Phone: 604-435-0323 | Email: info@cnh.bc.ca

Author: Kayla Isomura

  • Request for proposals: IT consultant

    Request for proposals: IT consultant

    Please note: The first round of applications will be reviewed on Aug. 18, 2025. Position will be vacant until filled.

    Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) is seeking a Canadian IT consultant or firm to support a comprehensive review and improvement of our technology systems. This work will include assessing our infrastructure, auditing current IT practices, enhancing cybersecurity, improving data collection and digital safety, and supporting staff training on new tools and systems.

    Background 

    CNH is a non-profit organization that provides community programs and services to residents of Renfrew-Collingwood in East Vancouver. Our mandate is to promote the well-being of the Renfrew-Collingwood community by providing leadership and working collaboratively with individuals, families, agencies, and other groups to develop and support inclusive, innovative, sustainable initiatives and services that respond to the community’s social, educational, economic, health, cultural and recreational needs. We offer programs and services in areas such as childcare, healthcare, recreation, seniors, youth, newcomers, arts and culture, food justice and community engagement.  

    As our organization has grown—most notably with the recent addition of a health care centre and a continually expanding range of programs—our technology needs have become more diverse and complex. This growth presents an important opportunity to develop a comprehensive IT plan that aligns with our current operations and supports future needs. With a wide range of users, systems, and service areas, we are seeking an IT contractor to help us assess our existing infrastructure and practices, identify gaps, and build a more coordinated, efficient, and responsive approach to technology across the organization. 

    CNH employs approximately 68 full-time and 133 part-time staff and more than 200 volunteers. Key functions and programming include: childcare, community development, health care, newcomers, seniors, food, and recreation. We serve over 20,000 unique participants and manage an organizational budget of almost $14M.   

    Scope of Work & Key Activities 

    The consultant will have to lead a comprehensive review of CNH’s technology infrastructure, practices, and systems, with the goal of supporting a coordinated, efficient, and future-ready IT environment that reflects the scale and diversity of CNH’s programs and services. The work will prioritize functionality, staff support, and practical improvements, while also identifying long-term strategic needs. The consultant will work collaboratively with staff across departments and leadership to ensure findings and recommendations are aligned with CNH’s operations and values.  

    Key Activities & Deliverables

    1. Organizational IT Assessment 

    • Conduct a full review of CNH’s current technology infrastructure and systems, including hardware, software, and network configuration. 
    • Review current IT-related procedures, policies, and practices (e.g., onboarding/offboarding with respect to IT, data storage, internal communication). 
    • Evaluate the use and effectiveness of key platforms such as Microsoft 365, point-of-sale (POS), accounting (SAGE), payroll systems (Rise People), health centre Cortico and EMR (Oscar), pharmacy software (WinRx) 

    2. Staff and Stakeholder Engagement 

    • Engage CNH staff and key participants to understand their IT-related needs, pain points, and suggestions for improvement. 
    • Gather input on current training gaps and technology adoption challenges. 

    3. Digital Tools and Data Systems 

    • Assess current data collection methods and systems (e.g., POS-based data tracking and reporting), with the aim of improving data quality and integration. 
    • Provide recommendations for a more comprehensive and efficient system for collecting participant data and program outcomes. 

    4. Systems and Process Improvement 

    • Provide practical recommendations for improving processes such as onboarding/offboarding, internal communication, and file management (on both server and cloud (Teams/OneDrive/SharePoint). 
    • Recommend improvements to phone, payment systems and communication systems to better support a hybrid, multi-site work environment. 
    • Engage with health centre’s clinical and administrative teams to evaluate EMR usage and propose enhancements in areas such as eForms, documentation templates, and process workflows 

    5. Cybersecurity and Digital Safety 

    • Conduct a general review of digital safety practices and cybersecurity risks. 
    • Identify any high-priority vulnerabilities and recommend basic protections to ensure data privacy and system integrity. 
    • Evaluate IT systems for adherence to HIPAA privacy and security policies and propose enhancements to ensure full compliance. 

    6. Training, Documentation, and Knowledge Transfer 

    • Develop or recommend staff training resources on Microsoft 365 and any new systems or tools. 
    • Produce user manuals or guidelines for standard IT procedures (e.g., email best practices, file management, security protocols). 
    • Develop preventative maintenance strategies for health centre and pharmacy equipment and contribute to efficient update procedure and break/fix support workflows 

    7. Final Report and Implementation Plan 

    Deliver a final report that includes: 

    • A summary of findings 
    • Short- and long-term recommendations 
    • Suggested implementation timelines 
    • Estimated costs for major changes (e.g., hardware/software upgrades, new systems) 
    • Present the report to CNH leadership and offer a debrief session to discuss the plan and next steps. 

    Budget & Timeline 

    The total project budget is $100,000 CAD, with approximately $80,000 CAD allocated for the core contract. Remaining funds are reserved for additional work or contingencies. 

    Work is expected to begin as soon as possible. Timeline and work hours can be included in the proposal. Preferred project duration would be approximately 6-10 months. 

    Proposal Requirements 

    Proposals must include: 

    • Consultant qualifications and relevant experience; Experience in non-profit, community health, or medical sectors is considered an asset 
    • A work plan detailing approach, timelines, and engagement strategy 
    • Description of deliverables and estimated costs 
    • Expected compensation 
    • At least two references from previous work or contracts 

    Application Process

    The first round of applications will be reviewed on Aug. 18, 2025. Position will be vacant until filled. 

    Please direct your proposal or any questions to Sanjeev Karwal at skarwal@cnh.bc.ca.

    Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We sincerely appreciate your interest in our organization and look forward to hearing from you. 

  • RISE physician: Building brighter futures for the Black community

    RISE physician: Building brighter futures for the Black community

    Meet Clement, family physician at RISE Community Health Centre 

    Born and raised in Quebec City, Que., Clement Bélanger Bishinga moved to Vancouver nearly three years ago to participate in the University of British Columbia’s family practice program at St. Paul’s Hospital. After completing the program in 2024, friends and colleagues encouraged him to apply for a position at RISE Community Health Centre, which is operated by Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH). 

    In late January, Clement was hired as a temporary family physician at RISE. For the recent graduate, he said the community health centre model, which serves residents of Vancouver’s Renfrew-Collingwood neighbourhood who have difficulty accessing healthcare, also fitted his values. 

    Family medicine, he said, often pushes practitioners to consider what they want to bring into the medical field. For Clement, diversity and the social determinants of health were especially important to him, “so that’s what attracted me to come here,” he said. 

    Clement Bélanger Bishinga stands against a plain white wall at RISE Community Health Centre. Smiling with his hands in his pant pockets, he is wearing an orange stethoscope and blue lanyard around his neck.
    Clement Bélanger Bishinga

    Mentorship in the medical field 

    While Clement is now a practicing doctor, he considers his path untraditional. Before studying medicine, he was working in economics but soon realized that it was not for him. 

    Growing up, Clement said he viewed medicine as either working in international aid or doing it for prestige. Uninterested in either route, he eventually took a leap into the medicine field of his own accord. While it hasn’t always been easy navigating the field, Clement said the outcomes have been rewarding. 

    “I feel in medicine . . . the knowledge is sometimes kept a little bit in a certain group,” said Clement. “I think, especially in Black communities, feeling that you need tips or direction, or you need mentorship sometimes to be able to get into those programs.” 

    Thinking about his journey into his current profession, Clement said the one thing he wishes he had was a mentor along the way that identified as Black. 

    “I feel that’s a place that I would like to continue to invest myself for future generations.” 

    Uplifting future generations 

    Thinking ahead to future generations is a big theme for Clement, who struggled to connect with Black history and community in Quebec City. 

    “When I grew up, I think I had to search for myself for that type of information,” he said. “In some ways, I don’t think I knew about Black History Month until I was 17 or 18 because the community school that I went to was celebrating it, but it was never celebrated in my high school.” 

    “Sometimes, [I feel] like missing some parts of history is quite real.” 

    As an adult, Clement has now lived in other cities where there is a larger presence of the Black community, which has made a big difference. 

    Thinking about this year’s theme for Black History Month, Clement said, “The biggest part was the uplifting.” 

    “You know, you want to make the future greater for the next generation,” he said. “I would like my nieces and nephews to live in a world where there’s more equality or equity around Black communities.” 

    While Clement recognizes that everyone’s experiences are unique, “it’s more the attitude that I want to pass on,” he said. In the past, he has been with older generations who say they “had it tougher.” 

    “I don’t know if it’s easier [today] but there is also this attraction in some way for me in helping the younger Black generation, to work with them, because there’s potentially an innate connection with them and it makes it for a chance for some kind of shared experience to be there,” said Clement. “The reality of every group is different so sometimes when you have a bit of a connection, it just makes it interesting.” 

    Volunteering 

    Today, Clement is a member of the Black Physicians of Canada, a social network, mentorship program and advocacy group for Black physicians. Supporting other Black physicians who have similar experiences as Clement has been an important value for him. He is also a member of the Black Resident Physicians’ Association of BC. 

    When he lived in the United States for part of his education, Clement also tutored in a youth incarceration centre in Illinois. While not explicitly a centre for Black people, Clement said Black people were “quite overrepresented.”  

    “It was tutoring but the students knew a lot of stuff already,” he said. “I think it was like a game for them and for me to have someone from the outside and having these two or three hours where they’re in this very small library we ended up doing a lot of chatting.” 

    “I think that’s what I like the most, is to create a network,” he said. “I have those networks of like Black Physicians of Canada and Black Resident Physicians of BC but those are also more connected to my profession. I would like for it to be more broad.” 

    Community building and celebration

    Overall, Clement said celebrations like Black History Month, which takes place annually throughout February, are a good opportunity to highlight events, create support and make connections within the Black community. 

    “It has a different purpose for different people,” he said. “In some way for me, this year’s Black History Month has been more about community building.” 

    “I think there is this strong advantage of having a Black History Month, just to celebrate each other and embrace who we are, and then there’s always motivation to learn a little bit about the history.” 

    For Clement, he said it’s also an opportunity for him to explore what Blackness is and what the community is. 

    And for those outside of the community? 

    “It’s really about showing up, participating and maybe even going out of your comfort zone in terms of events you could attend,” said Clement, who noted that financial contributions to Black organizations is another option for those who cannot physically show up within the community. 

    “Keep your ears open and your heart open to whatever kind of struggles or emotions that you know a member of the Black community might have and also embrace it with humility.” 

    This story was originally written to celebrate Black voices in Renfrew-Collingwood. We encourage everyone to learn about Black Canadian history throughout the year and how Black Canadians continue to shape our communities.

  • Apply now: 2025 Nina Vacca scholarship for early childhood education

    Apply now: 2025 Nina Vacca scholarship for early childhood education

    Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) is pleased to open applications for this year’s scholarship of $750 in honour of long-term staff, Nina Vacca.

    Presented by the CNH Board of Directors, the Nina Vacca Scholarship is awarded to a Renfrew-Collingwood community member who is pursuing the field of Early Childhood Education. Applications are open to all newcomers.

    How to apply

    Apply online by Sunday, July 27, 2025. For questions, please call 604-435-0323 or email info@cnh.bc.ca.

    Apply Now
    A portrait photograph of Nina Vacca
    Nina Vacca

    Nina’s legacy at CNH

    Nina arrived in Canada as a refugee and was a lifelong learner; she pursued her Early Childhood Education certificate later in life. 

    Nina worked at CNH for over 25 years. Her roles included manager of the LINC (Language Instruction to Newcomers) childcare program and childcare worker in the Families Branching Out and Family Place programs. She always showed a lot of love and care in the work she did with children. 

    Her contributions and work did not stop with her caring for children at CNH: she volunteered in her community every year to organize events for the Chilean community. 

    “Nina was a great support to my son and me in the first months of our arrival in Canada. She listened to us and empathized with my son and me. She had arrived 15 years before us. She was my son Juan Carlos’ first English teacher in Canada, and she comforted my son Juan Carlos when he was frustrated.”

    Nina passed away in 2021. Nina’s legacy is celebrated by CNH through this scholarship. 

  • 2024 participant survey responses released

    2024 participant survey responses released

    Last summer, Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) conducted its most recent participant survey. These surveys aim to capture insight from the CNH community every two years and share what’s working, as well as areas of improvement.

    After reviewing responses from 176 people, we are pleased to share our key findings from our 2024 survey.

    65% of participants live in the Renfrew-Collingwood neighbourhood. With nearly 80% of participants indicating they participated in CNH activities multiple times a week, this suggests that CNH has been successfully engaging local residents through various programs, including recreation, child care, Collingwood Days, RISE Community Health Centre, and more.

    • 65% agree that CNH is a place where they feel belonging
    • 63% have opportunities to become involved or give input into CNH’s future direction
    • 46% met people of different cultures, ages and abilities
    • 35% made new friends participating in programs at CNH

    Results also indicate that CNH continues to help build a strong sense of connection and participation in the community.

    So, how are we doing?

    In 2023, CNH worked with an external consultant to define our current strategic plan. Our plan focused on three priority areas: Anti-oppression, advocacy and organizational foundation. Below is a summary of responses, based on the participant survey results, that indicate what we’re doing well and areas for improvement in each area.

    Six adults and one child smile towards the camera inside the kitchen at CNH. On the counter are over a dozen jars of homemade canned goods.

    1. Anti-oppression

    What we’re doing well

    • The survey indicates that CNH is seen as inclusive and welcoming by many participants. Participants frequently praised the kindness, professionalism, and helpfulness of the CNH staff, emphasizing the supportive atmosphere they foster.
    • Participants reported meeting people from diverse backgrounds and feeling a sense of belonging. Many participants appreciated CNH’s role in fostering community engagement and inclusivity.
    • Many programs cater to equity-seeking groups, including seniors, youth, and newcomers. Affordable and accessible programs are a significant strength with 41% of participants saying that the low cost of programs and services is essential to their participation.

    Opportunities for improvement

    • Some participants mentioned challenges in creating a culturally representative environment, including a lack of Indigenous representation and programming tailored for neurodivergent individuals, those with disabilities and middle-aged adults.
    • Expanding outreach efforts to underrepresented groups and improving multilingual communication could enhance representation and accessibility.

    2. Advocacy

    What we’re doing well

    • 65% of respondents feel they have opportunities to engage in CNH’s future direction
    • Participants noted that programs such as food justice, housing outreach, and seniors’ programs demonstrate CNH’s community-based approach to advocacy. Programs providing practical support, such as food security initiatives, were particularly valued
    • Community members have participated in feedback mechanisms such as surveys, AGMs and committees

    Opportunities for improvement

    • Participants cited long waitlists for childcare, limited space for programs, and ongoing funding concerns
    • Participants requested enhancements in digital accessibility and user-friendly registration systems
    • Youth employment and volunteer opportunities were mentioned as areas for development

    3. Organizational foundation

    What we’re doing well

    • CNH is recognized for having dedicated staff and volunteers, with many participants citing positive interactions with staff and feeling supported.
    • Programs attract a broad range of participants, and CNH is seen as a vital community hub.
    • The recreation and childcare programs are among the most highly engaged services as reflected by survey responders

    Opportunities for improvement

    • Securing consistent funding and ensuring adequate staffing were highlighted as ongoing challenges
    • Some respondents noted difficulties with program awareness, communication, and registration processes, while others requested more evening and weekend programming
    • Limited program space and infrastructure were cited as barriers to expansion

    Next steps

    Our roadmap to addressing community needs and aspirations includes:

    1. Enhancing communications: Strengthen outreach strategies to improve program visibility and ensure participants are aware of available services
    2. Expanding accessibility: Develop targeted initiatives to address the needs of underrepresented groups, including neurodivergent individuals and Indigenous communities
    3. Securing resources: Explore additional funding opportunities to support program expansion and staff capacity
    4. Celebrating impact: Share participant stories and feedback to demonstrate CNH’s value to the community and encourage greater engagement

    For more information on the 2024 participant survey responses, review a summary of findings in PDF format: short version or long version.

  • Update to IRCC funding cuts: Affected programs and new funding opportunities 

    Update to IRCC funding cuts: Affected programs and new funding opportunities 

    Thanks to the generous support from community partners, Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) is pleased to announce that some settlement programs impacted by federal budget cuts will remain open, either temporarily or on an ongoing basis. 

    Earlier this year, we announced the decision from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to cut our entire funding, which has supported settlement programs at CNH for over 30 years. This decision was made with little time to coordinate a transition plan, which took effect on March 31, 2025, affecting hundreds of participants, multiple programs, 20 staff positions and overall access to key services in our community. 

    Since this announcement, CNH has been working to find solutions that address programs, staff and participants affected by this loss. 

    Within the last two months, we received assistance from the Dr. Bik May Wai & Chung Nin Lam Endowment Fund to support youth settlement programs, which allows these programs to remain open until March 31, 2026. We have also received a subcontract with MOSAIC to support LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers) levels 1 to 4, which will operate until the end of December 2025. In addition, we continue to receive ongoing funding from the provincial government, which provides one settlement worker and restorative circles. 

    CNH is grateful for this support, but we recognize that there continues to be a gap in services, especially as some of our funding sources are temporary. Further, we recognize that some staff and community members remain affected by budget cuts. 

    Up until March, IRCC was our organization’s second-largest funding source. While community members will not have access to the same level of service previously provided with this funding, CNH remains committed to providing settlement programs, if and when possible. As such, we continue to seek other funding sources to integrate into affected programs. 

    As we move forward, our priority continues to ensure the well-being of our staff, students and community members impacted. Currently, we are working with Vancouver Neighbourhood House Settlement Serving Organizations and the Association of Neighbourhood Houses BC to challenge the lack of settlement supports with federal parties. 

    For more information about affected programs, please see below. For additional questions, contact info@cnh.bc.ca.

    Affected programs 

    Aurelia M. makes cookies with her two children at CNH’s community kitchen program in November 2024. Open to newcomers, the program allowed participants to gather and learn to cook together.

    Ongoing and temporary programs

    • Art – ongoing with reduced hours 
      • Art classes, including our weekly Make Your Mark program (open art studio) and origami circle 
    • Food 
      • Community kitchen for newcomers – paused due to limited capacity 
      • Food land programs (i.e. community gardens) – ongoing with reduced hours
    • Settlement 
      • BC Newcomer Services Program / BC SAF HAVN Program facilitated by one settlement worker – ongoing, through provincial funding 
      • LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers) levels 1, 2, 3, 4 – funded until the end of December 2025 through a subcontract with MOSAIC 
      • Restorative circles (new) – ongoing, through provincial funding 
    • Youth – funded until March 31, 2026 through the Dr. Bik May Wai & Chung Nin Lam Endowment Fund
      • After-school mentorship 
      • Leadership and pre-employment mentoring 
      • Music programming 
      • Sports programming 

    For program descriptions, visit: www.cnh.bc.ca/settlement   

    Programs closed as of March 31, 2025: 

    • Employment services for newcomers 
    • General settlement services provided by a team of settlement workers who work in multiple languages (i.e. navigating social services, finding employment resources, referrals for English language training and support, and life skills training and group workshops) 
    • LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers) levels 5, 6, 7 
    • LINC conversation circles 
    • Women’s leadership development 

    Frequently asked questions

    On March 8, 2025, the settlement team at CNH hosted its annual celebration for International Women’s Day. Program participants of all ages gathered over food, music and yoga.

    Funding

    Programs & Resources

    Impact

    Supporting settlement services at CNH

  • Registration for the 2025 Community Care Harvest Box program opens

    Registration for the 2025 Community Care Harvest Box program opens

    Registration is now open for our 2025 Community Care Harvest Boxes!

    The Community Care Harvest Box program at Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) is a subscription-based veggie box that provides direct relationships between farmers and community members. This summer, we’re partnering with FreshRoots!

    For two months, registrants will receive a weekly box of fresh vegetables, available for pickup at CNH (5288 Joyce St), while supporting our low-income neighbours.

    What is a community care harvest box?

    A community care harvest box is not your average food subscription service. While this program allows registrants to access 8-16 weeks of fresh vegetables through FreshRoots, a portion of the registration fees is allocated to supporting community members experiencing food insecurity.

    For some of our neighbours, the cost of fresh vegetables, let alone a local harvest box, is out of reach financially. By paying for a community care harvest box, you help low-income community members access fresh produce at a reduced rate. These members sign up for the program through a separate, referral-based stream.

    If you are unable to afford or commit to a community care harvest box, but are interested in supporting this program, you can make a donation to the program. All funds will go towards subsidizing a harvest box for a neighbour in Renfrew-Collingwood experiencing food insecurity.

    Alternatively, stop by CNH during pick-up times (Fridays, 4-6 pm; dates below) to visit our pay-what-you-can market!

    Key Dates & Registration

    Two people stand together underneath a white tent outside holding strawberries and celery as they smile towards the camera
    • Session 1 (early season): June 13 to Aug. 1 (8 weeks)
    • Session 2 (late season): Aug. 8 to Sept. 26 (8 weeks)

    During the season, boxes can be picked up on Fridays from 4-6 pm in front of CNH (5288 Joyce St). If you want to receive 16 weeks of vegetables, you are welcome to sign up for both seasons!

    Cost

    Each session is $320, which includes eight weeks of fresh vegetables through FreshRoots and a portion of the fees allocated to subsidizing boxes for community members experiencing food insecurity.

    How to Register

    Register online through our registration portal. For questions, email Ross at roh@cnh.bc.ca.

  • A youth perspective on bringing seniors together

    A youth perspective on bringing seniors together

    Hello to the Renfrew-Collingwood community! My name is Mya Stanton, and I’ve been involved with Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) for two years. I originally joined as a summer work-learn student employee, and I currently volunteer with the social prescribing (SP) program, which bridges health and social services for seniors and older adults.

    This January, as part of a UBC class, I took on an additional project: organizing a seniors’ coffee social and discussion on isolation and aging. I noticed many seniors I work with had few opportunities to stay connected, so I wanted to create a space for interaction, while also exploring what can make socializing so difficult. We hosted four events across Feb. 11 and 25, and March 11 and 24, with the final session in Mandarin, thanks to SP coordinator Jenny Shen’s support, sharing my questions with her Chinese senior peer support group.

    The events brought together about eight seniors across all four sessions. While that might seem small, I found that having fewer participants was actually well-suited to the goals of the project. At our most well-attended session, one senior barely spoke about himself, but when he attended a smaller session later on, he opened up much more. I realized soon that focusing too much on turnout numbers could actually isolate the target demographic, so I am glad it stayed more intimate.

    A personal highlight of attending the events myself was the intergenerational connections I made. As a university student, I don’t often get the chance to engage with people outside my own age group. I found I had a lot of common interests (animals were a big one!) and I learned how much I take for granted generational references being understood–like when I mentioned Marvel movies and the participants were not sure what I was talking about. It was a bit of a humorous learning moment that reminded me to be mindful of different backgrounds in conversation.

    For anyone looking to plan similar events, here are a few key takeaways from my experience:

    • Smaller, more intimate settings work well. More isolated seniors may be hesitant to speak in large groups, so keep in mind who your audience is, and consider asking what attendance is preferred.
    • Language accessibility matters. As an English-only speaker, I initially overlooked how this might exclude a large part of the community. I’m incredibly grateful that Jenny could support the final session in Mandarin.
    • Have a flexible structure. Discussion prompts helped keep things flowing when conversations slowed down, but some of the best moments came from just letting discussions unfold naturally.
    • Sustained events are important. A single event is great, but recurring programming allows participants to build relationships and have something reliable to look forward to. However, there are challenges with keeping attendance consistent with smaller groups.

    Overall, I’m so glad I got to be part of this project. As someone interested in working in the community after I graduate, this experience was insightful. If you’re thinking of planning seniors’ social events, I highly recommend not only considering what I have to say, but also consulting seniors directly, asking what an ideal social event looks like to them. There’s so much to learn from other generations–the connections I have made at CNH are ones I cherish!

    For more information on programs for seniors and older adults at CNH, visit cnh.bc.ca/seniors.

  • Working at RISE Community Health Centre: ‘It always feels like a family’

    Working at RISE Community Health Centre: ‘It always feels like a family’

    Since June 2020, Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) has offered health care to residents of Renfrew-Collingwood through RISE Community Health Centre. Using a team-based approach that recognizes the social determinants of health, RISE operates a primary care clinic and not-for-profit pharmacy. Additional services include harm reduction, community development and health promotion.

    We share some highlights from staff about their experiences working with RISE and what makes it different from traditional healthcare providers.

    Meet Munira, RISE registered nurse

    Nearly three years ago, Munira Rupani started working at RISE Community Health Centre as a medical office assistant. In April 2024, she transitioned into a role as a registered nurse.

    What brought you to RISE? 

    “I was new to Canada. I came here in 2021. I was looking for jobs and then I found this opportunity. It’s actually so far from my home but I really like it so I started working here in 2022. The environment, people and my passion for helping others brought me here, and I’m still attached to RISE for that.”

    Tell us more about what you like about working here. 

    “The primary healthcare. When I was back home, I didn’t have any experience working in primary healthcare, so I learned how primary healthcare works at RISE and how we can help people so they don’t end up going to the hospital. We treat people here with the maximum we can do and refer patients to different clinics for different purposes. We do pregnancy tests here, STI management here, many kinds of bloodwork, many kinds of urine tests, and many, many more things. It’s holistic care for patients.”

    What makes RISE different or unique from other healthcare settings you’ve worked in? 

    “RISE is unique in that the environment is really friendly. It’s focused towards patient care and the well-being of the staff so I never feel overwhelmed. I always have a support system here. If I’m stuck on something, I know someone will help me. I love to take challenges because I know that if I get stuck, people will help me out. Yeah, so the support system and patient-centred care, which inspires me to work here, and makes it unique.”

    Can you talk more about patient-centred care? What benefits do you see in that?

    “So many people who have come here, in my three years of experience, are new immigrants or refugees to Canada. They have to set up a housing support system and health care, which is hard to navigate nowadays. RISE is like a holistic care for them, so from their housing to their food, schooling, healthcare and everything else, they can get information or support through RISE.

    “If we can’t treat a client, we can assist them and refer them to another program, so they have peace of mind.”

    Who should apply to work at RISE? 

    “Everyone is so passionate and has a non-biased approach. So, like open-minded people. We care for people who are drug users and we treat patients with STIs, for example, so the person applying should not be biased.

    Anything else people should know about working here? 

    “RISE is a very nice place to work and the people are so nice. I said it before that everyone is so supportive. This was my first job in Canada but I have never felt like I’m the odd one out. I always felt like a family here.

    “I know that if I ask for any kind of help or support, they will support me. And I passed my nursing exam while working here, so my manager, my director, everyone was so supportive, and they encouraged me to take the exam. They helped me a lot in getting my license here. Yeah, so they were so supportive. It always feels like family.”

    Learn more about career opportunities at RISE Community Health Centre at cnh.bc.ca/careers.

    This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

  • RISE: Providing healthcare workers an opportunity to grow

    RISE: Providing healthcare workers an opportunity to grow

    Since June 2020, Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) has offered health care to residents of Renfrew-Collingwood through RISE Community Health Centre. Using a team-based approach that recognizes the social determinants of health, RISE operates a primary care clinic and not-for-profit pharmacy. Additional services include harm reduction, community development and health promotion.

    We share some highlights from staff about their experiences working with RISE and what makes it different from traditional healthcare providers.

    Meet Philippa, RISE family nurse practitioner

    For over two years, Philippa Lentz has worked with RISE Community Health Centre as a family nurse practitioner. Graduating shortly before starting at RISE, they were immediately drawn to the unique health care model and work environment that RISE offers.

    “RISE is actually my first job as a nurse practitioner,” explained Philippa. “I already knew a bunch of people who worked here just from being in community with cool healthcare providers in Vancouver.”

    “I had a really good idea of the way that the team approaches care, and so I didn’t apply anywhere else, I actually just came straight here.”

    Tell us about your experience over the last 2+ years.

    “I stayed. I haven’t worked anywhere else as a nurse practitioner, so I don’t have the comparative experience but it has been fantastic. It is a really wonderful place to work as a new grad. So, you know, for anyone who’s a nurse practitioner, they hired me as a provisional before I even got my OSCE, and were really supportive in mentoring me. The whole team just kind of took me under their wing. So if anyone’s looking for a first job as a nurse practitioner, it’s a great place to be.”

    What else makes it a great place to be?

    “The number one thing I would say is, I’m sure other people have said this, but being part of a team is really wonderful, and, as a provider, it makes so many things easier.

    “Currently, I’m about to leave on parental leave, and I’m just working with my replacement right now. It’s really great showing another person what we can do as a team. For example, I’m helping somebody right now with weaning off of their anti-anxiety medication and they’re having a bit of a hard time. I was able to immediately talk to the counselling team about them and get them an emergency check-in within two days for free, and then I was able to use the nursing team to schedule a bunch of check-ins.

    “There’s not anywhere else that I can think of that you have such a well-integrated team, where you have so many services at your fingertips. And I trust all of my co-workers. They’re pretty careful when they’re hiring, having like-minded people, and I don’t know how to say that better, but there’s no one on the team that I don’t trust with my patients.”

    So, who would be a good fit to work at RISE? 

    “I think anyone, I mean, truly. There’s a lot of diversity in the types of people who work here and the types of professions that work here. But I think that anyone who is looking for a place where they can slow down a little bit and provide excellent wraparound care. And for anyone who is discouraged with how hard it is to do that in a lot of places, I would say, give it a try. I have felt so well-supported in my ability to provide the type of care that I want to. If you’re interested in working with a bunch of different populations, elderly folks, lots of queer clients, people with no MSP, those types of things, then come join our team.”

    Can you elaborate on the benefits of wraparound services and having support from other staff?

    “It’s so helpful. When you have such a great group of people with different scopes of practice, everyone can work at the top of their scope.”

    Anything else people should know? 

    “I would honestly say give it a try. I don’t know what else to say. It’s really lovely here. It’s a really friendly environment.

    “If you are feeling like you don’t know if you can provide certain care, like, for example, if you haven’t started to develop certain parts of your practice, the team is really, really great at supporting you and also giving you the time that you need to educate up. They’re happy to help with sponsoring you to do things like your opioid agonist treatment prescription program or whatever else you need to do to get what you need for your practice.

    “It’s also right on the SkyTrain line, so it’s really easy to get to work.”

    Learn more about career opportunities at RISE Community Health Centre at cnh.bc.ca/careers.

    This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

  • Making change through community health centre model at RISE

    Making change through community health centre model at RISE

    Since June 2020, Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) has offered health care to residents of Renfrew-Collingwood through RISE Community Health Centre. Using a team-based approach that recognizes the social determinants of health, RISE operates a primary care clinic and not-for-profit pharmacy. Additional services include harm reduction, community development and health promotion.

    We share some highlights from staff about their experiences working with RISE and what makes it different from traditional healthcare providers.

    Meet James, RISE registered nurse

    For over three years, James Kendal-Ward has worked as a registered nurse at RISE. Recently, they have also been working as an interim patient care supervisor.

    What originally brought you to RISE? 

    “I originally applied because I knew someone who worked here. The patient care supervisor who worked here in 2021, we worked together as nurses at another site. She sent me a text and invited me to apply. I also had another friend who was working here as a nurse, and I was like, ‘Oh my god, you’re hiring. Yes, I’m on my way!’”

    What has made you stay over the last 3+ years? 

    “I really like it here on a practical, day-to-day level. If you’re nursing, you tend to go towards shift work, which are like day shifts, night shifts and a cycling schedule. Even in other sites I’ve worked at, it’s been rotating shifts, so you never have the same schedule. On the practical level, working the same hours, the same days every week, has been life-changing for me as a nurse. I know I’m free on Tuesday afternoons, so it’s practical for me not to have to figure out my schedule.

    “Also, the team here is amazing. I really like doing primary care. It’s not something that they focus on in nursing school. They focus on acute care. Primary care is quite complex and nuanced, like really relational care. I have had the same patients for as long as I’ve worked here. You get to know people. You get to know their baseline. Then, it’s a matter of making sure that their baseline improves over time, which is fantastic, and stabilizing people, keeping them out of the hospital by being in relation with them through a healthcare lens.”

    Has there been anything that has surprised you about working here? 

    “The pace surprised me. Before working here, I worked in the hospital and I worked at one of the urgent and primary care centres. The paces for those were different, but here, there’s very rarely a five-alarm fire.

    “If someone needs to go to the hospital, we try to get them to the hospital and a lot of times, it’s folks with barriers we are trying to convince to go to the hospital. But if anyone is acutely ill, they go to the hospital. So, it’s not like hospital shift nursing, where you have to be like, am I thinking about this person’s oxygen? It’s more thinking about how they are going to spend the next couple of weeks. So there’s a lack of that urgency, which means you get to think, problem solve and do more case management, which is still mentally quite invigorating.

    “It also surprised me that this was one of the jobs where you can get a coffee and talk to your co-worker for 10 minutes about a different patient, and you’re not going to be buried with work because there’s space for that. But I go home at the end of the day and I’m still tired because there’s so much thinking, navigating, planning and coordinating.”

    And with healthcare and team-based care. Clients are not here to do one thing. 

    “I think it also surprised me how collaborative it is working here. I know I am very spoiled in this job. Working here, we have the team and there are registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, social workers, counsellors, medical practitioners and general practitioners. Everyone has their own training and so the variety of voices, viewpoints and opinions is valuable. We do team-based meetings, and we really listen and support each other. I am not enacting orders from anyone, we’re all participatory in this clinic.”

    Who do you feel should apply to work at RISE? 

    “I feel like the people who know themselves to be relational, like nurses and and primary care supervisors, the folks who did well in the social determinants of health courses in nursing school, the folks who are at the hospital being like, ‘Wait, if we discharge this person, aren’t they going to come back immediately?’ and the ones who can see the gaps in the system.

    “I feel that RISE, in being its own model, there’s a little bit more satisfaction in filling some of those gaps and being able to feel like a positive change in our healthcare system.”

    What type of clientele should applicants be familiar with or comfortable working with at RISE?

    “Folks with barriers to care, specifically newcomers, people who need help accessing, status, MSP or other legal protection. Folks who are low income and also in this community, because we have our community catchment, so like people who are familiar with Renfew-Collingwood, people who like working with older folks, people who like seeing babies. People who like, taking a two-year-old’s measurements and trying to navigate getting them on the scale. It’s quite broad.”

    Anything else people should know about working here? 

    “It is possible to work in a place where you feel like everyone is so earnestly, honestly and compassionately trying to do good for people. Without exception, everyone here is trying as hard as they can to help and that’s incredible. If you want to do that, come. If you’re feeling healthcare burnout in other places, come to us. It’s a heavy load but we’re so nice and we have snacks. If your goal is to have a sustainable work-life balance and to be able to make dinner after work, and have things like waking up on your first day off and make breakfast and not feel exhausted, it’s a lovely place to work. We don’t have shift premiums but we have a great work-life balance.”

    Learn more about career opportunities at RISE Community Health Centre at cnh.bc.ca/careers.

    This interview has been edited for length and clarity.