Building Welcoming Communities Newsletter September Edition 2010

Tai Chi Drop-in for Older Adults Welcoming Neighbours: English

About Kits House
For 36 years, Kitsilano
Neighbourhood House has
been the hub of the Westside.
It’s a place where all ages
from toddlers to seniors come
together to enjoy programs
and services that makes this
a good place to live and do
business.
This is a drop-in program for older adults
taught by Shou-Low. Shou-Low has been
teaching for more than 30 years Pa Tuan
Gin, which is a series of 8 gentle exercises
using a variation of Chi Gong and Tai Chi
Chuan ‘moving meditation’. These gentle
stretching movements have been
developed for older adults to help with
flexibility, balance and coordination.
Fridays 1:00-2:00pm
Conversation Circles
Kits House will be offering volunteer-
led English Conversation Circles for
newcomers this fall.
Practice your English, meet your
neighbours and learn about your
community!
Dates: October 4th - December 13th
2010 (except October 11th)

Vision: 2305 W. 7th Ave Times: 1-2pm Mondays

The Westside of Vancouver is
a healthy, safe and vibrant
community where everyone
thrives.
Mission:
We are dedicated to
strengthening our community
through leadership,
collaboration and opportunity.
In This Issue
1. Tai Chi Drop-in for Older Adults
2. Welcoming Neighbours Socials &
Out-trips
3. Welcoming Neighbours English
Conversation Circles
Drop-in fee: $3.50 Cost: $15 registration fee (subsidy
available)
For more information, please contact us at
604-736-3588. Location: Kits House- 2325 W. 7th
Ave.
Welcoming Neighbours: Socials and
Out-trips Contact: Emily, Volunteer & Literacy
Are you a newcomer on the Westside that Coordinator 604-736-3588 ext. 27,
wants to connect with your neighbours? emily@kitshouse.org
Join our new program for socials
(coffee/tea, art, music & celebrations) &
out-trips (to various places and community
services on the Westside).
Dates: September 21st, 2010- December
9th 2010. Third Thursday of the Month
(socials) & Last Tuesday of the Month (out-
trips)

4. Multicultural Women’s Support Times: 11:00am- 1:00pm (socials),

Program 10:00am-1:00pm (out-trips)
5. Kit's Blog Volunteer Spotlight –
Location: Kits House- 2325 W. 7th Ave.
Siena Feng
Contact: Patricia, Welcoming Neighbours
Facilitator 604-736-3588,
patricia@kitshouse.org

This is a registered program. Please

contact Patricia for more information.
 September Edition 2010

Multicultural Women’s Support Program

This program supports newcomer women to manage new challenges using

their own skills & experiences. This 8 week program will cover topics such as:
Job Searching, Leadership, Self-Esteem, Stress Management, Language
Barriers, and Community Resources. Meet new friends, learn about
Canadian culture and get connected with your community! Childminding will
be available.

Dates: Wednesdays, September 22nd- November 24th, 2010 (no sessions on Wed.
Oct 13th or Nov. 24th, 2010)

Location: Kits House, 2305 or 2325 West 7th Ave

Cost: FREE

Contact: Patricia, Strengthening Connections Program Assistant at 604-736-

3588, patricia@kitshouse.org

Volunteer Spotlight: Siena Feng

Siena Feng’s voice is relaxed and friendly as
she talks about her struggle to adjust to life in
Canada. “I was excited to come to Canada, but
at the beginning it was hard. I missed my
students and I didn’t speak much English.” A
high school teacher in China, Feng left her
home to accompany her husband to Vancouver
so that he could study at the University of
British Columbia. “My Chinese teachers were
not native English speakers, so my
pronunciation was poor and it was hard to
understand other people.”

Feng persevered, however, and today she
helps other newcomer families adjust to life in
Vancouver. Not only does she volunteer at the
UBC Parent and Tot drop-in, where story time
alternates between English, Farsi, Mandarin,
Spanish and Arabic but also as a translator for
Chinese seniors who are settling in Canada. “I
really enjoy working with the seniors,” she says.
“There was one senior who was over 70 years
old but she was determined to learn English.
Every day she wanted to speak it. She always
encouraged others to participate and had a
positive attitude. She set a great example. ”
Feng’s commitment to easing the transition for other new
arrivals. “Siena helped to create a more welcoming and
inclusive program for all families,” says Petrozzi. “She is a
wonderful volunteer and friend!”
Today, settled in Vancouver with her husband and three
year old daughter, Feng understands what is needed to
successfully transition to new home. “It is important to make
both Canadian friends and friends that speak your
language. It is a way to get information and not feel lonely.
Everyone needs someone to help.”

Sandra Petrozzi, Family Programs Coordinator

at Kitsilano Neighbourhood House recognizes