Abbotsford News I Thursday, November 25, 2010
B5
“Our goal is to get to a place where nobody has to go homeless or hungry anymore, where there’s a sense that everybody belongs.” -- Rod Santiago
People Helping People More than 70+ Programs Under One Roof “Not only is this a place where people come to receive help in many different ways, it’s also your community services - you, the donors, the many vital community partners, and the hundreds of volunteers. You are what make this a great organization.” -- Rod Santiago
U
E
I ND
RIT
• Banquet room seats up to 200 people
ANT
W INNER
• Catering for all occasions FAVO
Book Early for your Christmas parties!
Rod Santiago, the executive director of ACS, has to chuckle when asked where he’d like to be able to do more, suggesting the complexity of the demands on the $15-million budget. And the difficulties have been as great as ever the past few years, as lean economic times tend to increase demands for assistance as well as tighten the purse strings of the governments and donors who provide the organization’s funding. Still, Santiago said, the ongoing support for ACS’s work is remarkable. “It’s amazing how despite feeling the pinch, people’s generosity still comes out,” he said. More than $2 million of the organization’s funding came in the form of donations and other charitable support in 2008-09.
t t ES
TA UR
I
t began more than 40 years ago as a pilot program, one of the first in Canada, with a staff of just two. Now Abbotsford Community Services is an organization of more than 300 employees across 15 sites, providing a wide range of social services from crisis intervention to running a recycling program. Not that this growth has occurred without cause. Abbotsford’s population has more than quadrupled over that time, and with it have come the more complex issues of a larger community -- homelessness, immigration and gang activity among them. In response, ACS now operates more than 70 different support programs for immigrants, seniors, youth, the disabled, those on low incomes and more. The programs help more than 37,000 individuals.
O- C A ADIAN N
Most recently, ACS has been involved in the establishment of a new drop-in centre for youth on the streets. The program operates on Tuesday afternoons and evenings, providing medical, counselling and other support for troubled youths. As for the bigger picture, Santiago outlines an ambitious vision for the future that invites all to contribute. “Our goal is to get to a place where nobody has to go homeless or hungry anymore, where there’s a sense that everyone belongs,” he said. “This is the thing we’re aiming for, and the invitation is that we do these things together as a community.”
Proudly serving the Abbotsford Community!
R
Starting at $20 per person
• Lunch buffet Tues Fri, and Sunday P Pe • Perfect for office parties, birthdays or small gatherings
FRIDAY FEAST AT GIAN’S
31549 South Fraser Way
604.859.4999
TUESDAY TO SUNDAY: 11AM - 10PM • MONDAY: CLOSED
et Buff f on of 10% esdays n Wed
B6
Abbotsford News I Thursday, November 25, 2010
Programs & Services Legal Advocacy Centre Information, referrals & representation on Income Assistance, housing, employment and CPP issues.
Food Bank & Christmas Bureau Call: 604.859.5749 or visit: abbotsfordfoodbank.com & abbotsfordchristmasbureau.org.
“I would never have had the courage to read my Victim Impact Statement in court without the significant moral support from your program and staff.” -- Pamela
Legal Aid Applications taken for criminal & family legal aid matters.
Specialized Victim Assistance Court orientation & support for victims of violence & domestic abuse.
Domestic Violence Unit A partnership with the Abbotsford Police Department.
An Advocate On My Side
Addictions Centre Alcohol & drug counseling, recovery & support groups. Call: 604.850.5106 (Orientation is on Thursdays @ 4:30. First Come, First Served, arrive Early to Ensure a Seat).
Call: 604.859.7681 abbotsfordcommunityservices.com
In 2009, the helped 717 families including 1,222 kids ...
..
the most families we’ve ever helped at Christmas
Thank You Abbotsford
T
he Specialized Victim Assistance Program (SVAP) offers support for people who have been impacted by crime and trauma. “The needs of the victim come first,” says Supervisor Lukhvinder Aujla. “All of our staff, who are highly trained professionals, realize it is a very difficult and emotional time for our clients and we are here to help with the justice system and lend an empathetic ear.” In Pamela’s case (not real name), her family was torn apart by sexual assault. “Sexual abuse/assault affects the whole family and we are all struggling to deal with this ordeal in our own way,” she says. But the sense of calm and confidence she received through the support of an SVAP worker, made it possible for her and her daughters to get through the ordeal. Before connecting with SVAP Pamela found herself curled up in the fetal position in bed, so depressed and experiencing irrational fears that at times it became extremely difficult to function with the most routine activities. “I became consumed with fear, guilt, anxiety, significant depression and unable to work and provide for my daughters, financially or emotionally,” she says.
“But my first conversation with the support worker gave me hope that I was not alone and I had support in maneuvering the next steps in the process and a competent, supportive ally in whatever the future would bring with this hideous situation. I knew I had an advocate on MY side and we would have support throughout this process and our unsure future.” Thanks to the Specialized Victim Assistance involvement and support, Pamela was able to focus on work again and generate an income and thus reduce further stress and anxiety from the fallout of her family’s experience. “Your service has been my lifeline and savior! Clearly, I would recommend your program enthusiastically.”
Domestic Violence Unit Late last year Abbotsford Community Services teamed up with the Abbotsford Police Department to develop a collaborative Domestic Violence Unit. Since that time, APD Detective Kevin Murray and ACS Victim Support Worker
Sandy Jawanda have handled more than 60 cases. Most of the cases of domestic violence are referred by the police department, but this is an open referral system with many being self-referrals or referrals from other agencies such as transition houses. Once these high risk cases are identified, the detective conducts a thorough and indepth investigation in order to determine the risk assessment. The role of the victim assistance support worker is three-fold. She provides immediate follow-up after the incident, she works with the victim and her family to create a safety plan and connects them with other community resources, and finally the support worker walks the victim through the court process and keeps them informed on the legal proceedings. “You have no idea how much you’re helping people often at their greatest time of need,” commented one client.“You are like a small steady anchor when my boat seems to be sinking.”
For information or assistance call: 604.864.4720 or 604.859.7681 Ext. 275
FOOD BANK HAMPERS Your gift provides a three day emergency food hamper for a single person or family.
One Bi-Weekly Hamper Two Bi-Weekly Hampers Five Bi-Weekly Hampers
Average Yearly Income of a Food Bank client is
$15,972
$ 60 $120 $300
10 Most Wanted Canned fruit Canned meat Boost & Ensure Powdered Milk Large Diapers Fresh Produce Pasta & Sauce Frozen Meats Chunky Soup Dairy
Abbotsford News I Thursday, November 25, 2010
B7
Programs & Services *Family Guidance Intensive counselling for troubled children and families.
*Basic Lifeskills Training Support for youth living with a mental illness.
*Rapid Response Enhancing the quality of family life through education and support.
The Youth Resource Centre Offers a collection of services for youth aged 12–18.
*Family & 1-to-1 Outreach Help with communication skills, conflict resolution & connections to resources.
*Independent Living & Youth Agreement Support Helping youth transition to independence.
*Education Support
Common Cold to Mental Health
www.AYHC.ca
Helps youth succeed in the school system.
*Youth Justice Services Support & supervision for youth on probation or community work service.
Street Outreach
Abbotsford’s Youth: Protecting & Enhancing Health
Helping youth leave the street and reconnect with family.
Stop Exploiting Youth Support for youth at risk of sexual exploitation who are on the Abbotsford Police Department ICE list.
Parent of Teen Groups Tools and strategies for effective parenting.
Youth Mentorship Matching youth with a positive adult role model.
E
xactly one year from the date (November 9, 2009) that the Abbotsford City Council passed a motion to accept the recommendations of a Child and Youth Friendly Report to council (Report No.SCP16-2009), the first recommendation from the report was realized - the Abbotsford Youth Health Centre (www.ayhc.ca) opened its doors and saw its first patients on November 9, 2010. The Centre is now open every Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at its temporary location at 2479 McCallum Road. This project is one of many examples of a community coming together to address a need. Many thanks for the countless hours that representatives from organizations and individuals across the spectrum of Abbotsford’s diverse and medical community have dedicated and continue to dedicate to shaping the vision and practical operation of the Centre. We aim for our Centre to be
a model for community collaboration, enacting best practices, and innovative approaches to, as our mission statement states, “Helping Abbotsford’s youth develop the lifelong habit of protecting and enhancing all aspects of their health.” Involved in the AYHC collaboration are: • Abbotsford Community Services • Abbotsford Division of Family Practice • The Ministry of Children and Family Development • Fraser Valley Aboriginal Children and Family Services – Xyolhemeylh • IMPACT Youth Addiction & Prevention • University of the Fraser valley – ECE/ CYC • And many others Conversations with interested individuals and groups with the goal of increasing community partner is ongoing. Why a Youth Health Centre? • To provide health services in a youthfriendly, safe, confidential and nonjudgmental environment
• To help youth connect with the support and help available in the community. • To increase young people’s knowledge about issues affecting their health • To provide young people with tools to protect and maintain their health • To help youth recognize high risk behaviors, and manage the risks associated with day-to-day living • To empower youth to be active participants in their health care • To bring community partners together to support healthy youth When you open one door at the AYHC, it opens the doors to all the youth service providers in Abbotsford.
For more information or if you are interested in getting involved, please go to: www.ayhc.ca
Teen Groups Series of gender based groups that address issues that cause conflict.
*Sentinel Group Home A short term residential resource for MCFD and FVACFS.
*Family Outreach Strengthening family relationships & addressing parenting concerns.
*Family Connections Supporting families with children in care.
Abuse Counselling & Support For children & adults impacted by sexual abuse and domestic violence.
Caregiver (Foster Parent) Support Support, resources and advocacy for foster parents and out-of-care caregivers.
Wrapping Abbotsford Youth with Support Supporting youth in living a crime free life.
*Family Education A variety of parenting classes for families with children ages 0-12. *MCFD or Mental Health Referrals Required
HEALTHY CHOICES A new program that provides opportunity for Food Bank families to have fresh fruit, produce and other sources of protein on a regular basis.
Milk for a week Milk for a month Milk for a year Garden Box Healthy Choices Box Protein Drink for a year Vitamins for a year
$ 5 $ 20 $ 240 $ 10 /mo $ 20 /mo $ 150 $ 50
100% of the funding
for the Abbotsford Food Bank and Christmas Bureau
comes from you, the private and corporate donors.
call 604.859.5749
visit abbotsfordchristmasbureau.org
mail 33914 Essendene Ave Abbotsford V2S 2H6
B8
Abbotsford News I Thursday, November 25, 2010
Programs & Services Child Care Resource & Referral Licensed & license not required child care support & referral.
Family Centre: A collection of services including:
Community Drop-ins Support and educational activities for families with young children.
Best for Babies Early intervention support helping high-risk pregnant & parenting women.
Cricket Corner Childcare Childcare for high risk children aged 0-3 years.
Parents & Children Together UFV partnership literacy program for parents & children.
Post Partum Wellness Education, peer training & post partum depression support group.
Parent & Tot Classes Focusing on specific topics.
Nobody’s Perfect Education and support for parents of children aged 0-5.
New Beginnings Encourages young parents to complete high school education with on-site childcare.
Community Education on Adolescent Sexuality School based presentation on the realities of teenage pregnancy and parenting.
Father Involvement Opportunities to socialize & learn parenting skills.
Prenatal & Welcome Baby Classes Education programs for expectant parents, early intervention support assisting high-risk pregnant and parenting women.
Community Living Programs: Call 604.859.7681 Ext. 284
Many Programs To Help Create Strong Healthy Families
M
ost of us have had the following experience. You go out shopping, see a garment labeled, “One Size Fits All.” Great! The problem is, when you get home, it doesn’t fit. It seems “one size fits all” means everyone except you! The Early Childhood and Family Resource Department at Abbotsford Community Services recognizes the differences in individuals and families, and provides a diverse group of programs to support parents and children in today’s complex society. The department vision statement is: “An Abbotsford where young children and families thrive.” Through this vision, the department programs work with a proactive, preventative perspective. As department manager Sue Khazaie notes, “It is fundamentally important that we support parents and families. No government program can ever replace what strong families provide to the lives of children.” The Early Childhood and Family Resource programs provide education, support, and connection to families with infants through Prenatal Education Classes, Best for Babies, and New Beginnings. The important roles of fathers are strengthened at Abby Dads, with activities ranging from “My Daddy and Me” breakfasts, to hockey nights and one-to-one supports. Preschool children receive early educational enrichment and literacy activities at Cricket Corner Preschool, and in childcare programs
that provide care while parents are in classes. Families seeking quality daycare for their children rely on the Child Care Resource and Referral office. “Nobody’s Perfect” provides positive parenting strategies, as well as a place of encouragement for parents. The Indo Canadian Women’s Wellness program provides resources and referrals in Punjabi to Indo-Canadian women with young children. Rather than “one size fits all,” this department prefers to be thought of as a “one stop shop” for programs that support families and young children.
For more information call: 604.859.7681 Ext. 266
A Perfect Job For every Adult For many years, Abbotsford Community Services’ Community Living programs have supported adults with intellectual disabilities to work and volunteer. Our participants have many successes. Dwight is a man in his fifties who has spent most of his adult life working in a sheltered workshop but he always wanted to work outdoors. Today Dwight works for Abbotsford’s Downtown Business Association as a “Street Ambassador” beautifying the sidewalks and curbs. If you ask Dwight how he likes his work he will tell you
“business is picking up”. Crystal is a petite young woman with a real ‘can do’ attitude. When Burton Veterinary Services needed a Kennel Assistant, Crystal didn’t hesitate. Today, as a part of her duties at the vet clinic, Crystal is responsible for sterilizing instruments. In addition to their jobs at the Recycling Depot, Gord and Ken volunteer at the Food Bank: two men giving back to the community. These are just a few of the stories of individuals with intellectual disabilities working and contributing to our community. Their success would not be possible without strong partnerships with employers. Home Depot’s Marie Clarke talks about the contribution of staff members with intellectual disabilities. “They do more for us than we do for them I’m sure. They really are no different than any of our other staff.” Home Depot’s business and staff have truly demonstrated their commitment to inclusive employment by hiring three participants of Community Living programs at Abbotsford Community Services.
abbotsfordcommunityservices.com
CHRISTMAS BUREAU These gifts provide children and adults with enough food for the Christmas season and gifts that ensure every child in our community will have a happy and meaningful Christmas.
Stocking Stuffers (assorted) Christmas Turkey Teen Gift Moms/Dads Gift Sponsor a Senior Christmas Hamper Sponsor a Family
$ 25 $ 35 $ 50 $ 50 $ 200 $ 300 $ 500
DONATE ONLINE safe & securely through CanadaHelps.org Visit abbotsfordchristmasbureau.org and click on the Donate button MAIL or DROP OFF Cash, cheques or new toys and gifts can be mailed or dropped off at 33914 Essendene Ave Abbotsford, BC V2S 2H8 PHONE Visa and Mastercard donations are accepted by phoning Ph 604.859.5749 Toll Free 1.877.859.5749 Registered Charity No. 10767 8195 RR0001
This Christmas
give Knowing the Only Returns... Will Be Many Happy Returns
Abbotsford News I Thursday, November 25, 2010
B9
Programs & Services English Language for Adults ESL classes for adult immigrants.
Legal Advocacy For agricultural workers with legal issues related to employment.
Immigrant Settlement Information about BC society, guidance & support on personal & family adjustment issues.
Settlement Workers In Schools Support & liaison between school & home for newcomers.
Enhancing Harmony ITFAK Relationship counselling for men focusing on prevention of family violence.
Thanks to the support they have found at Abbotsford Community Services, the Athaya’s believe that a better life can be achieved for their children and themselevs.
Village of Men Individual & group support for men trying to form healthy relationships.
Translation and Interpretation Provided in 35+ languages specializing in legal, medical, agricultural and technical terminology.
Immigrant Family Connections Information, support and ESL for Sudanese families.
Host Friendship based program bringing together newcomers and Canadians.
Supporting Immigrant Youth & Young Adults in Education
S
eventeen year old Musab Athaya has come a long, long way since first coming into the Multicultural & Immigrant Services office on George Ferguson Way. “He hardly ever talked at first,� says Palwinder Kelay a Bridging Coach with the Immigrant Youth & Young Adult (IYYA) Program. “And we then saw him slowly blossom and openly share his thoughts. People around him started to see his inner kindness and compassion.� Born in war-torn Sudan, Musab fled to Egypt with his parents and siblings. The family eventually made their way to Burnaby, BC and then moved to Abbotsford just over a year ago. He is a student at Abby Collegiate School along with two of his brothers. They experience racism on a daily basis. “Mostly the white kids just won’t talk to us,� he says, which is why IYYA program is such a positive influence in his life. “If I didn’t have this place to come to after school, I would probably be getting into trouble,� he says. “Coming here feels like a rec centre where we get to hang out and get awesome help with our school work. I would be frustrated if I didn’t have this help.� Musab’s parents shared some of their own thoughts about life in Canada and raising a family of six children in a new culture.
“Life is easier in Sudan than Canada, Canada is much more complex,� says Mrs. Athaya. “In Sudan we had people to help with the kids like grandparents and extended family. In Canada it is just us, mom and dad. Language is a barrier, so it is hard to help kids with homework. We want our children to make good choices but it is hard.� Daily life is challenging for the Athaya family with no real friends or family in the area. But they both agree that the IYYA program is a positive thing for their children. “Musab has been doing much better. He has been making better choices. They (IYYA) help with many things. All three of our boys are doing well and IYYA has supported them with school and social activities. We dream that our kids will make good choices and succeed here in Canada.� The Athaya’s have accessed the Immigrant Family Connections and ELSA programs as well. Thanks to the support they have found at Abbotsford Community Services, the Athaya’s believe that a better life can be achieved for their children and themselves.
For More Information or assistance call: 604.859.7544 Ext. 227
Child Care Subsidy Information, assistance & referrals for immigrant families with young children.
Immigrant Seniors
Education Achievement Scholarship
Assisting with adaptation and settlement issues.
Diversity Education and Resources Educational workshops on diversity related topics and responding to racism and discrimination.
For so many immigrant families the odds are stacked against them. Language barriers, a different system of education, loss of friends and family – all these roadblocks stand in their way. We see the longing in the eyes of parents who so badly want their children to get up on a graduation stage to receive a scholarship. They yearn for their children to go further in life but simply do not have the means to support those goals. This Scholarship will assist an immigrant youth who is trying to pursue a post secondary academic or technical education. The goal is to raise $50,000. How do you do that? With the sale of a Recipe Calendar featuring 12 different nations with 12 amazing recipes from the finest international kitchens – right here in Abbotsford. Order yours today!
Fraser Valley Human Dignity Coalition Community members working together responding to incidents of discrimination and hate.
Safe Harbour Encourages local businesses to give equitable treatment to customers, providing a safe place for those who have been mistreated.
BC Employment Support for permanent resident immigrants on Income Assistance looking for employment.
South Asian Community Resource OfďŹ ce Crime prevention program for youth & families.
Youthemes Recreation for youth in grades 6-12 being fun & violence free.
Youth Buddy Friendship program pairing immigrant youth with students in participating secondary schools
BC Skills Connect
For more information, call: 604.217.0444
Assesses the qualiďŹ cations of new immigrants & offers workplace opportunities.
Basic ESL support & parenting information
A Job Search and Computer Skills Program for ESL adults who are unemployed or working less than 20 hours a week. • Resumes • Cover Letters • Interview Skills
Building connections between Canadian business mentors and professional immigrant adults.
Punjabi Mothers & Grandmothers
LOOKING FOR WORK? We Can Help! • Workplace English • Basic Computer Skills • Job Search
Employment Mentoring
FREE FIRST AID COURSE
$W (QYLVLRQ )LQDQFLDO ZH KDYH EHHQ SURYLGLQJ H[FHSWLRQDO VHUYLFH DQG LQQRYDWLYH SURGXFWV WR RXU PHPEHUV IRU WKH SDVW \HDUV :H ZHOFRPH WKH RSSRUWXQLW\ WR GLVFXVV \RXU ,QYHVWPHQW DQG RU /RDQ QHHGV
Learn 60 hrs. of basic employment related computer skills for free! Typing • MS Word • Internet You can attend this program and still receive your EI beneďŹ ts. To attend this program you must be 19+ and a landed immigrant or Canadian Citizen.
ENGLISH FOR LIVING & WORKING 604.859.3928 Funded in whole or part through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement
WJ Mouat Secondary: 32355 Mouat Drive, Abbotsford, BC, V2T 4E9
$EERWVIRUG 9LOODJH %UDQFK
0LQWHU 6WUHHW %UDQFK
7RZQ &HQWUH %UDQFK
6XPDV :D\ $EERWVIRUG
0LQWHU 6WUHHW $EERWVIRUG
6 )UDVHU :D\ $EERWVIRUG
Branch Manager: Carla Jespersen
Branch Manager: Lyle McClelland
Branch Manager: Kelly Khakh
ZZZ HQYLVLRQILQDQFLDO FD
B10
Abbotsford News I Thursday, November 25, 2010
Remember the Things You Can Recycle! The recycling Program offers a drop-off area for blue bag recyclables and other recyclables and household hazardous waste at no charge. Residential items accepted at the Recycling Program’s drop-off locations.
• Paint • Gasoline • Flammable Liquids • Household Pesticides • Batteries (Household, rechargable, car) • Scrap Metal (Washers, dryers, stoves, empty propane tanks)
• Electronics (TV’s, computers, printers, ect.)
• Cell Phones (And cell phone batteries)
ACS Recyling Program:
• Fluorescent Compacts & Tubes • Aerosol Cans
Keeping Up With the Need for Education & Awareness
Drop-off locations: 33670 Valley Road, Abbotsford 7229 Mershon Street, Mission
For more information, call 604.850.3551
Recycling Education Program • Presentations about recycling and composting to service clubs and community groups. • Environmental consultations and waste audits for businesses School Education Program • Education focusing on the 3R’s to students in the both Abbotsford and Mission Recycling Education Centre • The new Centre which opened in 2008, is built from recycled and reused materials and serves as an excellent environment for demonstrating and delivering education to schools, community groups and the public. Environmental Awareness at various community events • Abbotsford Agrifair • Berry Beat Festival
Call: 604.859.7681
• Rockin’ River Music Festival • Abbotsford Farm and Country Market • Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival • Mission Candlelight Parade
Top 50 Greenest Employers for 2010 As reported in the Globe and Mail on Earth Day (Thursday, April 22, 2010), the Canada’s Greenest Employers competition recognizes organizations that have created a culture of environmental awareness. The competition profiles initiatives in as many sectors as possible. Applicants are compared to peers in their industries. Winners were selected based on the following criteria: • Environmental initiatives and programs they have developed • The extent to which they have
been successful in reducing the organization’s own environmental footprint • The degree to which their employees are involved in these programs and whether they contribute any unique skills • The extent to which these initiatives have become linked to the employer’s public identity and whether they attract new people to the organization. Did You Know? The Abbotsford Community Services Recycling Program created a Recycling Education Centre (with a compostable toilet) made up of 2-45’ shipping containers welded together.
For more information call 604-850-3551 Ext. 3 or visit: recyclingeducation@ abbotsfordcommunityservices.com
abbotsfordcommunityservices.com
ID96N >H 6 <DD9 96N The Abbotsford News:
your life your community.
abbynews.com
proud supporters of Abbotsford Community Ser vices
twitter.com/abbynews
facebook.com/myabbynews
ID B6@: I=>C<H H>BEA:G
>chjgVcXZ VcY ^ckZhibZci hdaji^dch i]Vi [^i ndjg a^[Z# > XVc ]Zae# GVc_^i H^c\] <gZlVa 7jh +%)"+%,"(.,% Zmi '''8Zaa +%)"-%,")))) gVc_^i#\gZlVa5hjca^[Z#Xdb lll#hjca^[Z#XV$gVc_^i#\gZlVa (')% Bi#AZ]bVc GdVY! Hj^iZ '%& 6WWdih[dgY! 78 K)M 'B. BjijVa [jcYh d[[ZgZY Wn Hjc A^[Z ;^cVcX^Va >ckZhibZci HZgk^XZh 8VcVYV >cX# Hjc A^[Z 6hhjgVcXZ 8dbeVcn d[ 8VcVYV! '%%.#
Abbotsford News I Thursday, November 25, 2010
What if you lost everything?
W
e received a $500 donation to the Meals on Wheels program recently. Fantastic! But the really GREAT news came in the letter accompanying the donation. First, a bit of background. In his mid-sixties, David had worked as a mechanical engineer most of his adult life. He was very talented and eventually built his own business as a consultant. By all appearances, he had it all.
Valley, but needs your donations to make ends meet – especially now when food prices continue to rise. So essentially it was YOU that helped put a hot, healthy meal on David’s table each day for four months. Working together with YOU, we made a difference. Our Senior Services programs also helped David with the necessary paperwork to get his Canada Pension and Old Age Pensions in place along
Crossing Guards
“I encourage people in this community to consider involvement in a couple of areas of this vital program.” • Support Meals on Wheels financially. • Become a volunteer to deliver the meals.
Computer Classes Offered for Mature Adults
Then, through a series of unfortunate circumstances David lost everything. His big house, his savings and investments, all his ‘earthly possessions’ were gone. At the same time he was losing his eyesight. He was no longer able to work. It’s pretty hard to complete detailed mechanical drawings when you can’t see the lines you’ve just drawn on the page. Now fast forward a few months. Unable to pay the rent on his small apartment for five months in a row, the landlord had no choice but to serve him with an eviction notice. A Home Health Social Worker intervened and immediately got to work. One of the first calls he made was to Abbotsford Community Services. Our Meals on Wheels program together with our Abbotsford Food Bank made sure one of David’s most basic human needs was met – food. The Food Bank relies entirely on community generosity. Meals on Wheels receives some funding from Fraser Health and the United Way of the Fraser
with an application for SAFER (Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters). Here are a few excerpts from David’s letter that came with his $500 donation. “Meals on Wheels provided a vital complement to my cooking efforts. I found the meals to be well planned, wholesome and delivered by volunteers that brought encouragement with each visit. My need for this assistance was short term and is now met with vision restored and income sources being identified and pursued... I encourage people in this community to consider involvement in a couple of areas of this vital program. • Support Meals on Wheels financially. • Become a volunteer to deliver the meals. I was able to experience how this community functions in a diverse way to provide a broad range of assistance. I am so grateful!” Isn’t it nice to know that Abbotsford Community Services is here to help people like David? His story could be yours or someone you care about.
People helping people...
Programs & Services
Unravel the mystery of computers and all their quirks. Abbotsford Community Services Seniors department has been offering computer classes since 1998. The classes are taught in our fully equipped computer lab with the most current software programs. We guarantee you will get all your questions answered and leave feeling confident that you can use your new computer skills on your own computer in your own home. These classes are intended to provide you with a relaxed environment in a comfortable atmosphere for easy learning. Our classes cover everything from the basics to the advanced in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Access, Email and Internet, File Management, Digital Images and Computer Security.
For information call: 604.870.3763
We SUPPORT Abbotsford Community Services
Adults patrolling school crosswalks to ensure children’s safety.
Computer Classes Training for adults & seniors by professional instructors in our computer lab.
Community Access Free public access to computers with speed Internet connections.
Community Information Resource Help for seniors with forms, information and referrals to community resources.
Community Kitchen Open to community groups wishing to learn or to teach others how to plan and prepare budget-friendly healthy meals.
Income Tax Preparation Trained volunteers assist with the completion of Income Tax forms (by donation).
Lunch with the Bunch Fun, food and friendship for seniors every Monday, transportation provided (fee for service).
Meals on Wheels Hot, nutritious meals delivered five days a week for people unable to shop or cook for themselves (fee for service).
Medical Transportation Transportation for medical appointments (fee for service).
For more information, call: 604.870.3763
Call: 604.859.7681 abbotsfordcommunityservices.com
Randy Hawes, MLA Michael de Jong, MLA
Abbotsford • Mission
John van Dongen, MLA
Abbotsford Abbots Abb otsfor ford r West West es
Abbotsford South
604.870.5486 6 60 04. 4.87 870. 0 54 0. 5 86 6
604.820.6203 604.852.8507
www.mikedejongmla.bc.ca www.mi www .miked kedejo jongm ngm gm gmla. mla.bc. la. a bc. bc.ca ca mike.dejong.mla@leg.bc.ca m mik ike.d e dejo ong. g mla mla@ @leg @le g.b bc c.c ca ca
www.randyhawesmla.bc.ca w rrandy.hawes.mla@leg.bc.ca
www.johnvandongenmla.bc.ca john.vandongen.mla@leg.bc.ca
604.870.5945
B11
B12
Abbotsford News I Thursday, November 25, 2010
ARE YOU A BC HYDRO CUSTOMER ON A LIMITED BUDGET? YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE A FREE ENERGY SAVING KIT FROM POWER SMART. This kit—valued at $75—is free if you live in a low-income household and have a BC Hydro account. It doesn’t matter whether you rent or own, live in a house or apartment. Call us toll free at 1 877 431 9463 or visit bchydro.com/esk to learn more about our program. *Values based on approximate savings if all products are installed in a home with electric heat and hot water. Actual savings depends on many factors including heating type, housing characteristics and existing energy consumption.
A10-478b