YWCA Contact Newsletter Winter 2011
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Transcript of YWCA Contact Newsletter Winter 2011
ywcavan.org
YWCA Program Centre535 Hornby Street Vancouver, BC V6C 2E8
Touching LivesBuilding Futures
contact Winter 2011
03184072
Touching LivesBuilding Futures
in tHis issue
ABuSe iSn’t AlWAYS
BlACk And Blue
Understanding the impacts of emotional abuse
YWCA HouSing updAte
Helping single moms find a stable place to live
SuStAinABilitY
The YWCA Rooftop Garden reaps an abundant harvest
YWCA ozonAted pool
A refreshing experience
AttrACting Skilled
VolunteerS
A powerful mentorship experience
leAVing A legACY
Kitty Heller —making the future better
Please share this issue of ContaCt with a friend
Being trapped below the poverty line is something single mothers in Vancouver face every day, in large part due to the lack of safe, affordable housing.
With three new housing developments under way, the YWCA aims to give single mothers a chance to create a better, brighter future for themselves and their children.
“The demand for affordable housing for single moms is high,” explains Arthur Mills, YWCA Housing Director. “We received numerous applications and have just completed the interview process. Interviewing the single moms brought home the challenges that they face on a daily basis—one mom talked about having to wash their clothing by hand because she couldn’t afford the laundromat, another wanted her children to live above ground because they have always lived in basement suites.”
In less than six months, the doors will open to two new YWCA housing communities—Alder Gardens in Surrey, with 36 units of two to four bedroom apartments and Como Lake Gardens in Coquitlam with 30 units of two and three bedroom apartments.
Thanks to our key project partners—BC Housing, the City of Surrey and the City of Coquitlam and many donors—who made these projects possible.
Both the City of Surrey and the City of Coquitlam are providing 60 year leases on the land at nominal value. BC Housing funds the construction and operating costs for the term of the leases, while subsidizing rents so residents pay no more than 30% of their household income.
“I have been proudly watching the construction of Como Lake Gardens,” says Katalin, a former YWCA Semlin Gardens resident. “Single moms will definitely benefit from this new housing community and like me, create many happy memories there—connecting with other moms and children, receiving support and care from staff and learning through volunteering. All these experiences shaped who I am and became life long treasures in my life.”
Similar to the other YWCA single moms’ housing communities, both the Surrey and Coquitlam housing will provide women and their children with a supportive and caring environment. An on-site Community Development worker will connect single moms at critical points in their journeys, providing them with access to resources like support groups, child care, legal educator services, employment and educational assistance.
“There will be a sense of community and safety—a group of women who have common issues,” explains Arthur Mills. “Hopefully they can gain some support, among each other
and through our programs and services, so they can achieve positive results whether that means improving their education, developing career skills or simply having a place where they feel safe.
For information on YWCA Metro Vancouver’s affordable housing, visit ywcavan.org/housing or contact Kathy Zazulyk at 604 879 7197 or [email protected]
ywcavan.org 2
Message from the CEo
Helping single Moms find a stable place to live
contact Winter 2011
each year, YWCA Metro Vancouver
participates in Week Without Violence, an
international week of violence prevention.
this issue is an important one for the
YWCA, as our mission is to build better
futures for women and their families.
unfortunately, violence against women is all
too prevalent in our society, in fact, one in
three women in Canada has experienced
some form of violence. this year we decided
to dedicate Week Without Violence to
helping women who are experiencing
emotional abuse. our campaign, Abuse isn’t
Always Black and Blue, teaches people how
to recognize the signs of emotional abuse
and how to help through effective
intervention strategies.
the societal tolerance of violence is a
significant barrier to ending violence against
women. not surprisingly, this has been
linked to the sexualization of women and
girls in contemporary media. that’s why
the YWCA has included the hyper-
sexualization of women and girls in our
strategic plan as a key advocacy area.
At our recent Annual general Meeting, we
hosted a panel discussion exploring the
impacts of sexualization on young people.
We heard from a marketing executive, a
former teen model turned girls’ advocate
and our very own Alex gist, who manages
the YWCA Metro Vancouver Youth
education programs. All three speakers
provided unique and valuable insights into
issues relating to sexualization.
Youth education is of great importance
when working to prevent violence against
women and girls. For the past five years
YWCA Metro Vancouver has been operating
two groundbreaking after-school programs
that address girls’ and boys’ concerns about
entering the complex world of high school.
these programs examine issues of gender,
promote the prevention of violence and help
define attitudes and behaviours that are
fundamental to healthy relationships.
As always, we wouldn’t be able to serve the
communities we do without the ongoing
dedication from our supporters. We would
like to thank our partners, donors,
volunteers and staff for their commitment
to YWCA Metro Vancouver over the past
year. Without you, we could not have
provided such exemplary service to women
and their families.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday season,
Janet austin ceo, ywca Metro vancouver
36 units at alder gardens in Surrey
30 units at como Lake gardens
in coquitlam
one in three women in Canada has experienced
abuse and, each year in Canada, violence and abuse
drive more than 100,000 women and children out of
their homes and into shelters.
these staggering numbers are not decreasing yet support services
for women trying to leave abusive relationships are slim. For this
reason, YWCAs across Canada mark Week Without Violence, a
national week of violence prevention.
this year YWCA Metro Vancouver’s campaign was called Abuse
isn’t Always Black and Blue: See the signs and help stop emotional
violence against women.
through a poster campaign, media coverage and social media
engagement the YWCA aimed to increase awareness on how to
identify and support women in emotionally abusive relationships.
emotional abuse progressively
destroys another person’s sense
of self, ultimately diminishing their
identity, dignity and self-worth.
“When someone tells you for so long how
bad you are, you start to believe it,” said
Jennifer whose name has been changed
out of concern for her safety.
Jennifer’s poignant words sum up just a
few of the long-term impacts emotional
abuse can have on people such as low
self-esteem, feelings of worthlessness and
depression.
Jennifer is a resident of YWCA’s Munroe
House, a safe place for women rebuilding
their lives after leaving abusive relationships.
“Jennifer’s story is not unique. All of
the women who stay at Munroe House
report experiencing emotional abuse,
and frequently say that the impact of it
is worse than the physical abuse,” says
lisa rupert, program Manager of Munroe
House. “repeatedly being belittled,
called names and intimidated takes a toll.
Women can internalize the abuse and it
undermines their sense of worth.”
With no physical scars and low rates of
reporting, emotional abuse is not easily
detected. However, it is the most prevalent
and destructive of all forms of violence.
in fact, research shows victims can
experience greater trauma from ongoing
emotional abuse than from infrequent
physical assault.
examples of emotionally abusive
behaviour include excessive blaming,
degradation, humiliation and harassment.
3 contact Winter 2011
contact Winter 2011
Abuse isn’t Always black anD blue 2011 week withOut ViOLence highLightS the
PReVaLence Of emOtiOnaL aBuSe
“Sometimes the abuser’s friends or
parents, they would just say oh yeah, he’s
stubborn,” said Jennifer when asked about
the reaction of her partner’s family after
asking for support.
part of the YWCA Week Without Violence
campaign was to connect with bystanders,
like friends and families of abusers and
victims. the goal was to educate them
about how they can help by teaching
them to recognize the signs of emotional
abuse and providing them with effective
intervention strategies and resources.
“When trying to stop abusive relationships
we often focus on the victim because
we feel helpless to change the abuser,”
says lisa rupert. “But it is just as
important to connect with the abuser
when trying to end the cycle of abuse.
they are accountable for their own verbal
behaviour and if we look the other way
we are simply bystanders.”
YWCA frontline staff have
reported instances where concerns
expressed by family members
about an abuser’s behaviour have
compelled him to treat his partner
with more respect.
“it’s so important for the extended family
to get involved, for the welfare of their
daughter-in-law and their grandchildren. it
is vital that they take a stand and support
their son to be a more respectful person
and a better father,” says lisa rupert.
one thing is for certain: emotionally
abusive behaviour will not go away on
its own.
“really, there is no such thing as an
innocent bystander,” said Janet Austin,
Ceo of YWCA Metro Vancouver.
“So understanding what you can do
constructively as an individual, providing
support that’s appropriate, that doesn’t
actually inflame a situation and educating
yourself around the characteristics of
emotional abuse, understanding it, and
doing your part to speak up against it,
that’s what we’d like people to do.”
to learn more about the YWCA Week
Without Violence Campaign please visit
ywcavan.org/wwv
For information on YWCA programs
and services for women leaving
abusive relationships please contact
Lisa Rupert at 604 734 5722 or
Abuse isn’t alwaysblack and blue
See the signsand help stop emotional violence
against women.ywcavan.org/wwvWeek Without ViolenceTM Oct 17-23
learn to be More tHan a bystanDer
unDerstanDing tHe iMpacts
Single Mom Leads an Army Full of LoveAthena is the commander in chief
of an army of three. She’s the single
mother of three boys, between
the ages of one and 18, who rise
every morning to conquer a new
day. She fled what she describes
as the poverty, misery and crime of
Winnipeg in search of something
better for her family.
“i’ve been a single mother for [over a decade].
My oldest son has mental health issues, so it’s
been very tough to stay on top of that, while
at the same time trying to keep them safe
and fed.”
Above all of the challenges of being a single
mom, Athena says her single greatest challenge
has been to feed her children. “Feeding three
boys is a constant thing,” says Athena, “and
being on social assistance is not enough. they
want to eat all the time, as boys do. Feeding
them is a full-time job.”
She says some days seemed unbearable.
“there were days when i just wanted to throw
up my hands and give up. We were homeless
for six months, bouncing from shelters to
friends’ houses. My kids and i were separated
a lot of the time,” says Athena. “i assumed that
being a single mother of three would make it
easier to find housing. i couldn’t help but look
at my boys and just apologize to them.”
But Athena is nothing if not resilient and
resourceful. She hit the ground running in
Vancouver and sought out as many services as
possible to help her and her family get started.
She joined a YWCA Single Mothers’ Support
group at a local neighborhood house where
she was able to connect with other single
mothers to share resources, find support and
explore goals of working towards economic
independence. through this group Athena
learned about and applied for the YWCA
presents for peace holiday hamper program.
“it was extremely helpful. it was sunshine and
it made us so happy in a time of darkness,”
says Athena.
Her boys were equally delighted that all of
their sacrifices had paid off and that this
particular Christmas was going to be different.
“Jacob was jumping up and down just seeing
everything that we had received,” describes
Athena. “He was saying ‘really is this for us?’ i
hadn’t seen him like that for a long time.”
life is now better for Athena and her little
army. they have a home of their own, the two
older boys are in school and the youngest is
in child care, giving Athena the chance to go
back to school and work towards a career as a
healthcare assistant.
“We have been living on our own and happy for
nine months now,” says Athena. “i have been
raising my kids and sending them off to school.”
to find out how to support low-income single
mothers please contact Vanessa wellington-
clark at 604 895 5826 or vwellington@
ywcavan.org
to sponsor families in need this holiday season,
please register online at ywcavan.org/pop
contact Winter 2011
ywcavan.org 4
Run entirely by Volunteers
The rooftop garden flourishes because of its dedicated volunteers. In 2011 alone, 66 volunteers contributed 1,060 hours to seed, weed, plant and harvest.
The volunteers come in all ages, experiences and interests, including business people, master gardeners and trainees, YWCA clients, community groups, and students in studies from engineering and soil science to nutrition and urban planning.
Stella, a long-time volunteer, comes every week. “I love gardening and seeing things going to a good cause,” she says. “I’m always learning. Ted is really knowledgeable. I pick the vegetables and I pick his brains.”
Declan is a high school grad who’s figuring out what to do with his life. A career in agriculture is “a possibility,” he says. “The more I surround myself in this environment (volunteering for a good cause), the more it drives me to give to others.”
Ted is now retiring after almost seven years at the YWCA. Thank you, Ted, for growing a legacy that nourishes so many lives in profound ways.
For more information on the YWCA Rooftop Food Garden, please visit ywcavan.org/sustainability
Interested in becoming involved in the YWCA Rooftop Food Garden? Contact Mariko Ikeda at 604 895 5814 or [email protected]
Practical and caring, Ted Cathcart loves to get his hands dirty. Soon after he joined YWCA Metro Vancouver as facility manager in 2006, Ted helped convert 20% of the YWCA’s ornamental garden into a food garden that helps feed those in need. That year 150 kilograms of quality, organic produce were harvested.
Today this prize-winning garden in the heart of downtown Vancouver has grown to 650 square metres packed with organically grown vegetables, berry bushes and fruit trees. By 2011 the annual harvest has climbed to 760 kg.
growing food, growing healthy futures the ywca Rooftop food garden reaps an abundant harvest in more ways than one
From May to October, freshly picked organic fruits and vegetables are delivered to the YWCA Crabtree Corner Community Kitchen, which in 2010 served more than 32,000 breakfasts and lunches to women and their families in Vancouver’s downtown eastside. Kitchen volunteers cook up the produce into nutrient-rich meals that are vital for families to thrive.
Fresh, organic produce is usually out of reach for those who struggle financially, like Crabtree
Corner kitchen volunteer Khadija. Before coming to Crabtree, Khadija had never tried organic vegetables. “Because of the rooftop garden,” she says, “I’m able to try them now.” Her favourites are the cucumbers, carrots and potatoes; “they’re fresh and tasty.”
The value of the harvest has grown to an estimated $6,500 annually. Since the garden first started, more than three tonnes of produce have been donated to Crabtree Corner.
from the Rooftop to the downtown eastside
Facility manager ted Cathcart (second from right) and volunteers proudly display their week’s harvest.
contact Winter 2011
5 contact Winter 2011
YWCA High School Mentor Sparks Camp Ignite
Enhancing your F itnEss
ExpEriEncE
With two lanes reserved for lane swimming at
all times and a cooler water temperature, the
YWCA pool is distinguished as an exercise pool
rather than a leisure pool. When people come
here, they know they can train in an adult-
friendly environment and have access to a range
of coaches.
“Whether you are training for a triathlon or
trying to maintain your fitness while rehabbing
an injury, the pool provides an excellent
environment that can help members meet their
fitness goals,” says Lis Petersen, Director of
YWCA Health + Fitness.
ozonE tEchnology
We’ve all gotten itchy, watery eyes and left
smelling of chemicals after a swim in a public pool
because of the chlorine in the water. in fact, some
people are so sensitive to chlorine that they have
stopped indoor swimming altogether. not only
does chlorine affect your eyes and skin, but it has
also been linked to breathing conditions such as
asthma, headaches and even lowered immunity in
some cases.
When YWCA staff began drafting plans for the
swimming pool over a decade ago, they decided
to take a risk and try ozone technology, an
alternative to chlorine, and a progressive new
method of keeping the water clean. “it was a bit of
a gamble for the YWCA, but members absolutely
love it,” says ted Cathcart, YWCA Facilities
Manager. “in fact, people come to the pool
because it is ozonated.”
the ‘gamble’ that ted is referring to was
associated with the fact that the technology was
relatively new to Canada and more expensive to
set up. But in the long run the pool operates at a
lower cost because it is cleaner. Chlorine is famous
for destroying pool infrastructures, rusting out
ventilation systems and destroying pool liners.
Ozone poses no such problems.
Aside from comfort and efficiency, another
key benefit of swimming in an ozonated pool
is cleanliness. Ozone pools are much cleaner
because dirt, grease, oils, organics and other
materials wind up in the filter system much faster
than with chlorinated systems and lifeguards
at the YWCA test the water every two hours to
ensure its cleanliness. “We also drain the pool
once a year as a proactive measure to make sure
everything is in working order and the filtration
system stays clean and intact,” says ted Cathcart.
For more information on the pool at the YWCA
contact Keri-Rose Tiessen, Aquatic Supervisor at
604 895 5806 or [email protected]
yWca pool: A refreshing experience
Jenn Dawkins (right) with mentee Ashley Lewis
Diving into the pool at the YWCA
Health + Fitness Centre isn’t your
average experience of swimming
in a public pool. there are a few
distinguishing factors that make
swimming in our pool
a unique experience.
AS A FeMALe FireFigHter WitH tHe VAnCOuVer Fire
DePArtMent, Jenn DAWkinS knOWS WHAt it’S Like
tO Be OutnuMBereD in Her FieLD. tOgetHer, WitH
COLLeAgueS FrOM Fire DePArtMentS ArOunD MetrO
VAnCOuVer, SHe FOunDeD CAMP ignite tO inSPire
YOung WOMen tO FOLLOW tHeir DreAMS, BeLieVe in
tHeMSeLVeS AnD CruSH StereOtYPeS.
Jenn drew on her experience as a mentor with the YWCA High School Mentorship Program when developing Camp Ignite with the rest of the camp’s planning team. “My participation in the YWCA Mentorship Program essentially helped with our entire concept,” she says, noting that rather than focusing on a single career, the camp encourages girls
to explore varied interests and be confident while breaking new ground, much like the mentorship programs of the YWCA.
The three day camp, which took place in August, introduced girls in grades 10 to 12 to firefighting and first aid training, but it was more than just a training camp. Participants also went rock climbing, hiked up the Grouse Grind and took part in various team-building activities. Camp Ignite was created to “let women and girls know that firefighting is not just for boys,” says Jenn. “The goal of this camp is to empower young women and let them know they can do whatever they want in life!”
As for Jenn, she continues to be a mentor with the YWCA High School Mentorship Program, where she shares her experience with a mentee interested in exploring firefighting as a career.
“The relationship between a mentor and her mentee can be incredibly rewarding,” says Marnie Marley, Director of Employment Services at the YWCA. “Greater self-confidence, improved communication skills and a stronger career direction are just a few of the outcomes of being a mentee. In turn, mentors can earn satisfaction in knowing they have played a part in some of these positive changes. We are incredibly grateful for mentors like Jenn who have taken time out of their busy schedules to volunteer for the YWCA High School Mentorship Program.”
Now in its 20th year, the High School Mentorship Program matches girls in grades 11 and 12 with professional women for a one-on-one mentorship relationship that enables girls to realize their potential, build confidence and follow their dreams.
For information about the YWCA High School Mentorship Program contact Heather van der Hoop at 604 895 5846 or [email protected]
contact Winter 2011
ywcavan.org 6
ywca metro Vancouver was
founded by dedicated women
who volunteered their time, after
seeing a need in the city for
services to help women.
More than 100 years later, a huge part
of our success is still owed to our many
volunteers. We are very fortunate to
attract and retain volunteers with a
range of skills and expertise that are
invaluable to our programs such as
graphic designers, videographers and it
professionals.
one of the YWCA’s professional
volunteers is Human resources
Consultant & leadership Coach Sandi
de domenico. “My experience with the
YWCA has been a continuous source of
inspiration and joy for me,” says Sandi
who has been volunteering with the
YWCA for more than five years. “A lot
of things keep me coming back—the
relationships i have developed with the
participants, watching them grow and
succeed and the opportunity to share my
skills and experience in a way that works
for the participants as well as myself.”
Sandi has mentored numerous women
with Connect to Success*, a YWCA
mentorship program for women who are
entering or re-entering the workforce.
She has also developed specific
programs to help participants search for
employment during challenging economic
times. through her 1:1 life Coaching
or her four part interview Bootcamp
workshop series, Sandi’s expertise and
commitment to help YWCA clients is
greatly appreciated by all of our staff.
“Sandi has been extremely dedicated to
our program. the participants all love her,
as do we,” says darcie gabruck, program
Manager, Connect to Success.
“Most importantly for me as a volunteer, is
the sense of being part of a dynamic and
powerful community that truly holds the
vision of making the world a better place
especially for women—one relationship at
a time!” Sandi replied when asked about
what motivates her to be a professional
volunteer.
Sandi recently completed the roll-out of
a new six-part group coaching workshop
where Connect to Success participants
focused on developing communication,
personal leadership, goal setting and
relationship skills designed to enhance
their success in the workplace.
For information on volunteering with the
YWCA please contact mariko ikeda at
604 895 5814 or [email protected]
For information on the Connect to
Success Mentorship program please
contact darcie gabruck at 604 895 5857
*Connect to Success is funded by the Canada-British Columbia labour Market Agreement
Skilled Volunteer Dedicates Time to Dynamic and Powerful Mentorship
employment Services: 20 years Strong
The YWCA’s Employment Services’ origins comprised a six week long summer Work Orientation Program—designed to meet the needs of young women with a desire to complete their education and training. Around this time, the provincial government rolled out a family-focused initiative and a multitude of support programs began to spring up around the province. The YWCA recognized the need to train and educate young women and responded with its first federally funded pre-employment program, FOCUS.
“When I first joined FOCUS, I was a teen mom without skills, had a grade ten education and a baby daughter to be a role model to,” says Sarah McKenzie. “I was terrified I was going to end up a sad statistic.” Fortunately, under the care of Betty Ann McInnes, Program Manager, and the FOCUS staff, Sarah was able to develop professionally and complete her GED and
Administration Diploma. “FOCUS was my saving grace,” says Sarah.
The delivery model used by FOCUS was later selected by Carleton University and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) for implementation in the Russian Federation. The YWCA also shared its knowledge internationally with organizations in the Ukraine, Serbia, China, Korea and Hong Kong. “This is a testament to the YWCA’s expertise and leadership in the employment industry,” says Marnie Marley, Director of Employment Services.
Although the original FOCUS was later replaced by “Focus at Work”, additional programs were developed, including Career Services and the Employment Resource Centre for adult men and women, as well as the Career Zone and One Stop Career Shop for youth.
The YWCA has had at least five stand-alone employment programs in the last ten years. “The strength behind the YWCA’s employment services lies in its ability to adapt to the ever-changing demands of the labour market,” says Marnie. Despite these changes, the YWCA prides itself on its continued ability to access funding and meet changing client needs.
Today, Employment Services has grown from five staff to 50, and currently operate nine employment programs. Although its clients’ needs continue to shift, one fact remains unchanged: the YWCA is committed to meeting needs and providing the most relevant services possible to foster economic independence in its clients.
For information on YWCA Employment Services visit jobseeker.org, or contact Melanie Hardy at 604 605 4666 or [email protected]
2011 Marks tHe ywca’s celebration of 20 successful years servicing its coMMunity
tHrougH eMployMent prograMMing.
Eleven meeting rooms. Two downtown locations.
Book your next meeting, conference or event at YWCA Metro Vancouver. We offer 11 meeting rooms available at two convenient locations in downtown Vancouver, seven days a week.
revenue generated supports YWCA community programs and services.
For more informationywca.org/meetingrooms
“Bombastic” was how Dick Hamilton described his friend and colleague, Kitty Heller, at her memorial. Her tenacity made her a lawyer to be reckoned with; she fearlessly spoke her mind. She was lauded for her work in Human Rights. Kitty served in the Foreign Service right after acquiring a Masters Degree in International Studies. “Imagine Kitty as a Diplomat,” her sister, Irene said.
Also told at her memorial was how Kitty offered her friends’ children to be their lawyer if they retained her with whatever loose change they had. She told them she would fight for their rights. Kitty’s capacity for caring about people was huge. No wonder she was such a strong supporter of YWCA Metro Vancouver.
Kitty has continued her strategic support of women through a YWCA bequest. Firstly, Vancouver icon May Brown has been honoured through Kitty’s contribution to the May Brown Leadership
Endowment Fund that helps fund the YWCA’s High School Mentorship Program. Since 1991, this program has matched more than 1,000 Grade 11 and 12 students with volunteer professional women in a one-to-one mentoring relationship.
Secondly, part of Kitty’s bequest will go to the Louise Donovan Youth Initiatives Fund. This Fund was established upon Louise’s retirement from the YWCA after 32 years. The Fund provides revenue for the YWCA’s two youth programs, Welcome to My Life and Boys 4 Real. Since 2006, 931 youth have participated in these after school programs that help create healthier and more confident community-minded youth.
Thirdly, Kitty wanted to support YWCA Single Mothers’ Services through the YWCA Inner Circle. These Services connect single moms to the resources and support they need to achieve economic independence.
Kitty left this world a better place albeit much too soon. Bombastic? Absolutely. Thoughtful? Whilst dealing with her cancer and giving it the due fight that was in Kitty to give, she prepared to leave a true legacy. Thoughtful—most definitely.
Please consider following Kitty’s example of leaving a legacy by updating your will with a bequest to the YWCA. You will be empowering women and giving them the independence they so deserve.
For more information on charitable bequests, contact Celia Campos at 604 895 5810 or [email protected] or JoAnne Fahr at 604 895 5829 or [email protected]
contact Winter 2011
new power of attorney legislation the Adult Guardianship and Planning Statutes
Amendment Act, 2007 (the “Act”) came into force
on September 1, 2011 and revises the Power of
Attorney Act (“POAA”), Representation Agreement
Act and Health Care (Consent) and Care Facility
(Admission) Act (“HCC”).
the amendments to the poAA provide greater
legislative certainty in both creating and exercising
enduring powers of attorney. Although existing
enduring powers of attorney may be grand-
parented under the Act, it would be prudent to
review your power of attorney with a lawyer to
determine if it needs to be modified to reflect your
wishes in light of the new legislation.
Some notable amendments to the poAA are as
follows:
• An attorney may not be compensated unless
there is an express authorization within the
document;
• An individual who is paid to provide personal
or health care services is barred from being
appointed as an attorney;
• the attorney must now sign the document
before they can act; and
• there is an express requirement that the
attorney keep and produce financial records.
Another significant change is that as of
September 1, advance directives are recognized as
legal documents which allow an adult to provide
advanced consent to or refusal of treatment
directly to a health care provider. in other words,
if an incapable adult does not have a Committee
appointed or a representative pursuant to a
representation Agreement, the health care
provider can act directly on instructions contained
in the advanced directive.
Thank You Nicole Garton-Jones, Principle of
Heritage Law for providing this information.
7 contact Winter 2011
Kitty Heller—Making the Future Better
give Hope. inspire a Dream.Since we opened our doors in 1897, YWCA Metro Vancouver has touched the lives of thousands of women and families. We couldn’t have done it—we can’t do it—without you. thank you for your support.
name
Address
phone
name(s) to appear in recognition listings
please send me information about:
❑ including YWCA Metro Vancouver in my will
❑ establishing an endowment at the YWCA
❑ A gift of life insurance to the YWCA
❑ A gift of publicly traded securities to the YWCA
535 Hornby Street Vancouver, BC V6C 2E8
tel 604 895 5850 fax 604 684 9171ywcavan.org
Charitable Business no. 108227943 rr0001. tax receipts are mailed.
❑ Here is my gift of:
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❑ Cheque enclosed (please make payable to YWCA Metro Vancouver)
or
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name on Card Signature
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ywcavan.org 8
contact Winter 2011
2011/2012 YWCA Board of Directors Contact Newsletter
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YWCA ContACt 535 Hornby Street Vancouver, BC V6C 2e8
For more information about YWCA Metro Vancouver or this newsletter:
tel 604 895 5850
ywcavan.org
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ywca Metro vancouver is a registered charity providing a range of integrated services for women and their families,
and those seeking to improve the quality of their lives. From early learning and care to housing, health and fitness,
employment services and leadership, YWCA Metro Vancouver touches lives in our communities. ywcavan.org
Safe, Affordable Housing
Healthy Choices for Youth
Hotel
In Downtown Vancouver, the YWCA Hotel offers comfortable and affordable accommodation to all travellers. Also provides longer term housing to residents and temporary accommodations to those needing emergency shelter. 733 Beatty Street. tel 604 895 5830 ywcahotel.com
Housing coMMunities
Affordable, safe housing for single mother-led families.Vancouver tel 604 879 5796Langley tel 604 514 1112
crabtree Housing
Transitional housing for pregnant women, new mothers and those with young children. tel 604 216 1662
Munroe House
A second-stage transition house for women who have recently experienced abuse in their intimate relationship, and for their children. Support and art/play therapy are available for children ages three to 18 who have witnessed or experienced abuse. tel 604 734 5722
Donations
There are many ways to financially support the work of the YWCA. Donors may choose to give cash, securities or gifts-in-kind. A variety of convenient payment options are available. tel 604 895 5850 [email protected]
rooftop fooD garDen
Volunteers plant and harvest organic vegetables, fruit and herbs on the rooftop of the downtown YWCA Program Centre, supplying fresh produce for meal programs in the Downtown Eastside. tel 604 895 5792
Meeting rooMs
The YWCA offers nine meeting rooms in two convenient downtown locations, available seven days a week. Rooms accommodate two to 100 people and are clean, bright and affordable. All revenues from meeting room rentals support YWCA community programs. Program Centre at 535 Hornby Street tel 604 895 5800. YWCA Hotel at 733 Beatty Street tel 604 895 5840
volunteer
One-time and long-term volunteer positions exist within each program. There are also volunteer opportunities for professionals to use their career skills. tel 604 895 5774
A Safe Haven in the Downtown Eastsidecrabtree corner faMily resource centre
Provides a healthy and secure environment for women and their families in the Downtown Eastside. Services include early learning and care, transitional housing, hot meal programs, single mothers’ support groups, and parenting support. 533 East Hastings Street. tel 604 216 1650
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Dr. Jocelyn LymburnerDr. Verna Magee-ShepherdLisa KershawDr. Kim van der Woerd
BOaRdmemBeRS
editOR Chantelle KrishwRiteRS Puspa Affandi Heather van der Hoop Sam Ramos Julie Cheng Bonny Yung Joanne Fahr
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A Healthy Start for Children
citygate early learning anD care
For children ages three to five, Citygate specializes in working with children to develop social, motor and interpersonal skills and to prepare them for school. 1192 Quebec Street. tel 604 687 1150
crabtree corner early learning anD care
Offers short-term care for children ages six weeks to six years in the Downtown Eastside. 533 East Hastings Street. tel 604 216 1650
leslie DiaMonD early learning anD care
Located in Downtown Vancouver, Leslie Diamond provides care for children ages six weeks to three years. 535 Hornby Street. tel 604 895 5816
eMMa’s early learning anD care
For children ages six weeks to three years, with a focus on supporting young mothers. Children have a safe, stimulating learning environment while mothers receive academic and personal support through Tupper Young Parent Services. 3839 Carolina Street. tel 604 879 1121
HigH scHool MentorsHip prograM
Partners high school youth with professional women. Mentors provide support and guidance regarding education and future career choices. tel 604 895 5802
welcoMe to My life
A fun and interactive program at selected schools in Metro Vancouver to help Grade 7 girls with their transition to high school. This after-school program is offered in partnership with the Vancouver School Board and the UBC Learning Exchange. tel 604 895 5779
boys 4 real
A parallel program to Welcome to My Life, designed to meet the needs of Grade 7 boys. Both programs encourage healthy living, healthy decision making, and mutual respect in relationships. tel 604 895 5779
caMp fun girl
This week-long Winter day camp aims to empower girls ages nine to 13 years in addressing the issues they face as they become teenagers. tel 604 895 5844
Support for Families in Needsingle MotHers’ services
Information, resources and support are offered to women parenting alone. In addition to workshops and special events, single mothers can attend professionally facilitated community groups offered weekly in partnership with local neighbourhood houses and family places. tel 604 895 5802
legal eDucator
Provides one-to-one information and workshops for YWCA clients on a wide range of legal issues. tel 604 734 5517 ext 2235
presents of peace
Donate to Presents of Peace during the holidays and have a lasting a impact on the lives of low income, women-led families who need support year-round. tel 604 895 5783
tHrift sHop
Donated clothing, housewares, books and jewellery are sold to raise funds for community programs. Additionally, YWCA clients are eligible for vouchers that allow them to obtain clothing and household items for their families at no cost. 4399 Main Street (Main and 28th Avenue). tel 604 675 9996
Connecting People to Employment
HealtH + fitness centre
A co-ed fitness facility in Downtown Vancouver featuring an ozone purified pool, the latest in cardio/weight equipment and innovative programming. 535 Hornby Street. tel 604 895 5777 ywcahealthandfitness.com
Find Balance through Health + Fitness
woMen of Distinction
Since 1984, this award program has honoured, encouraged and recognized outstanding women and workplaces in our community. tel 604 895 5768
Celebrating Women Who Inspire
How You Can Support the YWCA
career services
Offers career decision-making and job search assistance programs for women and men, including workshops and one-to-one employment counselling. Specialized services for professionals and immigrants are available. 113 – 255 West 1st Street, North Vancouver. tel 604 984 7630
career Zone
A drop-in employment centre in Downtown Vancouver for men and women ages 15 to 30. Works with community businesses to help youth achieve career goals. 1260 Granville Street. tel 604 605 4666
focus at work
Employment services that help job-ready women find meaningful employment. 602 – 1281 West Georgia Street. tel 604 688 4666
one stop career sHop for youtH
A drop-in career centre in North Vancouver helping youth ages 15 to 30 find employment through counselling, job search workshops, mentorship opportunities and events such as hiring fairs. Suite A – 15 Chesterfield Place, North Vancouver. tel 604 988 3766
eMployMent resource centre
A drop-in employment centre in South Vancouver for men and women who are legally entitled to work in Canada. Offering case management, employment coun selling and an employment resource area with computer lab and library. 5th Floor, 5750 Oak Street. tel 604 263 5005
career links
Connects clients from YWCA employment programs with working professionals for information and advice. tel 604 895 5846
connect to success
Connects women entering or re-entering skilled or professional careers with mentors. Women meet one-to-one with mentors for six months to receive guidance and advice to help kick-start their careers. tel 604 895 5858