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Tag: Changing Lives

  • ‘My second home:’ Gian Villanueva on participating in CNH youth programs as a newcomer

    ‘My second home:’ Gian Villanueva on participating in CNH youth programs as a newcomer

    During his six years of visiting Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH), Gian Villanueva said participating in youth programs has built his confidence.

    The 17-year-old said he wasn’t always one to approach new people but CNH changed how he interacts with others.

    “I’ve learned a lot about being more sociable here,” he said. “Going to Collingwood and meeting new people that are [also] new to Canada changed me into that person, being able to talk to them more comfortably and treat them as a friend right away.”

    The Grade 12 student said he moved to Canada from the Philippines in 2016. In the same year, he recalls a visit to his elementary school from CNH staff. Eventually, he made his first visit to the neighbourhood house with friends. Gian said he enjoyed it so much that he knew he would be returning “all the time.”

    True to his word, Gian continued to return each week to participate in settlement programs and other drop-in activities for youth.

    “It was really fun and you actually got to play sports, open-gym and do cool things,” he said. “That was also one of the ways I could spend my time since I didn’t really have electronics and since I just came to Canada.”

    Today, Gian said not much has changed. He continues to play a variety of sports in the gym and experiment with new dishes in the kitchen, though he has recently started to volunteer at CNH and said he would like to eventually find a part-time job at CNH, too.

    “I guess my entire life in Canada would be so different if I wasn’t introduced to Collingwood,” Gian said.

    Described by CNH staff as “always super helpful” in supporting wellness activities and cooking in the kitchen, as well as “instrumental” in the seniors’ snow shovelling project this year, finding ways to volunteer or participate at CNH has simply become routine for Gian. It’s also family, he said.

    Throughout his time at the neighbourhood house, Gian said he feels that everyone is treated like family, regardless of their background. He said that the Youth Services team, staff, participants and volunteers are considered equals.

    “I can call Collingwood my second home now, which is nice,” he said, adding: “If I didn’t learn about CNH when I came here, I’d probably be doing nothing right now. I’d probably just be working but I’m so glad that I found out about CNH . . . and that [staff] encouraged me to go here.”

    For more information about our youth programs, email Sanjeev Karwal at skarwal@cnh.bc.ca or call 604-435-0323.

  • Volunteer sings for fun—and for community

    Volunteer sings for fun—and for community

    At the start of the pandemic, life was lonely for Alice Crestejo. Like for many others, Alice found stay-at-home orders and physical distancing challenging. So when staff at Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) established a virtual singing program for seniors, it didn’t take long for Alice to jump at the opportunity to host it.

    As an award-winning singer and performer with a repertoire of songs from the 1950s and 1960s, Broadway musicals, classical music and Italian opera, it was a perfect match. Organizing this program, however, did not come without its obstacles.

    Prior to the pandemic, seniors would meet regularly at CNH for karaoke. Once the pandemic started, In the virtual version of this program, called Sing for Fun, seniors were invited to participate in a singalong, or even sing solo.

    “To start the Sing for Fun program was not easy,” Alice said. “After finding music that people are familiar with and editing the lyrics of each song to match the music, I had problems transmitting the music and my voice over Zoom in a clear manner.” 

    “I tried different ways and [staff] even offered to buy a microphone for me, which I declined.”

    CNH staff were “so kind,” said Alice but eventually, she had the system figured out. It took a few tries and a few classes learning to use Zoom but the result was worth it, she said.

    Jenny Shen, Seniors Wellness Coordinator, agreed.

    “[Alice] shared her singing talents with seniors and brought tremendous fun and happiness to those who were homebound and isolated during the pandemic,” Jenny explained. “When word spread, not only seniors from local communities came to join the online program, but also seniors from the lower mainland, and even from other cities like Toronto.”

    “Those long-time-no-see friends, neighbours, and family members never felt so close to each other to sing, laugh, and celebrate together with Alice.”

    No longer in isolation, Alice said she has enjoyed volunteering as Sing for Fun host.

    “The past two years have gone by very quickly,” Alice said. 

    “I really enjoy doing the program as much as the participants,” Alice said. “It made me forget about the loneliness we were in during this pandemic.” 

    “CNH has been my sanctuary for two years. I am the one who should thank CNH for that opportunity.”

  • Feeling a sense of community through volunteering

    Feeling a sense of community through volunteering

    For volunteer Rahel Getaneh, helping out at Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) not only gives her an opportunity to do something; it’s also a way to contribute to the community. 

    Over the past year, Rahel has been volunteering at the office, stamping envelopes, shredding documents, and supporting the Office staff with their tasks. But her journey as a volunteer actually began 15 years ago, where she also helped out with office-related tasks such as photocopying, typing, faxing, and more. 

    “I came back to Collingwood [because] I really like the environment, the people, the culture,” Rahel says.  

    And speaking of people, she appreciates feeling a sense of community every time she comes in to volunteer.

    “The people,” she says, “are really nice, really supportive. And they provide a lot of support to the community, so I just wanted to contribute to that.”

    Rahel encourages folks to get involved at CNH, even if just for a small time commitment. 

    “A lot of new people don’t know where to go and what to do. It’s such a good idea to start with Collingwood or any neighbourhood house…whether it’s to start volunteering or participating in a lot of different activities and experiences,” she says. “It’s such a good support system.”

    For more information about volunteering with CNH, please visit cnh.bc.ca/volunteer.

  • RISE: A life-changing impact

    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.

  • Navigating COVID-19 as a newcomer

    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.

  • A friendly face

    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.”

  • Discovering a new future

    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.

  • 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.

  • A second home and a new beginning

    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.