Tag: Changing Lives

RISE: A life-changing impact

Mervyn Reddy remembers when he once relied on pushcarts, a wheelchair, and even crutches to walk.

“I couldn’t get out of bed, my legs would swell up, and I had a lot of water retention,” he said. “When I was diagnosed with heart failure, I was also in … the hospital, nothing was working.”

Today, the 61-year-old is on his feet again and aside from walking, Mervyn even feels the occasional urge to jog.

“All of a sudden I’m okay, I’m walking, I’ve got energy, I can walk for miles,” he said. “My breathing, before I had to stop. I would stop, and huff and puff, it was pretty bad. I haven’t had any swelling of the feet, of my arms, my throat. It’s really a big difference.”

The improvement in Mervyn’s health is due to the staff at RISE Community Health Centre, he explained, who he sees as positive and caring. Operated by Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH), RISE provides primary care and health promotion services to residents of Renfrew-Collingwood.

“They’re very, very kind and they give you the time,” said Mervyn who previously had difficulties accessing a health care provider.

As a resident of Kingsway Continental, Mervyn now receives weekly health support. At the low-rent housing facility, RISE provides weekly drop-in services onsite. Receiving care from RISE was a chance Mervyn took upon the recommendation of his building manager and it’s a chance he’s already recommended to friends.

“Everybody here at the building … they’re just gung ho when [RISE staff] come in,” he said. “When they come in, everyone’s up for it, which is a really good feeling.”

RISE also provides services to residents of Sarah Ross and Naomi Place Modular Housing, in addition to the CNH Morning Star Program, Youth Drop-In, and other programs and services in Renfrew-Collingwood. For more information, visit www.cnh.bc.ca/rise or call 604-558-8090.

November 19, 2020
Navigating COVID-19 as a newcomer

When Rafael and Yudy Kainan moved to Canada from Colombia, they hoped to settle successfully. The couple intended to apply for work permits but within two months, COVID-19 hit. All applications made through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) were suddenly delayed, leaving Rafael and Yudy with many questions.

Working with Settlement Services at CNH, they were able to get help from settlement worker Guadalupe (Lupita) Garcia. “Almost all the process was online,” explains Rafael. “Using WhatsApp or Zoom.”

The couple had been struggling with navigating different documents and rules but working with Lupita changed that.

Rafael was unable to work in Canada so Lupita helped him apply for a first-time open work permit. She helped Yudy extend her study permit, allowing her to work. As neither of them was eligible for government benefits, Lupita helped them to apply for a medical services plan as well and referred them to support programs at CNH.

“In that moment, Lupita helped us with different services,” says Rafael. “Lupita was a wonderful help.”

“I found an answer to all my asks.”

If you or someone you know needs support with newcomer services, contact our settlement team. We have cultural connectors working in the following languages: English, Spanish, Punjabi, Hindi, Tagalog, Cantonese, and Mandarin.

November 12, 2020
A friendly face

Over the last 12 years, Kyla Hanlon has participated in countless activities at Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH). The 16-year-old recalls music programs, playing soccer, Friday drop-ins, and baton twirling.

“I also volunteered at Collingwood [Neighbourhood] School and of course, participated in gymnastics classes,” she says.

For Kyla, gymnastics is one activity that continues to impact her today.

Training as a Junior Coach with Gym Sense Gymnastics, a low-cost program offered at CNH year-round, Kyla now works alongside her former instructor. In this role, she continues to spend her time at CNH, teaching the sport to children in the community.

“She always has a smile to share with anyone that is new to the program or someone who is returning to the program,” says Lucinda Donaldson, Kyla’s former instructor and now colleague. “Kyla is one of the reasons why programs in the community are so important.”

November 2, 2020
Discovering a new future

Sixteen-year-old Richelle Tiongson wishes everyone knew about the opportunities provided at neighbourhood houses like Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH).

“You can find a new hobby and interest, an opportunity to make new friends, as well as the opportunity to volunteer and not only learn something new, but to also help with the amazing work they do in the community,” she says. “Neighbourhood houses such as CNH provide a vast opportunity and support to many individuals, especially those who are new to Canada and the community.”

Through her participation in CNH programs and volunteering in the office, Richelle has discovered life-long interests and skills, in addition to opportunities for the years ahead. In Grade 3, Richelle learned to play volleyball at CNH and in Grade 7, she first volunteered in the office, which she has returned to do as a teen.

“I found a new hobby and interest in volleyball that I carry with me till this day,” Richelle says. “It was also through volunteering in the office I have learned new things and more about the type of work environment I wish to work in, in my future.”

“Overall, CNH has positively impacted more than one different aspect of my life.”

For more information about recreation programs at CNH, visit www.cnh.bc.ca/recreation. To volunteer, fill out a volunteer application form.

October 19, 2020
Youth helping youth

Originally published in Collingwood Neighbourhood House’s 2018-2019 annual report.

After volunteering at Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) in Grade 11 for her high school graduation, Odette Videla never left.

The 19-year-old continues to volunteer with youth programs and, more recently, began working with child care services offered through CNH, too.

“They have the youth program so [during high school] I would come here every Friday and Saturday to help in the kitchen or in the gym or to help set up when we had events,” she said. “But now I just come here for fun and to help out if they need it, especially in the kitchen.”

Odette has spent more than 15 years living in the neighbourhood, but she only recalls visiting the neighbourhood house in her earlier years, when her younger sister attended daycare.

On Friday evenings, Odette can be found leading baking sessions for Kids’ Kitchen. She often makes cookies with the participants, who range from 10 to 18 years old, but sometimes she switches it up, opting for a recipe new to the youth.

Odette says she enjoys working with children and youth. On her days off, she visits CNH “to relax” and spend time with other children and youth.

She credits staff from youth services for encouraging her to volunteer with different programs and to participate in new opportunities at CNH, as well as for assisting her with seeking job opportunities.

“I’ve learned that it’s better to keep being open minded,” Odette said.

As for her advice to other young people in the community?

“Try to help out as much as you want and can, and don’t be afraid to talk to others or see if they’re okay,” she said. “And just invite everyone in when you see someone new.”

For more information about CNH youth programs, visit www.cnh.bc.ca/youth.

November 12, 2019
A second home and a new beginning

Originally published in Collingwood Neighbourhood House’s 2018-2019 annual report.

Visit Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH), “it’s good for you,” Maryam Shariatzadeh-Joneidi says.

A newcomer from Iran, Maryam made her first visit to CNH two years ago, thanks to a recommendation from her daughter-in-law. Maryam says she immediately filled out a volunteer form and now spends anywhere between four to five days a week here. It turns out CNH was a natural fit.

On Mondays, she is in the kitchen cooking; Wednesdays are spent on the rooftop, gardening. On Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, she is practicing her English, and sometimes spends Saturdays in drawing workshops. In the fall, she hopes to be volunteering with Collingwood’s child care services. “I always like gardening, I always like looking after the kids, and I like working [in] the kitchen,” she said. “I have three children and we’re [in] the kitchen all the time.” CNH has remained a major learning opportunity for Maryam, whether it’s a new recipe or a new plant. However, the people at CNH have remained an important part of the neighbourhood house for her, too. Everyone at Collingwood is nice, helpful, and makes her feel comfortable, she says.

For these reasons, Maryam regularly advises others to visit CNH, whether they’re another immigrant from Iran or a neighbour. After all, CNH has become a place for Maryam to create, learn, and grow. “Everything is good for me,” she said. “It’s a good place.”

To learn more about volunteering at CNH, visit cnh.bc.ca/get-involved/volunteer.

October 19, 2019