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

Tag: Community Services

  • 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

  • Recreation: Weekend Restorative Yoga

    Recreation: Weekend Restorative Yoga

    Join us for Weekend Yoga and embrace tranquility! Enjoy increased strength, balance, and body awareness in a serene atmosphere. Wear loose, comfortable clothing, and sign up today to refresh your mind and body!

    Led by Sandra Suazo. Max. 22 people per session (min. 7).

    Dates & Location

    Sundays from 5-6 pm at the CNH Annex.

    Registration

    Online registration is now available through our web portal. Follow the link below or call 604-435-0323 to register on the phone.

    Register Online
  • Lunar New Year Open House for Seniors

    Lunar New Year Open House for Seniors

    Seniors (55+) are invited to celebrate the Year of the Snake with us at our Lunar New Year Open House, happening on Saturday, February 8 from 12-2pm at the CNH Gym on 5288 Joyce Street. In addition to entertainment, there will be prize draws during the event.

    Entertainment line-up:
    – Chinese Classical Dance
    – Hula Along Dance
    – Fashion Modelling Dance
    – Peter Yap
    – Zumba demo class

    Plus:
    – Chinese calligraphy with Thomas Wong
    – Flower bouquets with Ave Maria Garden volunteers
    – Information on resources for seniors

    The Lunar New Year Open House is free for seniors and their guests. Lunch is not included, but pastries will be available for $1 to $2. There will be limited seating available for the elderly and persons with disabilities during performances only.

    For more information, email schu@cnh.bc.ca or call 604-435-0375.

    The event is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program and VanCity Savings Credit Union.

  • Beatriz and Juliana: Empowered immigrant women at CNH

    Beatriz and Juliana: Empowered immigrant women at CNH

    Meet Beatriz and Juliana, two resilient immigrant women who have found empowerment and support through the Women’s Leadership Program (WLP) with LINC & Settlement Services at Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH).

    Juliana recently completed her accounting and payroll certificate program, marking a significant milestone in her journey. With her upgraded skills and confidence, Juliana is now preparing to re-enter the workplace. Despite her achievements, Juliana continues to attend and actively participate in the Women’s Leadership Program. For her, it’s not just about professional development but also about staying connected with a community of strong women, gaining self-confidence and fostering meaningful friendships.

    On the other hand, Beatriz has successfully finished her LINC 7 program, greatly enhancing her English proficiency. Now, she’s exploring opportunities to utilize her education and skills in her new home. Alongside her pursuits, Beatriz remains committed to giving back to the community. She continues to volunteer at CNH and manages a spa in Vancouver where she not only applies her expertise, but also finds fulfillment in helping others.

    The story of Beatriz and Juliana exemplifies the resilience of determination of immigrant women, who despite facing challenges, have thrived in their new environment. Beatriz and Jualiana’s continued participation in the WLP underscores commitment and personal growth, empowerment, and building supportive connections.

    Join us in celebrating the journey of Beatriz and Juliana as they inspire others to embrace opportunities and overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams in their new home.

    Learn more about programs and services for newcomers at CNH by visiting cnh.bc.ca/settlement or call 604-435-0323.

  • Empowering seniors through digital literacy

    Empowering seniors through digital literacy

    Suman and his wife, Nenita, immigrated to Canada from India decades ago. They built a life together filled with love, laughter, and resilience. But as technology continued to advance at a rapid pace, they found themselves feeling somewhat overwhelmed and left behind.

    Determined to embrace the digital age, Suman and Nenita decided to enroll in the Collingwood Tech Support Program. From the moment they walked through the doors, they were met with warmth and kindness from the volunteers and the UBC student who dedicated their time to helping seniors like them.

    With each one-on-one session, Suman and Nenita eagerly soaked up new knowledge like sponges. Whether it was learning how to navigate Facebook to stay connected with family and friends back in India, or mastering the intricacies of typing in Hindi on their keyboard, the volunteers tailored each lesson to their specific needs and pace.

    But what truly stood out to Suman and Nenita was the patience and understanding shown by their mentors. Despite their initial struggles and hesitations, the volunteers never once made them feel inadequate or out of place. Instead, they encouraged them to ask questions, experiment with new skills, and celebrate their progress along the way.

    Over the course of just a few months, Suman and Nenita’s confidence in using technology soared to new heights. They marvelled at their ability to adjust text sizes on their phones for easier reading and edit photos with just a few taps of their fingertips. Each session left them feeling empowered and excited for the next opportunity to learn and grow.

    With newfound skills and confidence, Suman and Anita eagerly looked forward to embracing all that the digital world had to offer. And as they continued on their journey of lifelong learning, they knew that they would always have a dedicated community of mentors cheering them on every step of the way.

    One-on-one tech support is available for seniors and older adults who need help with their devices, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, or desktop computers. Learn more at cnh.bc.ca/seniors or call 604-435-0323.

  • Settlement: Women’s Circle

    Join us for the spring and summer editions of our women’s circle! In these two-hour sessions, participants will take part in facilitated group discussions to support career and personal growth.

    Aimed at newcomers who identify as women, this supportive community aims to empower, inspire and connect participants.

    Saturdays from 10 am to 12 pm:

    • June 8
    • June 22
    • July 13
    • July 20
    • August 10
    • August 24

    To register, email Karen Caguioa at kcaguioa@cnh.bc.ca.

    Funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

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

    Celebrating National Volunteer Week 2024: “Every Moment Matters”

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

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

    Morning Star Program

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

    Seniors Programs

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

    RISE Community Health Centre

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

    Food Hub Programs

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

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

  • Rania Hatzioannou: A ‘guiding light’ in children’s writing classes at CNH for 20 years

    Rania Hatzioannou: A ‘guiding light’ in children’s writing classes at CNH for 20 years

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

    This year, we recognize and celebrate Rania Hatzioannou for 20 years of service. Here’s what Carmen Correal and Amir Sabbaghan, both Recreation Managers at CNH, had to say about Rania:

    We come together with pride and appreciation to honour a truly exceptional instructor who has dedicated two decades of her life to nurturing the creative minds of the children in our community. We celebrate Rania, a guiding light in our children’s writing class, for her unwavering commitment and remarkable contributions.

    Rania has inspired our children’s community for the past 20 years, the spark of creativity in countless children’s young hearts and minds. Her dedication to fostering a love for writing and storytelling has enriched the lives of these children and left an enduring legacy within our community.

    Through the years, Rania has consistently demonstrated qualities that make her stand out as an outstanding educator. Beyond her instructor role, Rania actively contributed as a member of the Board of Directors at CNH for nine years.  From 2010 to 2012, she was vice president.

    We asked Rania. Why did you stay so long at CNH?

    She turns down every Friday night invitation to socialize with family or friends because she cannot think of anything else to bring her the same joy she gets from seeing a child’s eyes grow while learning.

    Rania’s favourite work-related memory?

    “I have far too many fond memories of teaching creative writing at Collingwood. Children have to read their stories in front of the class. One time, a young student was reading in front of the class with his eyes going left to right across the notebook page. The story was very long, but he was not turning the pages. I asked him to show me the story afterwards; the pages were blank! He was making up the story as he was going along! He was an excellent storyteller, but after two years in my class, he was also a good writer.”

    Rania’s impact on our community and our children’s lives is immense, and we look forward to celebrating her legacy together as a community.

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

  • Thomas Wong: 25 years of ‘extraordinary compassion’ at CNH

    Thomas Wong: 25 years of ‘extraordinary compassion’ at CNH

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

    This year, we recognize and celebrate Thomas Wong for 25 years of service. Here’s what Jenny Shen, Navigation & Peer Support, Walking Club & Tech Support Program Manager, had to say about Thomas:

    A remarkable individual, Thomas Wong, also known as Master Thomas, has been an integral part of CNH for more than 25 years.

    Thomas is a master in many areas. From Qi Gong to Tai Chi, Tai Chi Sword to Chinese calligraphy, he’s a seasoned instructor. Did you know he was already a black belt in karate in his early twenties? But what sets Thomas apart is his extraordinary compassion towards his students. He knows each of them and always takes care of those who are vulnerable or have special needs. His classes are so popular that, to this day, at the age of 75, he holds the record for running the most classes at CNH.

    If you stroll outside of the main CNH building, you will come across a bench with four elegant Chinese characters: Spring, summer, autumn and winter, painted by Thomas. It conveys a profound pearl of wisdom: Our lives, like the changing seasons, have their own unique beauty.

    Thank you, Thomas, for sharing your talents, wisdom, and beautiful spirit with us for 25 incredible years. We look forward to many more seasons of inspiration and growth with you.

    To learn about current career opportunities at CNH, visit www.cnh.bc.ca/about/careers.

  • Settlement: Leadership Development for Immigrant Women

    Settlement: Leadership Development for Immigrant Women

    6 sessions of “Empowering Journey: Immigrant Women Pathways to Success”

    In this free program consisting of six workshops, we highlight the importance of cultural understanding, diversity and inclusivity in the context of leadership development for immigrant women. CNH staff will work with participants to empower their unique journeys toward personal and professional success.

    We encourage participants to attend as many sessions as possible (descriptions below). Sessions will also feature guest speakers.

    DateDescription
    Oct. 14Session 1 / Empowering Your Inner Leader: Building Confidence & Self-Esteem
    Embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. This session sets the foundation for the entire program, creating a safe and welcoming space for immigrant women of all backgrounds and experiences
    Oct. 21Session 2 / Empowerment through Storytelling & Public Speaking: Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking
    Expect a transformative experience. Gain newfound confidence and learn to connect with others through the power of your unique narrative.
    Oct. 28Session 3 / Recognizing Your Skills & Experience
    Through interactive activities and group discussions, learn how to leverage your qualifications effectively for personal and professional growth. Gain confidence in showcasing your unique skills and experiences.
    Nov. 4Session 4 / Empower Your Online Presence: Navigating Digital Privacy & Social Media for Women Leaders
    As leaders, online presence is a powerful tool for empowerment, networking and advocacy but it also comes with privacy and security risks. This workshop will harness the potential of social media while safeguarding personal and professional information.
    Nov. 18*Session 5 / Mental Wellness & Resilience: A Path to Empowerment
    Increased awareness of the connection between mental health and practical self-care tools and the importance of building a support network for emotional healing.

    Session 6 / Practical Self-Care Tools & Building a Strong Supportive Network
    Increased awareness of the connection between mental health and practical self-care tools and the importance of building a support network for emotional healing.

    *Nov. 18 combines Sessions 5 & 6 and will run until 1:30 pm.

    Dates & Location

    Workshops take place on Saturday mornings at the CNH Annex (Art Room) from Oct. 14 to Nov. 18, 2023 (no session on Nov. 11). Please note:

    • Sessions 1-4 (Oct. 14-Nov. 4) will run from 10 am to 12 pm
    • Sessions 5-6 are combined (Nov. 18) and will run 10 am to 1:30 pm

    Registration

    Pre-registration is required. Workshops are free and are intended for women who identify as immigrants.

    We encourage participants to attend all six sessions but understand folks may have scheduling conflicts. For more information or to register, call 604-657-9142 or email Karen Caguioa at kcaguioa@cnh.bc.ca.