3 minute read
Together, Our Neighbourhoods Are Better
Together, Our Neighbourhoods Are Better
When you walk through the doors of a neighbourhood house, you are met with a lively diverse community, a buzz of action and activity, and a sense that you belong. Neighbourhood houses are special places in Metro Vancouver communities.
The Association of Neighbourhood Houses (ANHBC) is a network of spaces rooted in communities across the region. Together they are eight neighbourhood houses and one summer camp, all building healthy and engaged communities where everyone belongs. With over 300 programs and services tailored to the needs of each community and its neighbours, everyone from youth to seniors, newcomers to long-time residents take part in creating meaningful change in their lives, neighbourhood, and beyond!
Neighbourhood houses are many things to a varied group of people. They are tai chi classes, language meet-ups, social justice incubators, intergenerational meals, childcare centres, dad groups, connections for seniors, and so much more! To Rocio,
the neighbourhood house is a place to find a home after a new beginning.
During the last two years, meaningful connection has been hard to find for everyone, especially those new to their community. After moving to Canada from Mexico with her husband and young son, Rocio found herself longing for home, family, and a place to meet new friends.
“In 2021, I was fortunate to attend the Nadie es Perfecto – Nobody is Perfect Parenting Program [at Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House], and it changed my life as a mother, wife, and friend. I had the opportunity to meet the most wonderful women and get to call them friends at the end of the program.” says Rocio. “The Neighbourhood House has been my home, my family, and my meeting place. This experience has helped me find myself again in learning what the word community means: home.”
Together with her neighbours, Rocio has found a support
network to help her grow as a parent, partner, and leader in her new community. Because neighbourhood houses provide support for community members to develop connections, grow their capacity as leaders, and make meaningful change in their neighbourhood, we know that together, we are better. To do this important work in our communities it takes strong leaders and donors to all join the Neighbourhood House Movement. Donations to ANHBC support programs and services that ensure families have access to healthy food, newcomers develop connections that help them grow, youth partake in leadership training, seniors have access to technology to alleviate isolation, and much more!
You are invited to walk through those doors of the neighbourhood house in your community, develop meaningful connections, grow as a leader, and support your neighbourhood. Real change can be made in our communities, it starts with all of us and your neighbourhood house!
FIND HOME IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD
ANHBC Neighbourhood Houses are spaces where everyone is invited to build healthy communities together. Here with you neighbours, you can connect, engage and grow.
Visit ANHBC.ORG or call 604-875-9111 to donate and find your neighbourhood house!
