty consistently fosters growth within organizations and encourages staff development. Her dedication to building strong, inclusive communities aligns perfectly with our mission and values. We are confident that Betty will be a tremendous asset to CNH, guiding us towards continued growth and success.

    Please join us in welcoming Betty to the CNH family. We look forward to the exciting journey ahead under her leadership.

    CNH Board of Directors
    Collingwood Neighbourhood House

  • CNH Participant Survey 2024

    CNH Participant Survey 2024

    Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) is committed to working with our participants to create a safe, healthy and inclusive neighbourhood. We want to know how we are doing and know if we are meeting the goals of our CNH Strategic Plan. We invite participants to fill out this survey to give us their feedback on their experiences with CNH programs and services: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CNHParticipant2024

    This survey is anonymous – responses will be reported collectively with other responses. Your thoughts and ideas are very important to us. Thank you for taking the time to give your feedback! This survey will be open until July 21, 2024.

    If you would like to fill out the survey in Traditional Chinese or Spanish, please print and fill out the surveys below and then return to CNH. You can also pick up a copy at reception at the CNH Main House, Annex or RISE Community Health Centre.

    Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik

  • Celebrating National Volunteer Week 2024: “Every Moment Matters”

    Celebrating National Volunteer Week 2024: “Every Moment Matters”

    April 14-20, 2024 is National Volunteer Week! This year’s theme, “Every Moment Matters,” highlights the importance of volunteers and each contribution they make at a moment when we need support more than ever. Volunteers make a lasting impact in our community’s inclusivity, strength and wellbeing as they continue to generously share their time, talent, and energy.

    We share some stories from our staff that celebrate these volunteers’ collective impact through their kindness, generosity, and commitment.

    Morning Star Program

    “Our Morning Star volunteer team is extremely dedicated and CNH is very lucky to have such wonderful volunteers. The team comes in every Saturday morning at 6 am to serve a hot breakfast to an unhoused and/or low-income community. The team is friendly and very welcoming to all of our participants and makes sure they all feel comfortable. This volunteer team is very special and we appreciate all that they do for our Morning Star program!” Sue Woodland, Morning Star Program Manager

    Seniors Programs

    “Arleen Cruz is capable, ready and willing to do whatever is needed. She began volunteering at CNH when she was in middle school but joined the Seniors’ team last year. Whether she is volunteering with the walking club, teaching the ukulele, leading a singalong or showing movies, her love for seniors shows.” –Susanna Chu, Housekeeping and Wellness Program Manager

    RISE Community Health Centre

    “Local resident and volunteer Patricio Ibarra is one of the founding members of the RISE Community Health Centre (CHC) Advisory, which was formed in 2019. His accomplishments with the committee include helping to select the name RISE, helping to hire our first staff member Sonja Rietkerk, helping with the RISE CHC grand opening and helping to approve the proposal for the RISE CHC Pharmacy. Patricio brings a wealth of knowledge to the committee from his lived experience as an immigrant from Chile, active member of the Renfew-Collingwood neighbourhood and as former president of the CNH Board of Directors. In fact, Patricio has been volunteering at CNH for the last 20 years! Patricio is stepping down from the RISE CHC Advisory Committee this year, and we want to thank him for his longstanding commitment to CNH. Thank you, Patricio!” –Sandra Bodenhamer, Director, RISE Community Health Centre

    Food Hub Programs

    “Miguel has been an incredibly dedicated volunteer for our Food Hub food drop program for almost two years. What makes his commitment even more remarkable is that his mother, Esperanza, and his son, Anthony, are also actively involved in supporting the program. Miguel’s positive energy and warm demeanour have significantly contributed to the program’s success, creating an environment where participants feel valued and supported. He goes above and beyond to assist those in need and serves as a crucial link between participants and our staff. Miguel consistently shares valuable feedback and insights with our team, helping us continuously improve the program. His contributions are invaluable, and we are fortunate to have him as part of our volunteer team.” –Ross Oh, Food Hub Manager

    These are just a few examples of CNH volunteers in our community. To learn about volunteering at CNH, visit cnh.bc.ca/volunteer.

  • Giving Tuesday 2023

    Giving Tuesday 2023

    Nov. 28th is Giving Tuesday, a global movement for giving and volunteering, taking place after Black Friday. This year, we’re asking for your support! Make a donation or learn more about your contribution at: www.cnh.bc.ca/donate.

    When Nathaniel Frank-Piche was 14, he was looking to make some positive changes in his life. That’s when a family member invited him to CNH’s C.R.E.W. Program. “The informal atmosphere allows me to be myself without judgment, starkly contrasting the formality of work and school,” Nathaniel said.

    C.R.E.W. (Culture, Recreation, Education and Work), is a program for Indigenous youth offering multiple opportunities for youth to learn about Indigenous culture and pick up new skills in a safe, supportive, and warm environment. One C.R.E.W. activity that stands out for Nathaniel is the annual, 10-day canoe journey, Pulling Together, which brings together Indigenous youth, police, and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

    Today, Nathaniel is 20 and attending a post-secondary institution with the goal of eventually becoming an electrician.

    “C.R.E.W. has evolved into a vital space for me to connect with my culture, providing opportunities that positively impact my life and those of my family members. Returning to C.R.E.W. after the pandemic-induced isolation had a significant positive impact on my overall health, taking me out of isolation and immersing me in a positive environment surrounded by supportive individuals,” Nathaniel said.

    Six years after venturing into CNH for the C.R.E.W. Program, Nathaniel is now a key mentor and role model to younger youth in the group. That sense of not being alone is transformative, Nathaniel said; it can even save lives.

    While CNH receives funding for C.R.E.W. from the federal government, it’s not enough to meet the demands of this growing program. And that’s where you can help.

    We know that this has been a financially challenging time for many. If, however, you are in the position to help, please direct a donation, of any amount, to Collingwood Neighbourhood House to support our programming. Please help us enhance the lives of those around us by generously considering a tax-receiptable donation today.

  • A key part of CNH: Sheri Parke celebrates 15 years at CNH

    A key part of CNH: Sheri Parke celebrates 15 years at CNH

    Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) proudly recognizes its long-serving staff members. At this year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), CNH staff and contractors who have reached the milestones of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years of service to the neighbourhood house were thanked by the Board of Directors.

    This year, we recognize and celebrate Sheri Parke for 15 years of service to Collingwood Neighbourhood House. Here’s what Sheri’s supervisors, Emily Rees and Irene Mella, had to say about her:

    “Sheri Parke is a key part of Collingwood Neighbourhood House. She started her work at CNH in 2007 as the Neighbourhood Small Grants Program Coordinator, helping residents apply for neighbourhood small grants for projects that build community. In 2016, she started working as a casual Office Assistant in the admin office at the Joyce St location and would eventually become regular administrative staff in 2018. Sheri is also a highly engaged member of CNH’s Joint Occupational Health & Safety Committee, and volunteers to pick up bread from COBS Bread for the Families Branching Out program on Fridays.

    “We are grateful that Sheri is hard working, creative and friendly with all staff. Sheri is always willing to lend a hand, steps up to take the lead, and has been a constant in the admin office, even during COVID while most staff were working remotely. Irene says, “I trust Sheri to hold down the fort, and I value her ability to problem solve and think on her feet.”

    “When asked why she stayed so long at CNH, Sheri says, “I really appreciate the super friendly working environment. It also matters to me that CNH is diverse, inclusive and cares about their staff. I also enjoy being in the building when it is alive with hustle and bustle, delicious smells coming from the kitchen and happy activity everywhere.”

    “Sheri’s favourite work-related memory includes working on special events with the Admin Team. Sheri says, “I believe it is really important to gather and celebrate together with the community. My favourite is always the Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) Celebration dinner held each year at CNH. I get to engage with so many new and returning participants who are genuinely excited to share the results of their NSG project. When we ask people to turn to someone new and introduce themselves and share their project success, the energy level immediately sparks with excited conversations and laughter. People meeting one another at gatherings like these is very rewarding for me.”

    “We are so grateful to work alongside you, Sheri! Congratulations!”

    For information about careers at CNH, visit www.cnh.bc.ca/about/careers.

    ***

    Top image: Sheri Parke smiling at the camera.

  • Putting smiles on children’s faces: Rosanna Costantini celebrates a milestone at CNH

    Putting smiles on children’s faces: Rosanna Costantini celebrates a milestone at CNH

    Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) proudly recognizes its long-serving staff members. At this year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), CNH staff and contractors who have reached the milestones of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years of service to the neighbourhood house were thanked by the Board of Directors.

    This year, we recognize and celebrate Rosanna Costantini for 15 years of service. Here’s what Sabrina Bantog, Child Care HR Manager, had to say about Rosanna:

    “Rosanna currently is a Grenfell School Age Childcare worker and she does Parents & Tots Gym time with our Recreation department.

    “Rosanna has been a participant, a volunteer and currently a staff. It all started over 20 years ago when she used to bring her children to Parents & Tots Gym Time and she participated in Family Place.

    “Rosanna has volunteered being an MC at many of CNH’s events, she has done senior’s friendly phone calls, volunteered & had a position in the Families Branching Out Program, and she facilitated the Mama & Papa Goose Program.

    “Rosanna’s supervisor, Donna says that Rosanna enjoys implementing a variety of activities with the children including cooking, art, music/dancing and playing tag. The children love her willingness to play along side them. She thinks Rosanna has stayed with CNH so long because she genuinely loves working with children, encouraging their individual growth and development.  

    “Donna’s favourite work-related memory involving Rosanna was when she made a pinata for Spring Break a couple of years ago. The children all took turns trying to break it open and… nothing. It was like the pinata had been made of concrete and not paper mache. So, Rosanna tried to break it, and ended up breaking the pinata stick in half, and the pinata remained unscathed. The running joke with her now is that she should explore a career of making houses with her paper mache mixture as they would stand up to almost anything and not fall apart!

    “When Rosanna was asked why she is still around, she said “It’s because I want to give back to our community, to families and children, to impact their lives… to put smiles on their faces, to lend them an ear when needed and also give them my heart but most of all to have them realize they are special, welcomed and that they belong and that they matter. We all have an important part to play in making changes and improving our society and the world and I can do this with my everyday interactions with the people who walk through the doors of CNH.

    “Congratulations and thank you, Rosanna!”

    For information about careers at CNH, visit www.cnh.bc.ca/about/careers.

    ***

    Top image: Rosanna Costantini smiling at the camera.