Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Seniors and Elders Guide To The Westside
Seniors and Elders Guide To The Westside
Seniors and Elders Guide To The Westside
to the Westside
of Vancouver
About The Seniors & Elders Mapping Project
In the fall of 2008, over 100 Seniors & Elders on the Westside participated in
workshops to identify and discuss community strengths & resources, using the ‘Finding
Home’ model, developed by Jessie Sutherland. Information collected was used to
create a ‘Guide to the Westside’ for community members, seniors’ organizations &
government agencies.
Seniors & Elders Mapping • What is important to you in initiatives include the Seniors
Project Goals: your community? Mapping Project, Community
• What personal and Potlucks, Youth Initiatives,
1. Increase respect and under- Welcoming Communities
standing for Seniors & Elders community assets are
available? Steering Committee, Special
2. Explore what creates a Events and Volunteer & Policy
friendly community for • What resources support
Development.
Seniors & Elders a sense of home or
belonging? Finding Home: Belonging
3. Share stories and make new Meaning and Dialogue
friends • What is your vision for your
community? Program
4. Learn about resources in the Finding Home: Belonging
Westside Community Funding for the Seniors &
Elders Mapping Project Meaning and Dialogue is
5. Create a valuable resource is provided by the ‘Building a neighbourhood based
guide to the Westside Welcoming & Inclusive dialogue program that
6. Help to build a Neighbourhoods’ Initiative supports communities and
welcoming and inclusive of the Province of British individuals to foster a sense
neighbourhood for all Columbia. of belonging, build inclusive
. communities and strengthen
values-based problem solving
Mapping Process & skills. From 2007 to 2008,
Purpose: Finding Home collaborated
The ‘Seniors & Elders Guide to with the Environmental
the Westside’ was produced by Youth Alliance and Kitsilano
and for seniors on the Westside The Building Neighbourhood House on the
of Vancouver in an effort to Welcoming & Inclusive Youth Asset Mapping Project.
build community and develop Neighbourhoods In 2008 to 2009, Finding Home
resources. Through both Initiative (BWIN) collaborated with the Justice
the community consultation Institute of British Columbia and
process and the final guide, The Building Welcoming and Kitsilano Neighbourhood House
the Seniors & Elders Mapping Inclusive Neighbourhoods on program development,
Project supports community (BWIN) project is a 3 year outreach and facilitation for the
development through initiative funded by the Province Seniors and Elders Mapping
meaningful dialogue and of British Columbia that explores Project. For more information
resources on topics that matter. the role of Neighbourhood contact Jessie Sutherland at
Houses in building community jessie@worldviewstrategies.
The Mapping Project brought capacity by encouraging
together diverse seniors com
inclusion and building on B.C.’s
populations, including Kits cultural diversity. This project To find out more about the
House Seniors Drop-In will explore the leadership role Building Welcoming &
Program, Musqueam Elders, of neighbourhood houses in Inclusive Neighbourhoods
South Granville Seniors Centre the Lower Mainland in building Initiative (BWIN) and the
Latin Seniors Outreach Program community capacity to be Seniors Mapping Project
and Kitsilano Community welcoming to all and to address please contact: Jennifer
Centre Seniors Committee, racism and social exclusion in Longson, Community
around such topics as: creative and responsive ways. Organizer, 604-736-3588,
• What creates and erodes a jenn@kitshouse.org or visit
Specific Kitsilano www.kitshouse.org
sense of home? Why does Neighbourhood House BWIN
belonging matter?
Table of Contents
1 Acknowledgements 9 Emergency & 20 Volunteering
2 About Kits Non-Emergency Resources 20 Faith Groups/Spiritual
Neighbourhood House 10 Medical Services Services
3 How to Create a Seniors 11 Seniors Safety: Priorities 21 Our Vision for the
& Elders Friendly & Tips Westside Community
Community 12 Housing Resources 22 Useful Helplines & Quick
4 Musqueam 13 Transportation Links
6 Latin Seniors 14 Food Security 24 Crisis Services
7 Multicultural & Settlement 25 What Does Home Mean
16 Consumer Tips & Trades
Services To You?
17 Finances
8 Government Information
18 Recreation & Seniors Centres
Acknowledgements
The Seniors & Elders Mapping Project was made possible by the sincere and thoughtful
contributions of seniors residing and/or using services on the Westside of Vancouver. Their
knowledge of their communities, vision for the future and courageous dialogue helped shape
and inform the guide you now hold.
Kitsilano Neighbourhood House would like to thank participants, staff and volunteers from
the Musqueam Elder Centre, South Granville Seniors Centre Latin Seniors Program, Kitsilano
Community Centre Seniors Committee, and the Kitsilano Neighbourhood House Seniors Drop-In
Program for their valuable contributions to making this guide a reality.
Project Team: Kitsilano Community Centre
Jennifer Longson, Community Organizer/Project www.kitsilanoseniors.com
Coordinator, Kitsilano Neighbourhood House, Eva Srobotnjak, Seniors Coordinator
604-736-3588 www.kitshouse.org Nona Thompson, Seniors Committee Chair
Jessie Sutherland, Program Development, Outreach Point Grey Secondary School
& Facilitation, Innovator of the Finding Home http://pointgreysecondary.ca
Initiative, Worldview Strategies Bridges Program - Erla Calahaisn, Kimberly Leary
Dialogue Design & Facilitation Coordinator, Youth Artist – Erva Jean Sparrow
Justice Institute of BC, Finding Home Initiative Students - Erva Jean Sparrow, Theresa Joe, Alice
604-879-2402, Stogan, Michelle Stogan, Leo Leppington
www.worldviewstrategies.com, www.jibc.ca Vancouver Public Library
This project was made possible with the www.vpl.vancouver.bc.ca
support of many communities, organizations Renee Chalut, Community Librarian
and individuals. We would like to acknowledge: Kitsilano Neighbourhood House
Musqueam First Nation www.kitshouse.org
www.musqueam.bc.ca Volunteers - Naz Bahmanighadjar, Susan Carthy,
Larry Grant, Musqueam Elder Lucia Cheung, Jeffrey Doan, Caleigh Garland, Helen
Brenda Campbell, Elder Centre Coordinator Jue, Dellie Lidyard, Janet Mackie, Marguerite Ma-
Dianne Buchan, Associate Director cLennan, Pamela Pobleta, Jeffery Poon, Ben Wilmeth.
Paula Point, Office Coordinator Staff - Catherine Leach, Executive Director; Julie
Alex Wong, Geographic Information Systems Wall, Seniors Coordinator; Raewyn Tudor, Seniors
Coordinator Drop-In Coordinator; Emily Palmer, Volunteer Co-
South Granville Seniors Centre ordinator; Shannon Rees & Megan Raschig, Office
www.southgranvilleseniors.ca Coordinators; Jo Pleschakov, Elders Abuse Theatre
Clemencia Gomez, Executive Director Project Coordinator.
Magaly Varas, Latin Seniors Coordinator Layout & Design: LaPel Consulting & Design; 604 251-9993
Alanna Larson, Program & Volunteer Coordinator realstories@uniserve.com
DISCLAIMER:
Kitsilano Neighbourhood House, its
participants, volunteers and staff have
made every effort to accurately represent
the community consultation process and
participant-identified resources within the
‘Seniors & Elders Guide to the Westside’.
PLEASE NOTE: Kitsilano Neighbourhood House
does not necessarily endorse the services
provided within this guide.
Smile
Be Curious Be Happy
Share Food Speak Slowly
Accept Diversity Plant Flowers
Help Each Other Use Large Print
Respect Abilities Respect Yourself
Share Your wisdom Share Knowledge
Respect the Environment
Show That You Care
Recognize Friendly Faces
Create a Loving Atmosphere
Understand Other Cultures
Take Responsibility Make Friends with Someone
in Another Generation
Home means:
• Safety • Freedom- For the
• Belonging children to discover
• Comfort their community
• Connection to the land • Know each other
• Kids are safe • Knowing family ties
Musqueam Statement of Intent
Statement of Intent Boundary Area and Reserve Locations
Musqueam Reserve
Property of the Musqueam Indian Band
Water Bodies Produced by the GIS Unit
GVRD Municipalities Updated March, 2009
Not for Redistribution
Choose Sidewalks
without ruts
Implement longer walk signals
at crossings
Know your neighbours
Unsafe areas:
more lights
Isolation in certain areas
Be aware of phone calls:
sales people, no call numbers, winning
enticements
Be careful of
dogs off leash
Watch where you walk
Don’t walk on
endowment lands alone
Minimize
the amount you carry
Learn about
Fall Prevention
“Home
is a place
that you
belong to”
Housing Resources Co-operative Housing
Resources
BC Housing Vancouver:
BC Housing provides rent assistance Over the years, federal and provincial
to seniors and low-income, working governments have funded various
Housing programs to help Canadians create
families in the private rental market.
Applicant/ non-profit housing co-ops. The co-
www.bchousing.org
Rental ops developed under these programs
Housing Applicant/Rental Assistance
Assistance Program/Inquiry Line, 604-433-2218 provide good quality, affordable
Program/ Toll free: 1-800-257-7756 housing. Each member has one vote.
Inquiry Line: As a co-op member, you have security
604-433-2218 Seniors Service Society/Housing: of tenure. This means that you can live
Seniors Services Society is a non profit in your home for as long as you wish
Co-operative agency located in New Westminster if you follow the rules of the co-op and
Housing that provides local and provincial pay your housing charge (rent).
Federation of programs and services that support
older adults to live as independently Co-operative Housing Federation
BC:
of BC: 200 – 5550 Fraser Street
604-879-5111. as possible.
www.seniorshousing.bc.ca Vancouver, BC Phone: 604-879-5111.
Residential 604-520-6621 Toll-free (in BC): 1-866-879-5111
Tenancy Email: info@chf.bc.ca
Steeves Manor: Independent Website: http://www.chf.bc.ca/
Office:
Supportive Living
604 660-1020 Address: 1985 Wallace Street (near Tenant Resources
Seniors’ Jericho Beach). In partnership with Residential Tenancy Office: The
Housing BC Housing, Kitsilano Neighbourhood office can provide Information to help
House provides information and resolve disputes related to tenancy,
Information
referral as well as programs and such as claims for damages, return of
Program: services such as: Osteofit, community security deposits, or eviction notices.
604 520-6621 kitchen, hot lunch, fruit & veggie deal, Phone: 604-660-1020
shopping trips, out-trips, classes and Toll free: 1-800-665-8779
workshops. Website: www.rto.gov.bc.ca
Please contact the Resource
Seniors’ Housing Information
Coordinator for more information.
Program: This non-profit organization
Phone: (604) 224-4302.
provides information on all types
www.kitshouse.org
of housing options and services for
seniors living in or wanting to live in
British Columbia’s Lower Mainland
area. Phone: 604 520-6621
Email: info@seniorshousing.bc.ca
Website: www.seniorshousing.bc.ca
6
2 15 16
10 11
14
21
17 18 5 20 8
12
19
Government Benefits
Canada Pension Plan
www.sdc-gc-ca/en/isp/cpp/cpptoc.shtml Veteran’s Benefits
Old Age Security Program www.vac.acc.gc.ca/clients
www.hrsdc.gc.ca
P
rograms can include fitness, arts and Swimming pools
crafts, culture, dance, swimming, skating, Kerrisdale Indoor Pool,
child care and a multitude more. Residents 5851 West Boulevard
use these centres of activities as meeting places Phone: 604-257-8105
to exchange ideas and meet new friends. Kitsilano Outdoor Pool,
Community Centres 2305 Cornwall Avenue
(http://vancouver.ca/parks/cc/index.htm Phone: 604-731-0011
Dunbar Community Centre Lord Byng Pool and Weight,
Phone: 604-222-6060 3990 West 14th Ave
False Creek Community Centre Phone: 604-222-6090
Phone: 604-257-8195 Maple Grove Outdoor Pool,
Kerrisdale Community Centre 6875 Yew Street Phone: 604-266-9512
Phone: 604-257-8107
Kits Community Centre
Phone: 604-257-6989 / 604-257-6976
17
15
9 10
18 21 2
11
20 12
3 5 6
8 4
13 14 23
19
7
1
16 22
“I
Community Vision Letters hope your
Written December 16, 2009
Letter Excerpts: neighbourhood is
“I
one that values all
often enjoy taking pictures, its citizens regardless
and even using water colours of age. I hope
to paint the feelings I have. that you live in an
These visions of my neighbourhood inter-generational
are of people getting along, helping environment where
each other, respecting and enjoying people share their
contact with each other. We can strengths and experiences, where
learn so much from each other, your needs are met in a dignified,
and many people want to hear respectful manner. May your
about our experiences.” neighbourhood be green, culturally
“A
diverse and stimulating. I hope your
s you read this in 2092 lifestyle remains physically, mentally
please know that “Auntie D.” and emotionally challenging and if
was thinking about the kind and when you do need support your
of world you would inherit and wanted community comes out with resources.
you to know what she prayed for you: Most importantly I hope you are
that understanding came through happy and the world is at peace.”
better communication, that sharing
of wealth had eliminated poverty, and
that respect for one another allowed
people from various cultures to
overcome their differences…”
“I
wish a cleaner, greener world
for you. A world that’s more
inclusive and more caring: a
neighbourhood where everyone can
gather together and not be separated
by all kinds of artificial barriers like
age, colour and creed. In essence,
a world more welcoming, more
tolerant and more accepting.”
Useful Helplines services for British Columbia agencies and programs across
seniors. The Line also provides the Lower Mainland.
BC Bereavement Helpline the public with information www.communityinfo.bc.ca
CALL 604-738-9950 or Toll-free about health services and the Community Information for the
1-877-779-2223, Mon – Fri, health care system. Lower Mainland:
9:30am- 3:00pm Tel: 604 875-6381 (collect calls
BCBereavementHelpline.com Crisis Centre 24/7 Distress accepted)
The BC Bereavement Helpline Line Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a
provides the public and Distress Line Numbers: week.
particularly the bereaved with Greater Vancouver 604-872-3311 For deaf and hard of hearing
information on how to seek Toll Free - Howe Sound and callers: TTY 604 875-0885
help and assistance through Sunshine Coast 1-866-661-3311 (collect calls accepted)
their grief. TTY: 1-866-872-0113
Services include helpline Legal Services Society
for referral and support, BC-wide In Greater Vancouver, call: 604
community network of support 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) 408-2172
and resource information. The Distress Line provides Toll Free, call: 1 866 577-2525
BC Centre for Elder confidential, non-judgmental,
free emotional support 24 Personal Supports
Advocacy and Support (BC
hours a day, 7 days a week Information Line
CEAS)
for people experiencing Toll Free: 1-888-818-1211,
In Greater Vancouver, call 604-
feelings of distress or despair, PersonalSupportsInformation@
437-1940
including feelings which may gov.bc.ca
Toll Free, call: 1-866-437-1940
lead to suicide. We are here Telephone Device for the Deaf,
BC Health and Seniors for you if you’re worried about Toll Free, call: 1-800-661-8773
Information Line something, feel upset or Information & referrals to
Toll-free line across Canada: 1- confused, or just want to talk government programs that
800-465-4911, In Victoria call: to someone. You don’t have may provide equipment and
250-952-1742 to be suicidal to call us. We’re assistive devices.
Hours of operation: 8:30am more than just resources.
– 4:30pm PST, Mon-Fri We’re help. PharmaCare, Health
Visit www.gov.bc.ca/seniors for Insurance BC
more information & resources. Inform Vancouver In Greater Vancouver, call: 604
Translation services available in Inform Vancouver is a 683-7151. Toll Free, call: 1 800
over 130 languages. comprehensive information 663-7100
The Health and Seniors and referral service for the
Lower Mainland. Our Certified Senior Services Society
Information Line is a “one stop” Information & referral, Seniors
location to obtain information Information and Referral
Specialists know about, and Housing Directory of BC
on both health and non-health www.seniorshousing.bc.ca
related federal and provincial have access to, information
government programs and on thousands of community,
government, and social service
22 Kitsilano Neighbourhood House West-Side Seniors & Elders Guide 2009
Quick Links
For loads of information for seniors and elders
in one place!
“Home is
Adult Day Programs (ADP): Seniors Service Society: being with
Programs provide a range of health, 209-800 Mc Bride Blvd good friends &
social stimulation and therapeutic (Royal Square Mall)
recreational programs in support New Westminster, BC family”
group settings. Phone 604-520-621,
Website: http://www.vch.ca/seniors/ www.seniorshousing.bc.ca
programs.htm. Contact Support Programs”
support@seniorsservicessociety.ca.
Association of Neighbourhood
Houses of Greater Vancouver: Vancouver Coastal Health:
203-3102 Main Street 200 – 520 W 6th Ave
Vancouver, BC, V5T 3G7, Vancouver, BC
Phone: 604-875-9111 Phone: 604-736-2033
Email: central@anhgv.org Toll free 1 866 884-0888
Website: www.anhgv.org Website: www.vch.ca
Government Benefits
Canada Pension Plan Veteran’s Benefits
www-sdc-gc-ca/en/isp/cpp/cpp- www-vac-acc-gc-ca/clients
toc-shtml
Old Age Security Program
www-hrsdc-gc-ca
Housing Information
Housing Applicant/Rental Residential Tenancy Office:
Assistance Program/Inquiry 604-660-1020
Line: 604-433-2218
Co-operative Housing Seniors’ Housing Information
Federation of BC: Program:
604-879-5111 604-520-6621
“Home is
connections to
other people”
Crisis Services
24-Hour Distress Line Toll free in B.C.
1-866-661-3311
B.C. Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service:
24-hour services can refer you to counseling and resources in your community.
Call free in B.C. 1-800-663-1441
Kitsilano Neighbourhood House: Seniors Peer Support Program:
Offers confidential listening support and information to enable seniors to help
themselves. Contact Selina Chew Phone: 604-736-3588 ext 46 or email selina@
kitshouse.org
Seniors Service Society Support Calls: Support Calls are friendly telephone
calls made on a weekly, twice weekly or daily basis by a volunteer to a senior
who may be lonely or isolated. For more information or to register for this
program please call 604-520-6621 or e-mail: info@seniorsservicessociety.ca
Suicide-Related Crisis
Toll free in B.C. 1-800-784-2433
Translation services are available. Website: www.crisiscentre.bc.ca
Share Food!