About Us
Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) provides services and community development initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of residents in the Renfrew-Collingwood area of east Vancouver.
Activities are targeted primarily to low and middle income families. Services are delivered in a variety of languages with emphasis on building social connections, capacity, cross-cultural sharing and life-long learning. Residents of all ages participate in educational, cultural, social, health, economic and recreational services, as well as contribute towards building a safe and caring community through volunteer contributions, leadership and partnership development.
CNH is a non-profit, social services agency serving the community since 1985. We are guided by our vision, mission, and values statements to provide services and opportunities to our community. We offer licensed child care (including $10/day child care), immigrant services, recreation, youth, seniors and intercultural opportunities, including programs related to food, arts and celebrations, community initiatives, intercultural projects, and homelessness outreach.
In 2020, we became the first neighbourhood house in North America to operate a community health centre.
CNH respects and honours the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and the səlilwətaɬ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples on whose traditional and unceded territory we work and live.
Vision
A place to belong, a place to grow.
Mission
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.
Values
- Our neighbourhood as a place of connection, belonging and inclusion
- Individual strengths and gifts as the foundation of relationships
- Interculturalism and appreciation of our collective diversity
- Co-operation and mutual respect
- Participatory decision-making as a vehicle for empowerment and self-realization
- Social justice and equitable access to a full range of quality community resources
- Integration, partnerships and collaboration with other organizations
Community Guidelines
To build on our mission at CNH, we have developed a set of community guidelines for our participants, volunteers and staff.
What makes a neighbourhood house unique?
Neighbourhood houses are welcoming places where everyone of any age, nationality and ability can attend, participate, lead and learn through programs, services and community building. There is something for everyone, at any stage in their life. Throughout Metro Vancouver, neighbourhood houses offer more than 400 programs and services, including those related to early childhood development, youth, newcomers, seniors, advocacy and social change and more.
Additionally, neighbourhood houses grow alongside people and communities. We encourage and empower people to share ideas and launch new projects in their communities. We also serve as valuable links between local residents and other organizations, such as schools, support services, advocacy groups and multicultural associations.
That willingness and ability to network and collaborate means neighbourhood houses can respond quickly to emerging local needs and changing demographics; they are where unmet needs are met, and where unused community assets are mobilized.
CNH in the Media
From time to time, media approach us to comment on a current issue or to talk about one of our programs, services or initiatives. Here are some media stories involving CNH.
For media requests, please call CNH Reception at 604-435-0323 to be directed to the appropriate staff member.
Vancouver Sun
Catherine Donnelly: We need tangible solutions to loneliness to age well at home
10/13/23
New Canadian Media
This east Vancouver neighbourhood program is helping newcomers and Canadians learn about each others’ foods
06/27/23
Vancouver Sun
COVID-19: Volunteers respond in droves to help seniors through pandemic initiative
06/01/20