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 kzazulyk@ywcavan.org

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

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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

lrupert@ywcavan.org

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

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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 mikeda@ywcavan.org

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.

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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 ktiessen@ywcavan.org

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 hvanderhoop@ywcavan.org

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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 mikeda@ywcavan.org

For information on the Connect to

Success Mentorship program please

contact darcie gabruck at 604 895 5857

or dgabruck@ywcavan.org

*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 mhardy@ywcavan.org

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 ccampos@ywcavan.org or JoAnne Fahr at 604 895 5829 or jfahr@ywcavan.org

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

e-mail

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:

❍ $100 ❍ $50 ❍ $25 ❍ other

❑ Cheque enclosed (please make payable to YWCA Metro Vancouver)

or

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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

enquire@ywcavan.org

ywcavan.org

✁

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 donations@ywcavan.org

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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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