Category: Community Stories

Finding connection and confidence through community

Garima Tiwari may be shy in the classroom but when it comes to volunteering at Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH), she couldn’t be more opposite.

Since moving with her family from India to Canada in May 2023, Garima, who recently graduated from Windermere Secondary School, says she’s faced language barriers, cultural adjustments and difficulties making friendships.

In part, Garima says she fears judgement from her peers but overall, she says she identifies as an introvert. “It’s hard for me to talk to new people but when I came here, I just started talking to people around me.”

Since Garima Tiwari first connected to Collingwood Neighbourhood House in October 2023, she eventually began volunteering for multiple programs, which includes the weekly setup of the program room at the Main Site for youth settlement activities.

While she acknowledges it wasn’t always easy for her to speak up at CNH, it has become easier over time. “Today, I am just talking,” says Garima. “Like, I talk well here and a lot, rather than in my school.”

After a visit from CNH staff at Windermere last fall, Garima says she chose to volunteer with the Women’s Leadership Development program, which has proved to be a transformative experience. In addition to shifting her perspective on life, Garima has a newfound ability to connect with others.

“I learn a lot with those women,” explains Garima. “Everyone has their own story and everyone has their own struggles.”

Organized by CNH’s settlement team, the Women’s Leadership Development program highlights the importance of cultural understanding, diversity and inclusivity in the context of leadership development for immigrant women.

Karen Caguioa, program manager, says Garima’s “natural leadership” quickly surfaced within the program where staff have witnessed Garima instill “energy and insight” into the group.

“Saturdays became her platform for learning workshop preparation and public speaking, [and] on International Women’s Day in March, Garima delivered a stirring speech, championing inclusion and social justice,” says Caguioa. “Her dedication earned her recognition as a role model for women of all ages.”

Using her experience volunteering with the program, Garima says she’s learned that every woman faces “a lot” in their life. And although most participants are older than her, she connects to their stories through her mother.

For herself, Garima recognizes that she is also a young woman with her own experiences as a newcomer. “I travelled from India to here so it’s a hard part for me, too,” she notes. “I left my culture, my friends over there, my language.”

In addition to volunteering with the Women’s Leadership Development program at CNH, Garima dedicates herself to setting up the program rooms every Thursday after school for settlement youth programs, welcoming and engaging with participants her age.

With aspirations of becoming a permanent resident, attending post-secondary and eventually studying to become a lawyer, Garima attributes her growth to CNH.

“I feel so blessed to return here,” she says. “When I come here, I talk a lot with different people of my age and with my elders, too, so I know I’m just improving myself over here and [CNH has] really helped me a lot.”

This story was originally written for our 2024 Annual Report, which highlights the experiences of program participants, volunteers and community members at CNH. Learn more about our programs for newcomers and immigrants at www.cnh.bc.ca/settlement.

September 25, 2024
Long-time volunteer aims to be a friendly face at CNH

When faced with free time after retiring in 2003, Eliza Ngan started visiting Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) to pass the time.

“I live very close by… I [came to CNH] to do all kinds of exercise in the mornings, I also joined tai chi and yoga,” says Eliza. “I started coming here to socialize with a whole bunch of other seniors since they’re always close by.”

“I know everybody here, every one of them because I’ve been exercising here every morning for so long. The [faces of the] people may change but they’re so friendly.”

Eliza Ngan volunteers weekly at Coffee Social, a popular program at CNH that brings seniors and older adults together through coffee and conversation.

In addition to exercising, Eliza started volunteering for CNH two years later–and has been helping out ever since. She started helping in the kitchen on and off in 2005, then began facilitating the weekly coffee social program for seniors and older adults in 2017. Eliza says these activities helped shape her routine and socialization, especially since she lives alone.

“I’m by myself so I didn’t want to be alone. I like people, I like to socialize,” she says. “I like to keep myself busy. I still do my housework, change my sheets, do my laundry, everything.”

While Eliza says she appreciated the regimen volunteering at CNH gave her, she had to take a break in 2022 when she was recovering from health issues and dealing with subsequent issues. Despite this, she was back to helping at CNH as soon as she was cleared to do so.

“Really, I just wanted to do something and get out of my house,” she explains. “Whatever people ask, whatever I can do, I do.”

“I don’t mind the time, [even though I’m now] getting tired easier. I’ll keep coming and coming so long as I can [do it].”

Eliza encourages people interested in volunteering, especially younger folks, to help whenever possible.

“Just tell them what to do and be friendly. I’ll do what I can and help them, and make them feel good to be here,” says Eliza.

This story was originally written for our 2024 Annual Report, which highlights the experiences of program participants, volunteers and community members at CNH. Learn more about volunteer opportunities at CNH at cnh.bc.ca/volunteer.

September 25, 2024
RISE: Representation that reflects Renfrew-Collingwood more broadly

When Julie Matson moved back to the Renfrew-Collingwood neighbourhood with their partner in 2020, a member of their queer hiking group told them to check out the then-newly-opened RISE Community Health Centre where they were accepted as patients right away.

Thanks to the staff at RISE, Julie has been able to get a lot of support to navigate their chronic health issues stemming from intense childhood trauma, getting assistance with tasks like paperwork and being able to speak to specialists.

“I wouldn’t have been able to have access or been able to do the things that I’ve done without the support of the team at RISE because it would have been just so overwhelming… I felt so supported and heard when I was working with the people that I worked with,” Julie says.

Because of their own experience and their belief in the work that RISE does in ensuring that everyone has access to quality health care, Julie joined RISE’s Advisory Committee and has been part of it for over three years now. They appreciate that the committee’s membership does not only represent the clients of RISE but also the Renfrew-Collingwood neighbourhood.

“Identifying as a queer, nonbinary person that lives with disabilities… it was really nice to see the representation that was also around me,” says Julie. “It’s a full range of not only the cultural communities but the diversity of people in how they identify and their work, which is what I think the neighbourhood actually is.”

“It’s also really nice to be able to have a place where my voice is being heard and listened to, and I can utilize my skillset that I developed in my professional life, in ways that will give back to my community.”

They also found the backgrounds of some of the committee members impressive. “There are some serious professionals. There are doctors and people with nursing backgrounds… I was very happily surprised by that, and gives me hope that people are caring in this world that we currently live in, where it feels like it’s really devoid of that kind of personal attention and care. It was really nice to see just this level of professionalism and experience that other committee members had,” Julie says.

For folks interested in getting involved with RISE or other CNH programs, Julie encourages volunteering as a way to feel connected to the community.

“By being connected to something like Collingwood Neighbourhood House, you actually do feel like you’re not only part of the community, but you’re contributing to the community, and then you’re seeing that represented back to you just through your involvement, and then you actually are–you truly do become part of the community.”

This story was originally written for our 2024 Annual Report, which highlights the experiences of program participants, volunteers and community members at CNH. Learn more about RISE Community Health Centre at cnh.bc.ca/rise.

September 25, 2024
“It was as if we were guests in your home”—a recap of the 2023 Seniors’ Holiday Luncheon

Written by Susanna Chu, Housekeeping and Wellness Program Manager

Our seniors are still talking about the CNH Holiday Luncheon, says Information & Referral/Reception Manager Jenny Eng-Chan.

“Entertainment, prizes, decorations, food, activities… it was if we were guests in your home,” one of them said.
These guests, many of whom arrived early, were greeted by a musician on bagpipes. Inside, they discovered glittering holiday décor and floral arrangements—made by seniors in a workshop led by Ave Maria Garden volunteers—graced every table.

As CNH Executive Director Jennifer Gray-Grant acknowledged, the event was held on the unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples. She thanked special guest Adrian Dix, MLA for Vancouver-Kingsway, who had helped secure provincial funding to save the CNH Community Lunch program and make this holiday luncheon special.

A team of staff and volunteers served a delicious turkey lunch with all the fixings while a local quartet called the Backporch Serenaders set the mood with delightful old-time jazz. Long-time CNH volunteer and Elvis impresario Peter Yap dazzled the audience. His energetic rock-and-roll performance was followed by the graceful Hawaiian rhythms of RISE dietitian Rani Wangsawidjaya’s hula dances.

Volunteers Barry Londry and Martha Barrones shared their “Memories of Home”—Barry recalled hot chocolate and gifts with family, plus 15 years of celebrating with friends at the CNH holiday luncheon. Martha talked about advent, piñatas, and posadas in Mexico and Spain. She and Santa presented the preschoolers who performed next with a piñata for their efforts.

Finally, the Highs and Lows Mental Health Choir treated our seniors to holiday favourites and led them in caroling, with Santa joining the ranks of the singers. They ended with Silent Night in multiple languages.
Throughout the afternoon, the guests were surprised and delighted by scratch-and-win games and many prize draws. One in four guests received a gift bag of donated self-care items. Heart to Home frozen meal delivery, Liberte Café and Restaurant, London Drugs, and Subway contributed gift cards. And as they have every year, Panaderia Latina Bakery provided 100 servings of luscious cakes. A $500 grant from VanCity’s Collingwood Community Branch and a $1500 donation from Safeway Collingwood provided six grand prizes—a plush blanket and cash—and a goody bag for each guest, including a Safeway gift card and care items. A gentle reminder to take care of themselves.

After attending many holiday gatherings in the neighbourhood this season, Peter Yap says, “The CNH holiday luncheon was the best.”

February 13, 2024
RISE: Embracing the needs of the community

When Darren Childs, 60, first visited RISE Community Health Centre, he says he was “scared to death of medicine.” With cerebral palsy, diabetes and other health challenges, he says he had no interest in the healthcare system because previous practitioners would give him medications that made him sick. A year after his first visit to RISE, which is operated by Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH), he now has a different view of medical care.

“The important part is giving people the freedom to feel who they are,” says Darren. “It’s not just that my lungs hurt or my legs hurt, it’s the idea that RISE and its medical team have hooked me up with the right people that match my personality as well.”

While Darren says he can’t speak for everybody, he says the staff at RISE and their willingness to answer his questions and be transparent with him has made all the difference. Living with both a disability and in poverty, Darren says he is often expected to meet the needs of the system but what he really desires is for the system to meet his needs.

At RISE, he has found a system that he describes as “wonderful.” Since joining RISE, Darren has a team of medical professionals working with him, including social workers, dietitians, nurses, pharmacists and nurse practitioners.

“At one point, [RISE] assembled all the people that were meeting with me,” says Darren. “There were 10 people that met with me on a regular basis and we had a roundtable meeting so I could find out what everybody’s job was and how I was going to get help.”

Having his needs met beyond basic medical care has been “the biggest gift that RISE offers,” explains Darren. “It’s the ability to go back into a community and embrace the needs of not just one patient or 10 patients or all the patients but indeed, the community.”

Further, he says RISE staff have helped connect him to other CNH programs and services that support his mental and physical well-being. Darren receives produce from the food hub program and has received additional support from staff when the batteries died in his wheelchair, making it impossible for him to leave his apartment. Additionally, he actively participates in social prescribing, which bridges health and social services for seniors and older adults in the Renfrew-Collingwood neighbourhood. Darren says he’s built new relationships through this program and discovered new goals.

Today, Darren says he no longer feels alone and his overall quality of life and well-being has improved. His perspective on medicine has changed so much that he was also asked to, and is considering, joining RISE’s advisory board.

“If [RISE] knows that the community has a need, then they try to fix that need,” says Darren.

This story was originally written for our 2023 Annual Report, which highlights the experiences of program participants, volunteers and community members at CNH. For more information about services provided by RISE Community Health Centre, visit www.cnh.bc.ca/rise or call 604-558-8090.

September 27, 2023
Breakfast program a ‘big boost’ for unhoused residents of Renfrew-Collingwood says former participant

Growing up in Renfrew-Collingwood, Clayton Travis Williams, 42, says he would play basketball as a kid at Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH). Afterwards, he would drop by on occasion to use the phone or the washroom. So, it wasn’t until much later, as an adult, that he started taking advantage of more services at CNH.

In 2017, Clayton lost his father to an accidental drug overdose. At the time, the two were living together in a BC Housing Project. Clayton says he was evicted and struggled to find housing. He slept on job sites and eventually, started living on the street. During this time, he also started experiencing addiction.

Remaining in the Renfrew-Collingwood neighbourhood, Clayton recalls someone mentioning free breakfast at CNH and for over six years, he ended up participating in the Morning Star program, which offers free hot breakfasts, showers, clothing and support services on Saturday mornings. While Clayton says he only participated in the one program, the hot meals and support he received from staff went much further.

“I was always excited to come get a huge plate of bacon and eggs so I took advantage of that anytime I could,” says Clayton. “It’s such a rejuvenation because when you’re on the street, things like dry socks, some shower gel and a decent meal in your belly goes a long way.”

At Morning Star, Clayton says he eventually met Ana Mateescu, Homelessness Manager at CNH. He says Ana went a step beyond and ended up finding food for him outside of those Saturday mornings. She would also help him access other supports, including haircuts and laundry when he needed it.

Today, Clayton is nearly two years sober after addiction treatments and living in sober housing. He is now living on his own in Abbotsford and despite no longer needing services at CNH or living in the neighbourhood, he says he and Ana stay in touch. Ana says she checks in with Clayton regularly and continues to offer him support when she can. She also asks Clayton for help sometimes, too, particularly when she has a client who could talk to someone with the lived experience and journey that Clayton has had.

As for Clayton, this new chapter in his journey is just beginning. He says his late mother was an outreach worker and now he aspires to do the same. He is also rebuilding familial relationships and working on rebuilding an old business.

For others interested in the services CNH provides, Clayton reiterates that Morning Star was a “big boost” for him, especially being easily accessible for someone already in the area.

“A lot of the general consensus is if you want outreach help or a shelter or anything like that, you have to go downtown and get it but there’s this place right here doing that, doing some support stuff like that,” he says.

Clayton adds that he wasn’t aware of the homeless services available at CNH for a long time, even though he used to sleep on the same block. “Why wouldn’t I come down here and get a free meal and have a shower?” he asks. “Keep those doors open because it was big for me when I was homeless so I hope it keeps going.”

“The name, ‘Neighborhood House?’ It really is like that,” he says. “I always felt safe here and comfortable and nobody ever treated me poorly here.”

This story was originally written for our 2023 Annual Report, which highlights the experiences of program participants, volunteers and community members at CNH. To learn more about outreach programs at CNH, visit: www.cnh.bc.ca/outreach. Morning Star takes place every Saturday morning at CNH (5288 Joyce St). Showers and clothing are available from 7-8:30 am, while breakfast is available from 7-9 am.

September 27, 2023
Creating community through family programs at CNH

When Zenaba came to Family Place for the first time with her 16-month-old and 2-month-old kids in 2012, her older child seemed to fit in right away.

“I had the baby in the carrier. He had friends, he was playing around with the toys they have, he got involved right away. I got to meet other parents and made friends with them, too,” she says.

Zenaba learned about Family Place by accident. She had just moved to the Renfrew-Collingwood neighbourhood, was just getting familiar with the area and she walked into Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH), where she learned of programs like Family Place.

“I took the brochure, went home, and then came to Family Place the next day.”

Since then, all five of her kids have attended the program. Beyond this, she became more involved with CNH by volunteering with the Food Hub and Families Branching Out, even helping out with fundraising for the latter program through her cooking skills.

But everything would change when COVID-19 hit the community in 2020.

“Coming here [to CNH] was a big social activity for [my children] so when COVID hit, it affected us very badly,” she says. “It affected my fourth son very much… he had a speech delay and didn’t go out that much.”

However, Zenaba saw things improve once they started coming back and appreciates the work the CNH staff members have done in supporting him.

“Every Wednesday afternoon, Katty [Mir] would do one-on-one [sessions] with him. He was very focused and was listening. She really worked with him,” she says. Her son now goes to kindergarten, and Zenaba thanks Family Place for being a reference for them when the school came for an observation.

Aside from this, Zenaba also appreciates the other forms of support CNH gives to their family.

“Now they’re coming back with the snacks [for kids] again. And it’s even better because now, we get clothing donations for the kids. Sometimes, they even give us food to carry home. So not only do the kids get food, but the parents too,” she says.

Overall, Zenaba enjoys the community CNH brings to her and her family, thanks to the different programs they’ve been involved in over the years.

“[Coming to CNH] changed my life. I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t come here… daycare was expensive, everything was expensive. Having a program like this offers you and your family a chance to get involved in the community, and it really made a big impact on us.”

This story was originally written for our 2023 Annual Report, which highlights the experiences of program participants, volunteers and community members at CNH. For more information about family programs at CNH, visit www.cnh.bc.ca/family.

September 27, 2023
‘It’s been a big part of my life’ says longtime volunteer on CNH

For 13 years, Barry Londry, 67, has found himself inside the kitchen at Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) every Tuesday. A volunteer chef for Community Lunch, Barry says he never expected to stay beyond a couple of weeks but now he’s a permanent fixture of the popular low-cost lunch program. “From day one, I’ve been doing the soups and I’ve gotten known for that, good or bad,” he says with a laugh. “Some people have nice compliments but I don’t think I live up to that.”

With a professional background as a chef and volunteer work with the rooftop garden at CNH, it was a perfect fit when Barry was first asked about participating in the lunch program. However, it’s his passion for food, culture and people that has encouraged him to stay. From congee to borscht and squash soup, Barry says he’s cooked a diversity of dishes at CNH thanks to the monthly menu prepared by the program’s head chef. “I enjoy doing it and it’s easy for me and fun,” he says.

Over the years, Barry has cooked for other events at CNH and in the broader Renfrew-Collingwood neighbourhood. He has also helped lead other kitchen programs at CNH and was instrumental in starting the Cheyenne Community Garden and the Norquay Food Forest. Barry continues to volunteer regularly at the gardens and participates in the seniors’ karaoke program every month. He also receives cleaning services through Better at Home. However, Barry is no “regular volunteer,” according to staff at CNH. Barry often shares his knowledge and skills within the neighbourhood, working collaboratively “to make the best conclusions,” says Emily Rees, Director of Community Development. “Without him, our programs won’t succeed.”

In fact, Barry’s wealth of knowledge, skills and interest in collaboration has allowed him opportunities that go beyond simply meeting new people at CNH. Through his time at the neighbourhood house, he’s also gained opportunities and experiences beyond his dreams. Most surprising, he says, was being invited to help prepare a feast for C.R.E.W., the Indigenous Youth Program’s annual canoe excursion for Indigenous youth. “We helped clean hundreds of crabs and got involved with a really nice, full dinner with smoked salmon, traditional salmon and chowder,” he says. “I wouldn’t have experienced that otherwise.”

In 2012, Barry recalls a cross-cultural meal he helped prepare for a group of city planners visiting CNH. Another year, he participated in and graduated from a course offered by the Community Development Department for community development and community capacity building at Capilano University. “I completed the course and we had a graduation party,” he says. “It was really great learning about the field by a really diverse group of people who were either working and/or volunteering in the industry.” Later, he was asked about his “dream kitchen” when CNH was building the Annex. Barry worked with the kitchen designer to help design and outfit the Annex kitchen with appliances and major equipment. “When I saw the Annex kitchen completed I felt proud for being a part of it,” he says.

When asked how CNH has shaped his life, it’s difficult for Barry to hold back tears. “It’s been a big part of my life,” he says. “I consider it my home, I really do.” He adds that it was difficult being away from CNH during closures in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic but he is relieved being able to be on-site and back to the kitchen. “It was a tough time but it’s just a big part of my life,” Barry says.” A very positive part.”

This story was originally written for our 2023 Annual Report, which highlights the experiences of program participants, volunteers and community members at CNH. To learn more about volunteering with at CNH, visit cnh.bc.ca/volunteer.

September 27, 2023
“You do only what you can:” Florchita Bautista on exercising at CNH

At 87, Florchita Bautista doesn’t seem to be slowing down. After decades of work supporting labourers on the picket lines and amplifying the cause of Temporary Foreign Workers in Canada as a nun, she’s now taking her time focusing on her well-being.

Florchita, who first moved to Toronto from the Philippines in 1987 where she spent 15 years advocating for domestic workers, moved to Vancouver in 2001 after retiring from her role. She first heard about Collingwood Neighbourhood House’s recreation programs while attending service at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church. She had been previously exercising at the community centres in Burnaby.

“I was looking for a place where I can exercise. Then I heard [about] this one and thought, why don’t I try that one? I felt that my limbs are already starting to get rusty,” she said. Now she encourages her fellow seniors to get moving as well.

Florchita looks forward to attending the recreation classes as much as she can. She likes the flexibility that the programs offer, especially after she survived a heart attack.

“Even if I am not able to follow as vigorously as the others anymore, our facilitator/teacher is very nice. She tells me, ‘You do only what you can.’ The doctor also told me that. And if you feel you are already too tired, you start feeling it a little bit, stop. And that’s what I do. So I am not ashamed if I’m doing the other exercises already sitting down. I take myself for what I am.”

Florchita adds that exercising at Collingwood Neighbourhood House has helped her stay active and regain her strength.

“Especially after my heart attack, I was more or less just at home, but now, I feel that [the recreation classes are] really helping me.”

She also appreciates her fellow class participants for being understanding and supportive of her accessibility needs.

“They are very nice—they are the ones to take the chairs, to bring back the chairs. And they do not like me helping out to lift the chairs anymore, realizing my age. I really am the oldest among them,” Florchita says.

For more information about recreation programs at CNH, visit cnh.bc.ca/recreation. Portions of Florchita’s interview have been translated from Filipino.

September 5, 2023
Going beyond with settlement services at CNH

Twenty-year-old Aliyah landed in Canada in May 2021 to reunite with her parents. Stepping into a new country, Aliyah could not speak English. She also had minimal literacy in Chinese due to reading difficulties. With so many challenges, her circle was limited to her home and parents.

In September 2021, Aliyah met Helen Su, a Chinese-speaking settlement worker at Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH). After a needs assessment with Aliyah, Helen initiated “Guided Pathway,” a comprehensive support strategy to direct her to available resources. Together, they created an action plan aiming at helping Aliyah to settle more quickly.

Following the action plan, Aliyah joined the LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers Canada) program. Sitting in the Level 1 class, she was able to communicate with the instructor and even more, she started to make friends in her class. Meanwhile, Aliyah registered for the Make Your Mark program where she could relax and enjoy creativity. She also participated in an art therapy workshop where she learned to express her feelings and thoughts with different paintings. All these activities offered through our Community Development team empowered Aliyah to break through her limitation and isolation. Now she has become much more open-minded, happier, and more active in the community.

The action plan also directed her to navigate the health system and identify the available resources supporting her medical needs. Through Community Living BC, Aliyah received benefits and joined programs that helped her have a life filled with many possibilities.

Aliyah’s experiences reflect the core value of settlement services at CNH. Our service is not as quick as a one-time meeting with the client. It is a long-term journey with much supporting and accompanying. Our services are not as simple as just filling out a form. They imply caring and empowering, navigating and advocating. Our services not only aim to meet the newcomers’ basic needs, more critically but also to help them integrate into the community and eventually find ways to contribute their strength to society.

Settlement services are available at CNH to support newcomers and immigrants in a variety of first languages. Our hope is to see you and your family make Canada your new home. All programs and services are free! For more information about settlement services at CNH, visit: https://www.cnh.bc.ca/settlement or call 604-435-0323.

May 4, 2023