Volume 2, Issue 11
NOVEMBER 2011 www.offthecurb.ca www.askwellness.ca ‘Off the Curb’ is published by ASK Wellness Centre Main Office 433 Tranquille Road Kamloops, BC V2B 3G9 250-376-7558 Toll Free 1-800-661-7451 Managing Editor Cheryl Doolan If you have any questions or comments about this newsletter or want to submit an article, please send an email to cheryl@askwellness.ca
In this issue… Bob’s Blurb
2
SHOP Programming
3
HIV/Hep-C Support Group 3 Kindness Off the Curb
4
A Special Thank You
4
News Off the Curb
4
Opinion Off the Curb
6
Loving Your Self
6
From the editor… John A. Seymour
A
Editor G john@askwellness.ca
tale of courage, perseverance, sacrifice and friendship … ‘Once upon a time in a province far, far away…’ A young man in his mid twenties was enjoying an afternoon at a local swimming hole in Moncton, New Brunswick. He was there as part of a rugby team representing British Columbia. Unknown to Ryan as he dove off a pier, part of the structure was submerged and he landed head first on a part of the wooden supports. He immediately lost consciousness and floated lifelessly until rescued by witnesses. Upon being revived it became apparent he was paralysed from the neck down. When he was returned to BC via air ambulance he was to spend many months in the G. F. Strong Hospital. Meanwhile, a long time friend, who had grown up
with Ryan was devastated by news of his friend’s injury. Mark and Ryan had attended Westsyde High together, played hockey in Kamloops and just hung out together as friends do. Mark was now living and working in Vancouver but was recently unemployed. He lived near English Bay with some other friends who had relocated from Kamloops. Mark determined he would do everything in his power to support and encourage his long-time friend’s recovery. While looking for work he would try to visit Ryan as much as possible. This became a daily trek of several kilometres for several weeks. Complicated because Mark did not have a vehicle at that time and Vancouver Transit was on strike. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
ASK Programs & Supports 9 Stories Off the Curb
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ASK expands to Lillooet 10 Warm clothing needed!
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Celebrate Recovery
11
Holistic Health Care
11
Client Resources
12
Where to find Off the Curb 12 ‘Off the Curb’ banner design by Greg Hanycz Editorial services, layout and design provided by…
Cascade Creek Publishing George A. Moore cascadecreek@shaw.ca
WORLD AIDS DAY 1 DECEMBER
Thursday, December 1st, 2011, WORLD AIDS DAY, is the day when individuals and organizations from around the world come together to bring attention to the global AIDS epidemic. Come to the ASK Wellness Centre on December 1st, to honour and commemorate those lost to AIDS and those who continue to live with the affects of HIV/AIDS, in addition to marking the achievements made in the fight against this terrible disease. No RSVP is required. If you need additional information, please contact Cheryl Doolan at 250-376-7558, Ext. 226, or cheryl@askwellness.ca. The schedule of events is as follows: 2:30 PM - OPEN HOUSE 3:00 PM - ANNOUNCEMENTS AND MEMORIAL 4:00 PM - LIVE MUSIC AND APPETIZERS 5:00 PM - PRAYER AND CANDLE LIGHT VIGIL
KAMLOOPS ‘Off the Curb’ NOVEMBER 2011
Do you need housing help? ASK Wellness prints the latest listings every day and housing help is available each day from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at ASK Wellness, 433 Tranquille Road, Kamloops
We need your help! A number of our programs
provide breakfast for those who are struggling and hungry.
Can you help contribute one item per week?
We are in desperate need of the
following basic items: fresh fruit, veggies, eggs, ham, milk, yogurt, cheese, juice and cereal.
Please remember us the next
time you are grocery shopping
and drop all donations off at the ASK Wellness Centre, 433 Tranquille Road, Kamloops,
or call Cheryl at 250-376-
7558, Ext. 226 to arrange for pick-up.
Thank you! Do you need STI, HEP-C, or HIV testing or information?
Just ASK! 250-376-7558, Ext. 232 2
As the months dragged on, Ryan’s recovery was proceeding. Mark was now back at work, had a vehicle and looked forward to seeing his friend leave the hospital to resume his life. To speed that process along, Mark decided that perhaps they could become roommates and he would assist in Ryan’s care. Mark took a crash course through G. F. Strong rehab to enable him to provide some basic care for a person confined to a wheelchair. Once he was qualified they took up residence together. Each day before work Mark would get Ryan up, get him breakfast, get him into his wheelchair and then head to work. Afterwards he would make them both supper and eventually put Ryan to bed. Ryan was tireless in his efforts to enhance his recovery and Mark unfailingly assisted him towards that independence. Given both their young ages, it was no small undertaking that Mark would dedicate such responsibility for his friend’s care. About a year or so into this unusual arrangement a family friend nominated Mark for caregiver of the year recognition. This is an annual award given Canadawide by Allianz Canada. Mark received a certificate of distinction for placing second. As the months rolled on, the two friends developed an unusual lifestyle. Despite Ryan’s disability, the two were often out
Bob’s blurb Bob Hughes Executive Director G bob@askwellness.ca
W
e are often faced with challenges that are least expected and happen at times when we believe we are least prepared for. These are moments when a combination of innate resilience, hope and support from those who love us provide the foundation for survival and rebirth. This month I know this only too well where everything I have known in my personal life has changed in such a profound way that I have wondered how to frame and consider the future for my children and myself. Every day at ASK, we are given the gift of trust and the possibility that we may provide hope necessary for countless people who seek us out to help them through situations so few of us must face,
with other buddies partying and socializing. At one point Mark rigged Ryan up with a tennis racquet and using his power wheelchair, could actually play a little. They spent a great deal of time together but if Mark was going out on a date or staying out overnight with a girlfriend, he would make arrangements for Ryan’s care. As Ryan was an avid sport’s fan, he developed an interest in wheelchair rugby, also known as ‘murder ball,’ and if you ever get a chance to witness a game, you’ll understand the unusual nickname. After about four and a half years, Mark moved in with his girlfriend and Ryan continued on his own. They are still very close friends and socialize together frequently. Having regained aslmost full use of his upper body, Ryan is able to drive himself around Vancouver in a specially equipped van using hand controls. Ryan will be attending a wheelchair rugby tournament in Montréal in the spring of 2012. Of course, Mark will attend with him as he has on several other occasions as his primary caregiver. Today Ryan studies at SFU for a master’s degree in psychology. Mark is a technician with Shaw Cable. Ryan and Mark are taking their dads to the Grey Cup Game in Vancouver this year. Ryan’s dad is a former teacher at Westsyde Secondary. Mark’s dad is currently working part-time at ASK Wellness … guess who?
and in so many tragic cases, with such limited resources and supports. We hear of stories, such as Trevor’s last month, where the world as we know it has given way below us leaving us untethered and with a justified sense of hopelessness. The world can be so unkind and seemingly without justice at times that seem uncalled for. Today I was graced to be invited to speak at the funeral of a man few of us knew. Bill had come to ASK several years ago to seek assistance in finding housing and a sense of community. He had clearly lived a life that for many of us, we could not imagine. Drugs, alcohol, crime, mental health issues and the painful disconnection from family and community that we so often see, were the narrative of his life. While I knew Bill only as a man who so clearly needed to be heard by somebody because his needs were so clearly not met, I felt compelled to share the knowledge I had of him and to exert my deep belief that everyone, no matter what they have taken and contributed to the world, should be honoured and recognized when
S.H.O.P. PROGRAMMING Look this fall for our new Book Club Program Please see Carmen for details, registration required (free) l A PLACE TO GO (Open to all women) ~ Every Tuesday at 1:30 pm. Come join us for great company. Community resource connections, good friends and a delicious home cooked meal by the ‘Wonderful Martha’s.’ Street nurses are available at this time. l WOMEN ONLY NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS ~ Runs every Thursday at noon, downstairs. Please ring doorbell for entry. l WEDNESDAY COFFEE SHOP ~ Come join Nicole and Carmen Wednesday afternoons for coffee. Bring your homework, we can help! l WEDNESDAY COMPUTER CLASS ~ Come down Wednesday afternoons and learn basic computer skills. We will assist you with Microsoft Word, open email accounts, Facebook, and get you computer savvy in no time! l S.H.O.P. FRIDAY EVENINGS ~ (S.H.O.P. clients only) ~ Supper is served between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm every Friday. Movies, beauty nights, cards, games. Just hang out. Rides may be provided.
CO-ED HIV/Hep C SUPPORT GROUP
KAMLOOPS ‘Off the Curb’ NOVEMBER 2011
they leave this world. Years ago, in my first year at ASK, I was tasked to pick up the cremated remains of a man who had been hard to love. Walking up Tranquille Road carrying the remains of a strong and outspoken man in a wooden box, I thought human beings should not part this earth with so little recognition and respect. I resolved to firmly commit to see the humanity and right for all of us to be noticed and heard, even when we have passed. It is far too easy to blame people for their own failings and mistakes; to judge and condemn those whose mistakes have injured or in some cases, have frankly lived lives that go unnoticed. Many of us, in fact some who I call friends, have looked at those who have joined the Occupy Kamloops movement and openly stated these are people who express their frustration with no purpose or goal. I challenge these people who judge the fundamental right in our society to express ourselves to consider what it would be like to feel unnoticed and unheard. Those who have joined Occupy Kamloops have found a solidarity and community they do not experience in our predominant culture of isolation and consumerism. And for that alone they should be honoured and respected to have found something that makes them feel heard and empowered. At today’s funeral Bill was recognized and honoured. Life is not to be measured in quantity, but in quality of its experience, and that was shown today. John MacKenzie, a man who he himself would characterize his life as full of obstacles and barriers, stood like the King of Hearts that he is and proudly declared his commitment to recognize someone who deserved to be loved and cared for. Had it not been for John these past few years as Bill’s health failed, and had it not been for John to make sure Bill was given a proper send-off, one more man would have departed this world without the respect and recognition so many of us take for granted. Thank you John … you have reaffirmed my faith that all of us deserve to be heard.
If you are living with HIV, Hep C or affected by someone who is, there is an HIV/Hep C support group for persons dealing with these health conditions. The group meets every Tuesday at 7:00 pm at ASK Wellness. I invite you to share your concerns, ideas, experience and strength in a friendly and confidential environment. Talk, listen and learn with those who can relate. We can all benefit from support! Want more details? Contact Larry at 250-376-7558, ext. 232 or send an email to larry@askwellness.ca 3
KAMLOOPS ‘Off the Curb’ NOVEMBER 2011
Kindness Off the Curb COBS BREAD for their generous weekly donations to several ASK Wellness programs!
A special thank you… ASK Wellness would like to acknowledge and thank the following for their kind donations to the ASK Homeless Person Shower project:
J THANK YOU TO TRU STUDENTS ~ ASK would
Shuswap Nation Tribal Council TRU Aboriginal Youth Leadership Workshop Secwepemc Child & Family Services Q’wemstin Health Society Tk’emlups Indian Band Social Development
like to send a special thank you to the TRU Students who helped fill 88 backpacks for distribution to individuals living homeless in Kamloops. In past years, the task of filling these backpacks has fallen on ASK Wellness staff. Having you and other TRU student leaders take over this project fully was very helpful to our small office. As you know, the backpacks were distributed on October 8th during the Homeless Count. The remainder of the backpacks will be handed out by ASK Wellness employees to those they encounter in need. The warm sweatshirts, toques, gloves, scarves, toiletries and non-perishable snacks your group gathered from individuals and local businesses will be very much needed as we head into the colder weather. Thank you again for your support and for your caring!
Amt. Item 22 26 35 17 41 43 27 6 7 3 3 1 3 3 1 1 5 2 1 1 1 1 3
J ALL THE STAFF AT DENNY’S NORTH SHORE For the donation of about 2 dozen toques, mitts, knitted caps, etc.!
J IRIS PATTERSON ~ For a double-size comforter! J SAFEWAY NORTH SHORE ~ For donating six pumpkins for our CLBC activity of the week!
J CRAFTSMAN VENTURES ~ For a $200 Rona gift card for our Persons with Disabilities Social Enterprise Program!
J BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COMPANY ~ For donating food to our Henry Leland House clients!
J RUNNERS SOLE ~ For their generous donation of approximately 100 lightly used running shoes!
For a total of 253 items! This was incredibly generous and we appreciate all of your support … Thank you!
J CANADIAN RED CROSS (KAMLOOPS) ~ For
News Off the Curb
J JACLYN DAILY ~ For donating a television set!
Steelworkers’ shower project for homeless a labour of love
J CHERYL, SOPHIE and ANGIE DOOLAN ~ For
By Catherine Litt – Daily News Staff Reporter
donating a walker to Henry Leland House!
all the food collected and donated to S.H.O.P.
J GLORIA & GEORGE MOORE ~ For donating 4
Toothbrushes Tubes of toothpaste, large and small Body lotion Shower/gel body wash Bars of soap Containers of shampoo (large and small) Containers of conditioner (large and small) Bath towels Hand towels and face cloths Containers of bubble bath Containers of body spray Feminine hygiene product Containers laundry detergent Hand sanitizers Large container shaving cream Container deodorant Razors Mending kits Pair nail clippers Scissors Container baby powder Mouthwash Containers liquid hand soap
cereal to our Social Enterprise Program!
K
AMLOOPS - SEPTEMBER 9th, 2011 –They spend their workdays labouring long, tough hours in an open-pit mine, extracting copper by the ton. You could forgive Highland
Our clients always need k Warm, thick socks, underwear k k Gloves, mitts, scarves & hats k Gently used clothing Grocery vouchers Take-out containers for leftovers Plastic bags Ziploc bags (all sizes) Baby Wipes / Wet Wipes Band-aids Blankets Bus Passes / Tickets Combs / Brushes Deodorant Personal hygiene products Feminine hygiene products Adult diapers Wrapped candies Garbage bags Razors, men’s and ladies’ Shaving cream or foam Chap-Stick Toilet paper Kleenex tissues Toothbrushes & toothpaste Travel-size soaps and shampoos Telephones
KAMLOOPS ‘Off the Curb’ NOVEMBER 2011
Valley’s crew if all they wanted to do after a long shift in the pit is relax at home with a good book and a bubble bath. But for three years, these unionized Steelworkers have spent their free time— not to mention their own funds—on a project as big in scope as those massive dump trucks they drive out at the mine. “I remember saying to them, “Are you guys kidding?” said Bob Hughes, as he recalled one of his initial conversations with the workers. “Do you realize what this will cost and the amount of effort you’ll need to get it done?” Indeed, the members of Local 7619 knew full well the major task ahead but they had already set their minds to it and no amount of hurdles, financial or otherwise, was going to stop their creation of a community shower for the city’s homeless. “At first it never occurred to us that people wouldn’t have a place to shower up,” said Jim McLean, one of the core union members behind the project. “And yet it’s so obvious, where is a homeless person going to shower?” On Friday, McLean and his fellow Steelworkers celebrated the official opening of the new showers and laundry facility at ASK Wellness Centre’s North Shore headquarters. It was a celebration Steelworkers-style as the union members donned aprons and fired up their outdoor grills for a free breakfast of eggs, pancakes, sausages and coffee. Among those enjoying the meal was Nick Bruzzese who, until nine months ago was homeless. He’s living at New Life Mission, having been “rescued,” he says, from a life on the streets where hot showers are a luxury only dreamed about. “I think this is very important for the community because people don’t have a place to shower,” he said. “A lot of people just live along the riverbanks and shower in the river. That’s the only place they have to bathe.” The new facility at ASK Wellness will help many people,” he said. While the logistics of the usage schedule have yet to be worked out, Hughes said clients who need the shower or laundry facility will go through the agency’s front door where they will be escorted downstairs, given a clean towel and soap and allowed the necessary privacy for bathing. A new wheelchair entrance at the back of the agency will allow clients with physical challenges to use the new service as well. “For us, it’s about giving back to the community,” said McLean. “That’s really what it’s all about.” United Steelworkers President, Richard Boyce, estimates the total investment in labour and supplies to be around $70,000. The union members completed most of the work themselves. Family and friends pitched in where needed and Funk Electric donated its time to wire the facility.
If you can help… THE Hi5 RUN CLUB at Riverside Park enjoying the fall sunshine!
Please call Cheryl at 250-376-7558, ext. 226 or send her an email cheryl@askwellness.ca 5
KAMLOOPS ‘Off the Curb’ NOVEMBER 2011
Opinion Off the Curb Ken Salter
Street Outreach Worker G ken@askwellness.ca
The Travelling Safer Sex Lady
RCMP raid on medical marijuana dispensary
N
OVEMBER 7TH, 2011 – The RCMP raid on the medical marijuana dispensary in Kamloops last week has again brought the issue of marijuana access to the forefront in Kamloops. The main issue here is access to medication. The federal government has given the ‘thumbs up’ to doctors to prescribe marijuana, however, the question remains: where do we obtain this medicine? Any other prescription from a doctor is readily available from a pharmacist, however marijuana is not. There is a federal program available to obtain marijuana, however, the quality of the federal marijuana is very poor, and the cost prohibitive. It is kind of ironic that the general public is capable of producing a much higher quality of this medicine, and at a lower price than the federal government is. While the general public is capable of producing high quality marijuana, should the general public be selling such to people requiring this medicine? There are no other prescription drugs out there that are being produced and sold by the general public, and while it is great to have this high quality medicine available, should we be allowed to produce and sell it without the regulations and controls that we have for all other prescription drugs? There are important and necessary controls in place on other prescription drugs in order to ensure there are no serious drug interactions for people taking more than one drug. Does marijuana interact with other medications? Can marijuana be dangerous for people using prescription pain relievers? I don’t know the answers to these questions, but I do know that anyone wanting to supply medical marijuana to other people needs to know the answers to those questions. The general public is not allowed to sell prescription drugs to each other for a good reason, and medical marijuana should be no
Advertise Here! Please help keep ‘Off the Curb’ in circulation. For a small fee we are offering advertising space! Contact Cheryl at 250-376-7558, Ext. 226 or email cheryl@askwellness.ca 6
different than any other prescription drug. On the other hand, if the feds are going to allow prescriptions for marijuana, then they need to get it together and make the medicine available, and make this medicine of sufficient quality that it can do the job it was prescribed to do.
Kira Gosselin
Community Health Educator G kira@askwellness.ca
Loving your self from the inside out u Self-acceptance: an appreciation of one’s worth as a human being. u Self-confidence: knowing that you are competent enough to use your gifts to the fullest.
L
oving ourselves from the inside out sounds easy enough, but it is a daily chore to master. Building that self-confidence and inner power is a motivator to making better decisions, maintaining self-care, and acknowledging times when that is in danger. Self-care comes in many forms, including eating clean, daily exercise, laughing until it hurts now and then, being a great friend and having one, and walking with cognitive steps of the world around you. Self-confidence and self-acceptance go hand in hand. Thoughts or feelings of jealousy, self-pity and fears of not being as pretty, skinny, or as successful as the guy or gal next door, may be real feelings one has in a moment, but they are still choices we make. If you choose to think self-damaging thoughts, one only succeeds to further corrupt that delicate balance between struggling and inner peace; and one thing I know for sure is that the sun will still set and the moon will still rise with or without you. In the workplace the power of self-esteem needs to be high so that one’s confidence can guide them through actions such as: important decision making, dealing with the public and co-staff, navigating through crises, office politics and even things as simple as fitting into the social side of your job (making friends). We all deal with this every day no matter what you do or who you are, and when we are suffering inside, our outside world doesn’t stand a chance. Personally, I too have felt that inner struggle between accepting the life I have and taking responsibility for making it better. As a performer, it took years to feel confident on stage. To quell that nervous cluster of butterflies that resided in the pit of my belly. I would worry about what I wore, how I looked, how I moved, and of course, was my performance strong and entertaining. I remember these feelings at work and while at school too. We all face it. Those butterflies and feelings of inadequacy come to each of us now and then. When the mind feels threatened, it will automatically respond to protect you. This is where your thoughts and actions will collide. That collision creates confusion, stress and self-doubt. Enter, negative thoughts. Every thought we have about ourselves that is fuelled by negativity is like poison in the vein. These thoughts further cloud your ability to see yourself,
We need blankets!
The warmth and comfort you get when you wrap yourself in a blanket is needed at ASK Wellness. Unfortunately, the blankets for our S.H.O.P. program (Social & Health Options for Persons in the Sex Trade) have gone missing. We are sad to see them go, but understand this comfort is precious and sometimes you need to take it with you. We are appealing to the Kamloops’ community to share the comfort they may have sitting in their closets. Please call 250-376-7558 to arrange a pick-up, or drop them off at ASK Wellness, 433 Tranquille Road, attention Carmen. Thanks!
Adult Addictions Supportive Housing Wish List Can you help ASK out by donating any of these items? At present we are in need of the following…
KAMLOOPS ‘Off the Curb’ NOVEMBER 2011
the intentions of others and the overall situations with a true perspective. So how do we overcome these feelings of doubt and worry? It is not an easy task to perform daily but indeed the task is simple. The goal is to offset the mind-body reaction to stresses that we encounter daily. This could be as simple as looking in a mirror and saying to yourself: “I’m doing my best and what I provide in this world matters.” It could be that you engage in physical activities: to go for a run or to yoga so you are less inclined to say things to yourself like: “I wish I wasn’t so overweight,” or, “I wish I wasn’t so depressed.” The development of self-esteem is about your first thought to something and how you deal with it. Will you accept every thought you have as the truth? Or can you identify when your thoughts might be skewed, emotionally created and possibly incorrect? This is the trick. It’s this split second decision to give a thought weight and validity, or to toss it out of your head and replace it with something empowering, nurturing and self-caring. The ability to shift into positive thinking during moments of stress is the most important step to avoiding emotional pitfalls. I practice what I preach, or at least I try to. Self-confidence is a work in progress and I am still working. Occasionally my thoughts get the better of me and I run into trouble. There are things I say now to myself to get me through the tough times like: “it is none of my business what others think of me,” and that, “when I get scared it is because I am growing on the inside so embrace it.” If that doesn’t work, I put on my iPod and take my dog Zhia for a long board, or go to the gym. That usually clears away the fog so that I am more capable of attaining a ‘real’ perspective of where I am and what I need to be doing. My friend Katie Girl always says: “Life is hard, wear a helmet.” I have to say I agree. So I strapped on my helmet (snow board helmet with flames up the sides) and adjusted my winning attitude for a snowy winter of positive thinking and self-acceptance.
One mop One bucket Garbage pail Alarm clock Some sort of shelving Blankets Sheets (queen and single) Pillow cases Book case Two dressers Two lamps Computer desk Two couches Pots, pans, dishes, utensils Can opener Four end tables Air mattress Area rug If you can help, please call Cheryl at 250-376-7558, Ext. 226 or send her an email cheryl@askwellness.ca 7
KAMLOOPS ‘Off the Curb’ NOVEMBER 2011 8
Thoughts Off the Curb Larry Loranger ASK Health Coordinator G larry@askwellness.ca
Understanding death and loss
D
uring our lives, we are often witnesses to the birth and death of relatives, friends, enemies and indifferent persons. Generally, we tend to look at death as a fearful and potentially painful experience, an event that we would attempt to put off for as long as possible. We often have a very limited understanding of this major change towards which we are all destined, which for many of us translates into major fear. This emotion is normally felt at times when we encounter a situation that we do not understand. Since we are all affected by death during our lifetimes and most of us know very little about it, the following excerpts from the writings of Paramahansa Yogananda (1803-1952), considered one of the preeminent spiritual figures of modern times, may be helpful in helping us confront death. Though the ordinary man looks upon death with dread and sadness, those who have gone before know it is a wondrous experience of peace and freedom. At death, you forget all the limitations of the physical body and realize how free you are. For the first few seconds there is a sense of fear — fear of the unknown, of something unfamiliar to the consciousness. But after that comes a great realization: the soul feels a joyous sense of relief and freedom. You know that you exist apart from the mortal body. Every one of us is going to die someday, so there is no use in being afraid of death. You don’t feel miserable at the prospect of losing consciousness of your body in sleep; you accept sleep as a state of freedom to look forward to. So is death; it is a state of rest, a pension from this life. There is nothing to fear. When death comes, laugh at it. Death is only an experience through which you are meant to learn a great lesson: you cannot die. Our real self, the soul, is immortal. We may sleep for a little while in that change called death, but we can never be destroyed. We exist, and that existence is eternal. The wave comes to the shore, and then goes back to the sea; it is not lost. It becomes one with the ocean, or returns again in the form of another wave. This body has come, and it will vanish; but the soul essence within it will never cease to exist. Nothing can terminate that eternal consciousness. Even a particle of matter or a wave of energy is indestructible, as science has proved; the soul or spiritual essence of man is also indestructible. Matter undergoes change; the soul undergoes changing experiences. Radical changes are termed death, but death or a change in form does not change or destroy the spiritual essence. The body is only a garment. How many times have you changed your clothing in this life, yet because of this you would not say that you have changed. Similarly, when you give up this bodily dress at death you do not change. You are just the same, an immortal soul, a child of God. The word ‘death’ is a great misnomer, for there is no death; when you are tired of life you simply take off the overcoat of flesh and go back to the astral world. The Bhagavad Gita speaks beautifully and solacingly of the
immortality of the soul: Never the spirit was born; the spirit shall cease to be never; Never was time it was not; End and Beginning are dreams! Birthless and deathless and changeless remaineth the spirit forever. Death hath not touched it all, dead through the house of it seems. Death is not the end: it is temporary emancipation given to you when karma, the law of justice, determines that your present body and environment have served their purpose, or when you are too weary or exhausted by suffering to bear the burden of physical existence any longer. To those who are suffering, death is resurrection from the painful tortures of flesh into awakened peace and calmness. To the elderly, it is a pension earned by years of struggling through life. For all, it is a welcome rest. So don’t pity the person who is passing through the delusion of death, for in a little while he will be free. Once he gets out of that delusion, he sees that death was not so bad after all. He realizes his mortality was only a dream and rejoices that now no fire can burn him, no water can drown him; he is free and safe. The consciousness of the dying man finds itself suddenly relieved of the weight of the body, of the necessity to breathe, and of any physical pain. A sense of soaring through a tunnel of very peaceful, hazy, dim light is experienced by the soul. Then the soul drifts into a state of oblivious sleep, a million times deeper and more enjoyable than the deepest sleep experienced in the physical body. Souls in the astral region are clothed in gossamer light. They do not encase themselves in bundles of bones with fleshy covers. They carry no frail, heavy frames that collide with other crude solids and break. Therefore, there is no war in the astral land between man’s body and solids, oceans, lightning and disease. Nor are there accidents, for all things coexist in mutual helpfulness, rather than antagonism. All forms of vibration function in harmony with one another. All forces live in peace and conscious helpfulness. The souls, the rays on which they tread, and the orange rays they drink and eat, all are made of living light. Souls live in mutual cognizance and cooperation, breathing not oxygen, but the joy of Spirit. “Friends of other lives easily recognize one another in the astral world,” [Sri Yukteswar said]. “Rejoicing at the immortality of friendship, they realize the indestructibility of love, often doubted at the time of the sad, delusive partings of earthly life.” How glorious is life after death! No more will you have to lug around this old baggage of bones with all its troubles. You will be free in the astral heaven, unhindered by physical limitations. When a dear one dies, instead of grieving unreasonably, realize that he has gone on to a higher plane at the will of God, and that God knows what is best for him. Rejoice that he is free. Pray that your love and goodwill be messengers of encouragement to him on his forward path. This attitude is much more helpful. Of course, we would not be human if we did not miss loved ones; but in feeling lonesome for them we don’t want selfish attachment to be the cause of keeping them earthbound. Extreme sorrow prevents a departed soul from going ahead toward greater peace and freedom. To send your thoughts to loved ones who have passed on, sit quietly in your room and meditate upon God. When you feel His peace within you, concentrate deeply at the Christ centre, the centre of will at the point between the two eyebrows, and broadcast your love to those dear ones who are gone. Visualize at the Christ centre the person you wish to contact.
often as you feel inclined to do so, but at least once a year — perhaps on some special anniversary. Mentally tell them, “We will meet again sometime and continue to develop our divine love and friendship for one another.” If you send them your loving thoughts continuously now, someday you will surely meet them again. You will know that this life is not the end, but merely one link in the eternal chain of your relationship with your loved ones.
Programs & Supports to the Community D Crisis Funding for Families Through a donation made through The Daily News Boogie the Bridge Society Kamloops we are able to provide crisis funding to families who are in need of rental/damage deposit, food and utility payment assistance. D Health Navigation, Blood Borne Infection Management & Harm Reduction We have on staff a team of social workers and counselors to help clients improve their health. Whether it be to provide assistance to manage medications, attend doctors’ appointments, to help understand your answer, to assist in finding a doctor or drive to Vancouver for a specialist appointment, we are able to help and provide hope. Through this service, we create a common purpose of building capacity to have positive impact on the quality of life of individuals living with complex health needs. We provide needle exchange and harm reduction supplies at all of our agencies’ locations and supportive housing buildings. D Adult / Youth STD and Harm Reduction Education / Run Club We have a community educator who teaches the ABC’s of HIV/ AIDS awareness and prevention, sexual health for life. These sessions include information related to STD’s and STI’s, harm reduction tools and different kinds of testing available; sexual exploitation and human trafficking. Our Hi5 Run Club educator meets a group of clients twice a week during the spring/summer/ fall months to learn the benefits of healthy eating and exercise and complete two 5k races. This successful program was highlighted on CBC Radio nationwide in 2010. D Creating Social & Health Options (SHOP) Through our SHOP program we assist individuals in exiting the sex trade and in maintaining their exit, advance education and community awareness regarding issues surrounding the sex trade, promote partnerships between sex workers, residents, community groups, businesses and government, improve the health and safety of individuals and our community through crisis intervention and harm reduction strategies. D Street Outreach & Third Party Benefit Our staff collaborates with other agencies, RCMP and City By-
Law to keep the streets safe. We run a Homeless Count annually and gather 100 volunteers to comb the streets, alleys and beaches. We also provide assistance to clients who are unable to attend at the Ministry as a Third Party.
KAMLOOPS ‘Off the Curb’ NOVEMBER 2011
Send to that soul your vibrations of love, and of strength and courage. If you do this continuously, and if you don’t lose the intensity of your interest in that loved one, that soul will definitely receive your vibrations. Such thoughts give your loved ones a sense of well-being, a sense of being loved. They have not forgotten you any more than you have forgotten them. Send your thoughts of love and goodwill to your loved ones as
D Recovery & Independent Supportive Housing (AASH) AASH — Adult Addiction Supportive Housing: in partnership with CMHA we provide supports and housing to those individuals who have successfully gone through detox and wish further assistance to become contributing community members. Through 24 hour supports, wellness planning and group meetings, many have seen success. This program always has several people on a wait list. D Mental Health & Independent Supportive Housing (MASH) MASH – Mental Health Adult Supportive Housing: in partnership with CMHA we provide supports and housing to those individuals who are struggling with mental health issues and wish further assistance to become contributing community members. Through 24 hour supports, wellness planning and group meetings, many have seen success. D Community Integration & Developmental Disabilities Supports Through a contract with Community Living BC (CLBC), a provincial crown agency, we assist by delivering supports and services to adults with developmental disabilities and those struggling with mental illness to create communities where people have more choices about how they live, work and contribute. D Skills Link / Career Focus Program Our Career Focus / Skills Link program has witnessed many successes. Through our program, persons with disabilities or those struggling with getting back on their feet after abuse, addiction or life struggles between the ages of 19 and 30 are offered services to instill hope and purpose. Through giving back to their community by providing clean-up, landscaping, small repairs, painting, weeding and odd jobs, they are taught responsibility and how to work as a team.
l For additional information go to www.askwellness.ca or call 250-376-7558 l
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KAMLOOPS ‘Off the Curb’ NOVEMBER 2011
Stories Off the Curb
M
y name is Leah Ramsay and I am a participant of the Family Tree Family Centre. Two and a half years ago I moved from Vancouver to Kamloops with my boyfriend. I had lived in Vancouver for eight years. We moved here for the job my boyfriend acquired at BCLC. I was four months pregnant and five months clean and sober at the time. I was also experiencing a lot of depression and anxiety. While my boyfriend was at work I could hardly get off the couch. With it being my first pregnancy, I was unsure of how much of what I was feeling was from the pregnancy, and how much was from being off the ‘crystal meth’ I had been doing daily for the eight years prior to becoming pregnant. My boyfriend took me to the Royal Inland Hospital emergency room to get me checked out. It was there, while talking to a mental health employee, that I was given a “Mother for Recovery” pamphlet. I attended the very next session and have been going there ever since. Family Tree has filled a void in my life. Because all of my family is in Ontario and my boyfriend’s family in California, Family Tree has become family to us and our son Mateo, who is now two years old. Mateo has had so many great opportunities from being a part of the Family Tree Family Centre, like Baby’s Head Start, the Arch program, infant development, speech therapy, and not to mention what he gets from the interaction with both the older and younger children he is around when we go to Family Tree. It has been really helpful for me to be around other moms and to be able to ask for advice and help when I need it. Without Family Tree as the extended family I have chosen for me and my family, I don’t know where I would be. I feel like I am a more confident, capable mother because of the Family Tree Family Centre.
Leah
THE FAMILY TREE FAMILY CENTRE is located at 283 West Victoria Street in Kamloops, telephone 250-377-6890, and is the culmination of parental and community dedication to providing peer-driven grassroots programs to high priority families in the Kamloops area. The Centre began as a simple weekly playgroup in October 2005 when two young mothers recognized the need for such a service in the downtown core. As parents requested additional services that would be helpful, the Centre adapted by providing those services either through peer-driven initiatives, or by partnering with mainstream agencies to have them offer services on-site. Family Tree’s informal setting offers the opportunity for families, staff, volunteers and professionals alike to interact and enjoy five days of peer-driven grassroots programming. Families and mothers can self-refer and are welcome to bring a support person they are comfortable with the first few times they attend. Mothers do not have to have custody of their children in order to participate in Family Tree. For additional details please telephone the Family Tree Family Centre
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at 250-377-6890 or visit their website at www.kfrs.ca.
ASK expands to Lillooet Bob Hughes, Executive Director
T
his month sees the beginning of our Dan McGowan efforts to expand further our Health Navigation programming into the rural communities of our region. For many years Sharon Hartline, in her position of Rural Health Navigation Counsellor, has expressed her concerns for the lack of social and health services in the rural regions. Four years ago we began to tackle these issues in the community of Merritt by providing basic services. This has expanded into the operation of a 28 unit apartment and three full time local staff providing housing outreach, street level services, programming for people in the sex trade, and most recently, employment programs for youth. With this success and the need presented in the Lillooet area for health related supports, ASK Wellness sought out a funding partner to provide a three to four day a week Health Navigator. With gratitude, an anonymous donor committed to supporting the program and we are pleased to announce Dan McGowan, who has provided such a great deal of professionalism and passaion as one of the Housing Outreach workers here at ASK, will be moving to Lillooet to develop this exciting new initiative.
Winter is here! And we are in urgent need of warm socks, hats, toques and mitts for our clients! If you can help please call Cheryl at 250-376-7558, ext. 226 or email cheryl@askwellness.ca
Can you help ASK by donating some basic items? For example, we always need the following:
• Wrapped candies for S.H.O.P. kits • Paper (8-1/2 x 11 inches) • Boxes of pens, marker and pencils • Tape • ‘Staples’ gift certificates • Postage stamps • Envelopes • Coffee, tea and hot chocolate • File folders • Post-it notes • Kleenex tissues • Hand sanitizers If you can help, please contact Cheryl at 250-376-7558 Ext. 226 or cheryl@askwellness.ca
It’s time to celebrate recovery! Women… Think for a moment about your life, Can you think of a HABIT, HURT or HANG-UP That is causing you distress? Here are some examples: Codependency - the compulsion to rescue and take care of others, difficulty setting boundaries or recognizing your own worth. Chemical dependency (alcohol / drugs) Physical, emotional and sex abuse Adult children of family dysfunction—the family Problem of alcoholism made us ‘co-victims’ Sexual addiction Eating disorders and food addiction Love and relationship addiction Anger management issues Financial bondage Then: Celebrate, RECOVERY is for YOU! The purpose of Celebrate Recovery is to provide fellowship and celebrate God’s healing power in our lives through the eight recovery principles found in the Beatitudes and Christ — centered 12 Steps. WHEN – Tuesday evenings at 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm WHERE – Salvation Army, 344 Poplar Street, Kamloops Need more information, call 250-554-1611.
Holistic Health Care
A
boriginal Family Health & Addictions Program has established an Aboriginal Youth Mental Health & Addictions Committee. This committee works to make certain that appropriate planning, emergency response and health strategies are in place for Aboriginal youth dealing with mental health and addiction issues.
EDUCATION
White Buffalo Aboriginal Health Society hosts a variety of free education and awareness workshops designed for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal health providers, social service providers and community members. The primary focus is on issues concerning Aboriginal youth mental health and addictions. Workshops occur throughout the year. Please contact White Buffalo Aboriginal Health Society & Resource Centre for a schedule, or to be contacted about upcoming events. We are always looking for speakers willing to present on relevant and interesting topics related to Aboriginal holistic health. If there is a topic you would like to see addressed or want to speak on, please contact the Health Coordinator to discuss your ideas.
KAMLOOPS ‘Off the Curb’ NOVEMBER 2011
White Buffalo Aboriginal Health Society
Our Office Wish List
CONTACT/REFERRAL SERVICE
The Aboriginal Health & Addictions Program maintains a community health database of existing and new health and social service programs inclusive of addictions and mental health services, child and family services, family counseling, housing and other relevant medical or community needs. Our contact/referral service system works to enhance the coordination of mental health and addictions services. It also promotes improved access to mental health and addictions services and to ensure culturally appropriate services are in place and made in a timely manner.
PRIMARY HEALTH CLINIC
White Buffalo Aboriginal Health Society has a Family Nurse Practitioner who provides client-centre health care including: • • • • • •
Men’s/Women’s Family Health Ordering of diagnostic screening tests Treatment of acute and chronic illnesses Referrals to specialists when required Prescribing of most medications No narcotics will be prescribed or kept on site EVERY WEDNESDAY BETWEEN 1:30 PM AND 4:30 PM
For more information on White Buffalo Aboriginal Health Society programmes, please contact us at: 517A Tranquille Road, Kamloops, BC V2B 3H3 Telephone: 250-554-1176 • Fax: 250-554-1157 Mobile Phone: 1-888-554-1176 Email: reception@whitebuffalo.name http://www.whitebuffalo.name
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KAMLOOPS ‘Off the Curb’ NOVEMBER 2011
Client resources Aboriginal Employment Services 250-554-4556 ASK Wellness Centre 250-376-7558 Toll Free: 1-800-661-7451 Alcohol/Drug Information/Referral Services Toll Free: 1-800-663-1441 Brain Injury Association 250-372-1799 Christian Hostel 250-372-3031 Canadian Mental Health Association Toll Free: 1-888-674-0440 Emerald on Third 250-374-1090 Employment Insurance Toll Free: 1-800-206-7218 GT Hiring Solutions 250-374-7748 House of Ruth (Women Only) 250-376-5621 Kamloops & District Elizabeth Fry Society 250-374-2119 Kamloops Immigrant Services 250-372-0855 Interior Community Service 250-554-3134 Interior Indian Friendship Society 250-376-1617 Interior Indian Friendship Society Alcohol and Drug Counselor 250-376-1296 Interior Metis Child and Family Services 250-554-9486 Kamloops Food Bank 250-376-2252 Kamloops Safe Housing Society 250-851-2720 Kamloops Work Search Centre (South) 250-372-3803 Kamloops Work Search Centre (North) 250-376-3111 Kids Helpline Toll Free: 1-800-668-6868
Labour Ready 250-376-9116 Mothers for Recovery 250-377-6890 Ministry of Children & Family Development 250-371-3600 Narcotics Anonymous Toll Free: 1-800-414-0296 Native Housing Society 250-376-6332 New Life Mission 250-372-9898 Ministry of Housing & Social Development Toll Free: 1-866-866-0800 Ministry of Public Safety & Solicitor General, Community Corrections Kamloops: 250-828-4008 Merritt: 250-378-9355 Phoenix Centre 250-374-4634 RCMP Kamloops 250-838-3000 St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store 250-554-0098 Salvation Army 250-554-1611 Sage Health Centre 250-374-6551 Sexual Assault Counseling Centre 250-372-0179 Shuswap Training and Employment 250-554-4556 Street Outreach Nurse Gaudenza: 250-319-6783 Lisa: 250-318-4611 Suicide Distress Line Toll Free: 1-800-784-2433 United Way of Kamloops 250-372-9933 Volunteer Kamloops 250-372-8313 White Buffalo Aboriginal Health Society & Res. Centre 250-547-1176
Have we missed you? Would you like to be included in our resource list? Please email cheryl@askwellness.ca
Pick up your copy of “Off the Curb” at any of these handy locations…
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More locations soon! Would you like ‘Off the Curb’ at your location? Help us promote wellness in your community! Contact Cheryl at 250-376-7558, Ext. 226 or cheryl@askwellness.ca
ASK Wellness Centre, 433 Tranquille Road
Passek’s Classic Café & Catering, 120 - 3rd St.
At Second Glance Used Books, 448 Victoria Street
The Art We Are, 246 Victoria Street
Crossroads Inn, 569 Seymour Street
The Grind, 5th and Victoria Street
Erwin’s Bakery, 369 St. Paul Street
Café Fresh, 324 Victoria Street
Frou Frou Monkey, 263 Victoria Street
Hello Toast, 428 Victoria Street
Kamloops Fit Families, 783 Notre Dame Street
Motivo Café Downtown, 229 Victoria Street
Kamloops Immigration Services, 109 Victoria St.
Motivo Café North Shore, 449 Tranquille Road
Kamloops Downtown Library, 466 Victoria Street
Blendz Coffee, 210 Victoria Street
Kamloops Northshore Library, 693 Tranquille Road
Zack’s Coffees Teas & Gifts, 377 Victoria Street
Oops Café, 274 - 3rd Avenue
Fratelli Foods, 223 Victoria Street
Little Shore Store, 413D Tranquille Road
A & W, 350 Lansdowne Street