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PEACE ARCH RESOURCE CENTRE | 882 Maple Street, White Rock BC, V4B 4M2 | Phone (604) 531-6226 | Fax (604) 531-2316 | www.sourcesbc.ca
Introducing our Newton Resource Centre In the Spring of this year, the Board of Directors of the Newton Advocacy Group Society (NAGS) voted to amalgamate with Sources. We are now privileged to be delivering all the programs and services of this established and well-respected organization for the marginalized and disenfranchised through our Newton Resource Centre.
NAGS was created by five women in 1991 as a grass roots initiative to respond to the need for information and support by those on income assistance. Over the years, it grew into a multiservice advocacy and employment organization assisting approximately 5,000 individuals each year with dignity, respect and without prejudice. In 2008, NAGS was the recipient of the Surrey Board of Trade Non-For-Profit Business Excellence Award. The Centre empowers individuals through education, advocacy, increased self-confidence and the use of community resources and services. From Burnaby to Hope, its client base is no longer restricted to the Newton area.
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What we provide: ADVOCACY
by providing loans for rental/utility arrears or damage deposit and first month’s rent to promote housing stability. Loan repayments are reinvested in new loans. We encourage personal asset building and lasting change through financial literacy training and individual counselling and coaching. Housing stability is a key component of both homelessness prevention and the promotion of economic and social well-being of Surrey residents.
Managed by Soraya VanBuskirk, we provide the following:
Poverty Law Program: Annually funded by Law Foundation of BC, we provide professional and reliable legal advocacy to the most disadvantaged individuals in our community, in both English and Punjabi, on matters related to income assistance, provincial disability claims, federal income security programs and residential tenancy.
Employment Managed by Nancy Swaby, we provide the following: Soraya VanBuskirk
Disability Support Advocacy Program: We provide information, support and advocacy for people with provincial ‘Persons with Disabilities’ status for the services and benefits to which they are entitled. Mental Health Consumer Advocacy Program: We provide advocacy, information and support to mental health consumers and their family members related to provincial income assistance and disability benefits, Canada Pension Plan disability benefits, and residential tenancy. We also provide in person, by telephone or email, consultation and education on behalf of our clients to Fraser Health mental health staff and related community agencies. Homelessness Prevention Program: We prevent people and families from becoming homeless and assist the homeless in reducing the barriers that contributed to their current situation.
Project Comeback: We assist, empower and support the homeless or those facing homelessness in Surrey to acquire full-time sustainable employment and independent housing. Through donations, we provide participants with bus tickets to go to work, first month’s rent or damage deposit, new ID and other items that cannot be funded through usual income support programs.
Nancy Swaby
Women’s Empowerment Program: This is for women who have experienced some form of abuse in their lives and now want to make positive changes in a supportive, self-esteem building environment. We provide group workshops as well as individualized services on life skills training, education on the dynamics of abuse, trauma counseling, personal coaching, career exploration and job development.
We collaborate with other organizations such as The Front Room, Surrey Women’s Centre, South Fraser Women’s Services Society, Salvation Army — Gateway of Hope, the Elizabeth Fry Society, local Food Banks, mental health and addictions services to assist clients become housed and we provide support to sustain the housing.
Surrey Rent Bank [SRB] From its inception, the SRB has had one goal: to reduce homelessness among low-income individuals and families. We do this
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Client Computer Room
Women in Sustainable Employment (WISE) Program: This is for women who are unemployed and seeking employment. We offer workshops on job readiness and employment maintenance and provide support for personal issues. Visitors to Sources newest location — the Newton Resource Centre located at #A205, 13588 – 88 Avenue, Surrey V3W 6Y8 — will be greeted by Newt who loves people! Please come by and say ‘Hello’.
Retiring NAGS Executive Director, Susan Keeping with Board Member, Kyle Baillie
Historic Annual General Meetings Take Place at Sources On September 27, Sources Community Resource Centres held its Annual General Meeting in conjunction with the last meeting of the Newton Advocacy Group Society (NAGS), which amalgamated its programs and services under the Sources umbrella earlier this year. Special tribute was paid to retiring NAGS Executive Director Susan Keeping for her years of dedicated service to an organization that was established in 1991 by five women who sought to create an agency that would provide resources and support to the most vulnerable in our community. Outgoing Sources Board Members Sharon Goldberg, Gaye Johnson and Verna Logan were also thanked for their contributions.
Say ‘Hello’ to Newt
Keynote speeches this year were given by Robert Stone and Judith McBride from our Volunteer Speakers Bureau. They related how giving of themselves to others had changed their lives in a very positive way. Sources Board of Directors Secretary Judy Forster began the meeting with a moment of silence for Peach Arch News Publisher and community supporter Linda Klitch whose tragic passing occurred a few days before. Copies of the Sources and NAGS Annual Reports can be found on our web site www.sourcesbc.ca H
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Resources Communit y Newslet ter
Sources Celebrates Community Living Month in Style “Tell them that the party isn’t over yet!” — Peter Bourne, Victoria, BC In our province, October is known as Community Living Month. We have celebrated since the 1980s when the provincial government decided to close institutions such as the Woodlands School in New Westminster and introduce a new service model. In the field of services to people who live with disabilities, we take the opportunity to celebrate the talents of people who often go unnoticed for their achievements. The Sources Life Skills Centre held three Community Living Month events this year. One of these events, held on October 12 in front of 75 guests, was entitled Don’t Stop Believing. It featured a wonderful display of art that had been created by various members of the Sources Adult Day Program as well as other self-advocates who attend programs operated by the Sources Life Skills Centre. The walls of the Millennium Hall were adorned with art displays that in my opinion were worthy of being displayed at the Vancouver Art Gallery. One of our staff, Dale Villajuan, was the talent behind the talent. Dale’s sensitivity and care to our clients was highly evident in the way that he introduced and presented the art displays. There were also powerful testimonials shared by some of our Surrey Self Advocacy Groups. Our audience both laughed and cried at some of the stories that were told and in the end I believe that we all agreed that there were many reasons why we can’t stop believing in the abilities of those who are often labeled as disabled.
of country and some classic oldies, but whatever he sings, it is pleasing to the ear. The event was billed from 6 to 9 p.m. with the last hour being dedicated to Peter’s music but at approximately 8:15 a familiar sound of backup alarms was heard coming from the parking lot. Peter suddenly stopped playing his guitar and for a moment the room fell silent. “Is that a HandiDart I hear?” said Peter. Someone in the room confirmed that there were two HandiDart buses backing into the parking lot and Peter was quick to respond. “Tell them that the party isn’t over yet!” The crowd burst into laughter and energetic applause. I think that they agreed with Peter’s sentiments. Thanks Peter, you said it well!
Michael Kalmuk Manager Sources Life Skills Centre
editor’s note: On November 17, Sources Life Skills ‘Events Unlimited’ performance troupe and Able Creative Theatre (ACT) of the Surrey Association for Community Living introduced the upcoming Holiday Season with Joy to the World paying tribute to different cultures and how they celebrate at this time of year.
Sources Conducts Strategic Planning With the amalgamation of the Gateway Society for Persons with Autism in 2010 and the Newton Advocacy Group Society earlier this year under the Sources umbrella, the organization is undertaking a strategic planning exercise to define and guide itself over the next three to five years.
Peter Bourne
The highlight of the evening came from our special guest performer Peter Bourne from Victoria, BC, who is a long-time member of the National Self Advocacy movement. Although he was born blind, he is gifted with a tenor voice that can not only sing beautifully but can also pack a punch when needed. His wit and sensitivity are carefully intermingled in the beautiful songs he sings. His repertoire includes a bit
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Surveys have been conducted with staff and volunteers, our Board of Directors, and with other stakeholders in the community to obtain feedback about the current environment in which we operate and what the vision for our future should be, given our current challenges and opportunities. A preliminary report has been assessed by Board of Directors and was reviewed during its annual Retreat. The new strategic plan is expected to be complete by early December.
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Imagination Library Celebrates its First Birthday in the Community
was the ever popular hotdog with several toppings, juice, and bags of chips. The children were so hungry there was no mess to clean up — every crumb was eaten. Games were available for children and parents, with situational rules — varying constantly throughout the event. At the beginning of the Celebration there were 62 children registered in the program. At the conclusion there were 85! It was also announced that the Imagination Library would be expanded to include the Crescent Beach area. Kiwanians were told to start planning for next year as 2011 was a great celebration. To find out more about The Imagination Library our how to support this important community initiative, please contact Sources.
The Kiwanis Club of South Surrey, Scotiabank White Rock and Meg’s Place hosted a Celebration of The Imagination Library’s first year in Ocean Park and White Rock. Established by Dolly Parton through her Dollywood Foundation, The Imagination Library promotes early childhood literacy and the love of reading by providing children with free books. Meg’s Place at Crescent Beach was alive with children currently registered with The Imagination Library, their parents and siblings. Chaired by Terry Newman, President of The Kiwanis Club of South Surrey, the program started at 11 a.m. with welcomes from Sources Executive Director David Young, representatives from major funder Scotiabank, the City of White Rock, the City of Surrey, and Kiwanis. Sources is the organization under which the Kiwanis Club operates The Imagination Library. One of the highlights of the day was the opportunity for the children, in groups of six to 10, to have a favourite book from The Imagination Library read to them. The readers had captive audiences with rapt attentions as evidenced when the readers deviated a little bit from the story, much to the amusement of the parents — something they obviously experience at home.. The storytelling ended abruptly when chow time was announced. Supplied, cooked and served by Scotiabank White Rock staff, the food
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Back Again! 5th Annual Yuletide Blues Benefit for Sources Food Bank Sunday, December 11 from 5–10 p.m. The Rhumba Room, in the Pacific Inn Resort 1160 King George Blvd., South Surrey This year our goal is $4,000 and 1,000 lbs. of non-perishable food for our White Rock/South Surrey Food Bank. Thank you White Rock Blues Society and all of the Performers who donate their time to make this such a special event each Year! 2
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Sources Counselling and Addictions Presents a FIRST in Surrey on Technology Addiction On Wednesday, November 16, 2011, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, the City of Surrey, CIRCLE and Sources Community Resources Society presented “Plugged in and Tuned Out: Helping Parents and Kids Navigate Digital Cultures”.
Pebble Pedal to the Pier
2nd Annual Pebble Pedal to the Pier in Support of Seniors Programs: Another Success The afternoon of September 27 saw the culmination of another reenactment of the Pebble Pedal to the Pier Legend that grants good health, good wealth, longevity and happiness to anyone who carries a pebble from one shore to another — and to everyone who gives a heartfelt donation to the person carrying the pebbles to support seniors’ programs in our community. The journey once again was from Crescent Beach to the White Rock Pier. Our 2011 Celebrity Team was comprised of Global TV Senior Meteorologist Mark Madryga, Miss White Rock Alex Barberis, Now Newspaper Publisher Marlyn Graziano, Fitness Town Owner Dai Manuel, Fraser Valley Pulse Founder and Editor Kristi Ferguson, Crush Clothing Owner Aliana Cloke, Tourism White Rock Executive Director Betina Albornoz, Blow Dry Bar Owner Jen Randhawa, Sources Community Resource Centres Executive Director David Young and Sources Board Members Jayson Burden of Scotiabank and Gary Hollick of the West Coast Media Group. All carried pebbles with messages of Love, Hope, Peace, Health and Happiness on their journey from shore to shore.
This public forum intended to help individuals find a balance with technology in their lives and to start the conversation with what awareness and education is needed in the community. The audience of students, educators and parents appreciated how presenter Ross Laird discussed the importance of creating boundaries with children, teaching them how to self-regulate, and learning what other real world activities can mimic the emotional benefits individuals receive from online cultures.
The riders were greeted by two pipers from the award winning Crescent Beach Pipe Band. Acting Mayor Al Campbell and the White Rock Youth Ambassadors accepted the pebbles on behalf of the City.
Mr. Laird’s presentation “Technology Addictions: A Resource Guide for Parents” can be found at http://rosslaird.com/resources/ slideshows#slideshows
“This is truly a wonderful event”, said Coordinator Natasha Raey. “The pebbles symbolize different things to different people and the messages are powerful ones. We have many seniors in need in our community and this is one way to show that we care.”
This public forum was part of Sources’ participation in Substance Use Awareness Week in Surrey.
This year, pebbles could be purchased through Sources and also through Magique Fashions at Windsor Square and Crush Clothing at Grandview Corners. A heartfelt thank you to our valued sponsors: Thrifty’s, Vancity at Morgan Crossing, The Shops & Residences at Morgan Crossing, Crescent Gardens Retirement Community, Nurse Next Door, Dianne Mee & Associates Inc. and The NOW Newspaper. Special thanks to Ramona Kaptyn, creator of this unique fundraiser, and to each and everyone who purchased pebbles. H
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Ross Laird
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Sources 2011 Length of Service Honoree Dinner On September 21, the following were recognized for their Years of Service:
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Raymond Reitsma (Crossroads Day Program)
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Jane Scott (Early Childhood Development Services)
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Vinder Biln (Archway House) Alberta Copeland (Crossroads Day Program) Raj Dhillon (Archway House) Roland Sault (Georgia House)
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Tracey Baisley (Early Childhood Development Services) Robyn Edwards (Stayte House) Millicent Hawrelluk (Mental Health Advocacy Program) Lyrae Lehtonen (Ventures Day Program) Rod Reid (Georgia House) Cheryl Scardifield (Cloverdale Employment Resource Centre)
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Patricia Cave (Cloverdale Employment Resource Centre) Lorelei Cole (Administration) Suman Gill (Infant Development Program) Patricio Guerra (Life Skills Resource Centre) Liam Hogan (Chestnut House) Judy Larocque (Winter House) Heather McDonald (Child and Family Services) Shannon Patterson (Women’s Empowerment Program and Women In Sustainable Employment Program) Devinder Sekhon (Georgia House) Frank Yang (Ventures Day Program)
A bove and B eyond A ward Jessica Udy
M AV I S H O L M S C H O L A R S H I P Ceilidh Smith
WILLIAM FR ASER BURSARY Tracy Baisley
Holiday support for those in need this year SOURCES — In support of community members who would like holiday food support, Sources White Rock /South Surrey Food Bank creates a special menu over the holidays for their regular registrants which will be distributed during the week prior to Christmas Day. Registration for gift assistance to be distributed by the Salvation Army for regular Food Bank clients will take place at #5, 15515 – 24 Avenue, Surrey on November 22, 23, 29 and 30. The Food Bank welcomes all community members to register at the above address if they require support over the holidays. Call 604-531-8168 for additional information. Sources Food Bank is now accepting donations of gifts and food for their holiday support. Monetary donations are preferred as this enables the Food Bank to buy in bulk. Donations can be made in person, phone, or online at www.sourcesbc.ca. SALVATION ARMY — The Salvation Army will provide gift assistance to adults and children. Address is 15417 Roper Avenue, White Rock. Call 604-531-7314 for more information on registration dates and times. Salvation Army is now accepting donations of food and gifts, especially age appropriate gifts for adults and for children over the age of 12. CHRISTMAS DAY DINNER — The White Rock First United Church serves a turkey dinner with all the trimmings on Christmas Day. Guests are to arrive at 11:30 a.m. and dinner will be served at 12:30 p.m. Rides are provided by volunteers if required. The church is located at 15385 Semiahmoo Avenue, White Rock. To register before the deadline of December 19, call Sources Community Information line at 604-542-4357. DELTASSIST — Registration for Christmas programs starts November 7. Deltassist’s annual Toy Depot will run from December 13 to 15. Christmas Hamper delivery will take place on December 24. For more information contact Carly, Community Services Coordinator at 604-946-9526 or email carlyg@deltassist.com. Their two locations are 9097 – 20 St., Delta Tel: 604-594-3455 and 4891 Delta St., Delta Tel: 604-946-9526. Deltassist is now accepting toys and food for their annual Toy Depot and Christmas food hampers. TODD HOLDINGS GROUP OF COMPANIES — will be hosting Christmas Eve day turkey dinner, complete with a visit from Santa for those alone or in need at this time of year. Families and seniors welcome. The location is the Derby Bar and Grill #115, 17637 – 1 Avenue, Surrey. There will be three dinner sittings: 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. To confirm your reservation please contact by November 24: Jenny Hubbard 604-538-1566 Ext. 2287 jenny.hubbard@smgi.ca or Melissa Olson 604-538-1566 Ext. 2388 Melissa@pcb.ca You will be notified of your sitting time by December 7. SURREY CHRISTMAS BUREAU — Located in the Whalley Library at 10347 – 135 St., Surrey. Registration runs from November 9 to November 30 (Monday through Saturday) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Applicants must bring in photo identification, proof of residence in Surrey (phone, gas or cable bill), BC CareCards for all members of the family, bank statements for all accounts for the last two months and proof of income for the last three months. If applying for a spouse, bring a signed letter stating that they agree you can apply for them. Email santa@christmasbureau.com or coordinator@christmasbureau.com or call 604-581-9623 to make a donation or to adopt a family. SOUTH FRASER WOMEN’S SERVICES SOCIETY — Is looking for donations of small gifts to be distributed during their drop-in lunch program as well as sponsors for the hamper program which supports women & children. Location is 15318 – 20 Avenue V4A 2A2. Tel: 604-536-9611. Office hours Monday to Friday 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information call 604-536-9611, ext. 235. CLOVERDALE CHRISTMAS HAMPER PROGRAM — Located at Pacific Community Church 5337 – 180 St. Surrey, V3S 4K5. Accepting applications from now until December 2. Hamper distribution week of December 12 to 16 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Looking for donations of new unwrapped toys and gifts for ages 0 –12 and gift cards for ages 13 to 17 and non-perishable food items. For more information call 604-574-4001 Ext 107 or email cloverdalechristmashampers@gmail.com. CHRISTMAS DREAMS COME TRUE — Accepting cash donations, new toys, gift and food certificates and non-perishable food items. Sponsored families can get involved through a volunteer initiative with the wrapping of gifts, choosing items, organizing and delivering of hampers. If you would like to sponsor a family, go to newtonadvocacygroup.ca and fill out the online form or email spatterson@newtonadvocacygroup.ca or fax to 604-596-2319. The location address is A205, 13588 – 88 Avenue, Surrey V3W 3K8. STAYTE HOUSE — Is a residential group home of Sources Resource Centres that supports four adults with developmental disabilities. Every dollar earned goes back into the program to provide the residents with an enriched life full of opportunities that allow them to reach their full potential and participate in recreational opportunities. Purchase gift cards from FundScrip at face value to be used on future purchases. Please drop off order forms with payment to 882 Maple St., White Rock by November 21. Please contact Christine Conlin cconlin@sourcesbc.ca Learn more at www.fundscrip.com
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Sources Wishes You a Safe and Happy Holiday Season Do’s and Don’ts to Manage Holiday Blues The DO’s of managing holiday blues:
The DON’Ts of managing holiday blues :
Do follow the three basics for good health: … eat right. … get plenty of rest. … exercise regularly. Do set realistic goals : … organize your time. … make lists. … prioritize. … make a budget and follow it. Do let go of the past and create new or different ways to celebrate. Do allow yourself to feel sad, lonely or melancholy — these are normal feelings, particularly at holiday times. Do something for someone else. Do enjoy activities that are free. Do spend time with people who care about you. Do spend time with new people or a different set of friends or family. Do contact someone with whom you have lost touch. Do give yourself a break — plan to prepare (or buy) one special meal, purchase one special gift, and take in one special event. The rest can be ordinary, but will seem special because of the time of year and the people you’re with. Do treat yourself as a special holiday guest.
Don’t drink too much alcohol. Don’t overindulge in holiday foods, especially those that are high in sugar and fat. Don’t have unrealistic expectations of yourself or others. Don’t dwell on the past. Don’t focus on what you don’t have . ( Source: the University of Maryland School of Medicine )
Need Help Finding Services in Surrey/White Rock? If so, call us!
Le ave A Leg ac y Peace Arch Community Services Foundation was established in 1992 to ensure the sustainability of Peace Arch Community Services (PACS) now Sources Community Resource Centres and the fulfillment of its mission in the community. The Foundation contributes to the community by :
Our Community Information Line (604) 542-4357 can connect you with the service you need. With our solid knowledge of community resources, we can help you find services regarding: »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »»
Abuse Addiction Advocacy Arts/Culture Childcare Counseling Disabilities Education Employment Family and Parenting Financial
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Free and low cost Goods and services Government Healthcare Housing Legal Mental Health Recreation/Social Volunteer Opportunities »» And much more…
»» Developing a permanent endowment; »» Assessing and responding to emerging and changing community needs; »» Providing a vehicle and service for donors with varied interests and various levels of giving; and »» Serving as a resource catalyst for charitable activities in the community. The PACS Foundation receives gifts, bequests, funds and property and holds, invests, administers and distributes these funds and property for the purposes of the Foundation. Through sound fiscal management and investment, the Foundation is able to provide funds as needed to support the planning, development and local provision of social services delivered by Sources Community Resource Centres to the community.
Call our Community Information Line Monday to Friday to speak to one of our experienced staff members or volunteers for free, confidential information on community services. We encourage individuals, parents, youth, seniors, teachers, social workers, physicians, nurses, and counselors to call when looking for timely, accurate information on a wide spectrum of services on the Semiahmoo Peninsula and beyond.
Please support the work of Sources Community Resource Centres by including the Peace Arch Community Services Foundation in your planned giving.
604-542-4357
For more information please contact David Young, Executive Director (604) 531-6226 or dyoung@sourcesbc.org
Monday – Friday
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