WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR COMMUNITY
(EVENTS, NEWS, & AWARENESS)
Real Talk – Pride Season LGBTQ Zoom Hangout
LGBTQ folks with cognitive disabilities (or folks with cognitive disabilities who are questioning or curious about their gender and / or orientation) meet using the Zoom app.
Come join Sexual Health Educators Sharon and Zainab, and Peer Facilitator Liz on Tuesday July 29th from 6-8pm for an LGBTQ Real Talk Zoom Hangout.
Everyone has questions about dating, love, relationships and sex.
- How do I meet a boyfriend / girlfriend / partner?
- How do I let my family know that I want to date?
- How can I make sex safer?
- What is consent?
It’s totally normal. But sometimes it can be hard to know where to get good information. At this Zoom event, we’ll watch some Real Talk videos, and have a conversation hosted by Certified Sexual Health Educators. We’ll talk about where to get good information, who can support us with this stuff, and how to figure out confusing situations. People are welcome to talk about things, or to just listen if they don’t want to talk.
We’ll get together on this Zoom link at 6pm on Tuesday July 29th.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86998700606?pwd=PE8qEHCABzb2YO88547byxYzsJ6Cda.1#success
WHEN: Tuesday, July 29th | 6:00PM – 8:00PM
WHERE: Online! Use the Zoom link provided above.
Help Make a Public Mural: Salmon Clay Tile-Making
Are you interested in Working with Clay and Getting Involved with Community?
Join Still Moon Arts Society in creating clay salmon tiles that will be used in a Salmon Creek Mosaic, which will be installed on the outside wall of the Renfrew Park Community Centre, facing Still Creek.
The mosaic celebrates Still Creek, one of four remaining salmon-bearing streams in Vancouver, and the commitment of the local community to steward the Still Creek ecosystem.
Tools and materials for creating the salmon tiles will be provided, and all ages and experience levels are welcome.
The Schedule
- Thursday, July 17 | 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
- Thursday, July 31 | 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
>> You can choose to attend one or both of the sessions, that’s up to you!
The clay salmon tiles will be bisque-fired by the lead artists after the workshop. After that, they will be incorporated into a mosiac that we will install at the Renfrew Community Centre. There will be opportunties for the public to help with the mosiac installation later this summer.
Yoko Tomita is a community artist who has worked in the Renfrew-Collingwood Neighbourhood for over 20 years. She has been actively involved with Collingwood Neighbourhood House, Renfrew Park Community Centre, and the Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival. She has facilitated countless community art classes and community-engaged art projects during that time, including Building Blocks for Healthy Choices mural and water fountain mosaic 2009, Collingwood Cultural Harmony Walk banner project 2006-2008 Clinton Park Fountain Mosaic project 2008, Roof top Garden Mosaic project at Collingwood Neighbourfood House 2008, Norquay Park mosaic project 2010.
Carmen Rosen is a visual artist, singer, and interdisciplinary performer with a long history of leading community-integrated projects in Renfrew-Collingwood, including murals, mosaics and large sculptures. As the Founder of Still Moon Arts Society, and in collaboration with many community partners, she created the Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival and other projects and events that shed light on Renfrew Ravine, Still Creek, salmon in the city, and the community’s creative capacity.
Notes:
- This is a free-to-attend experience
- Wear weather-appropriate clothing & closed-toedshoes
- Bring a water bottle and a hat for hot weather
- Food will not be provided. Feel free to bring your own snacks
- Tools will be provided. Feel free to bring your own clay tools if you have them.
- Rain or Shine. We will have a tent set up in case of rain or to offer shade from the sun
Accessibility:
- The Colour Me Local Dye Garden is an unpaved grass garden located in the northwest corner of Renfrew Ravine Park, and wheelchairs may require assistance.
- There is limited free street parking in the neighbourhood.
- Washrooms are not available onsite, but can be found at the Renfrew Community Centre located a 5-minutes walk away (~300 meters)
- There are benches and seating available.
WHEN: Thursday, July 31 | 4:00PM – 7:00PM
WHERE: Colour Me Local Dye Garden (3958 Renfrew St, Vancouver, BC)
COST: FREE | Click here for more information and to register!
Mark Your Mark: Open Art Studio
Join us at the CNH Annex to work on old and new art projects! Every Thursday, we offer space for sketching, watercolour painting, acrylic painting, origami, embroidery, knitting, crocheting and more. This is also a great opportunity to drop by our art studio to learn and share skills.
Drop-ins are welcome, no registration is required. Basic art materials are provided by donation.
WHEN: Thursday, July 31st | 3:30PM – 5:30PM
WHERE: CNH ANNEX (3690 Vanness Ave, Vancouver, BC)
COST: Free | Click here to register!
VIFF – Accessibility
VIFF is committed to making our events and screenings accessible to as many people as we can, and we strive to remove barriers to access whenever possible. For more information, please email accessibility@viff.org
Click here to review VIFF’s Accessibility Page
Ticketing
For ticketing assistance, you can reach us at on the VIFF Infoline 604-683-3456 or feedback@viff.org
Wheelchair Positions: We encourage patrons requiring wheelchair positions to call ahead to reserve. The adjacent companion seat is also available to reserve.
Support Companions: Support persons who accompany patrons with disabilities are eligible to receive a complimentary ticket. Contact the Infoline to book ahead or book in-person at the Box Office.
Accessible Tickets: We offer a limited number of discounted tickets to each film for folks who face financial barriers and may not be able otherwise to attend a film. Discounted tickets are available on our website or at the Box Office while quantities last.
Accessible Screenings
Captioned Screenings: Our Wednesday matinee Captioned Screenings welcome Deaf and hard of hearing audiences, along with anyone who benefits from captions.
Relaxed Screenings: Our monthly Relaxed Screenings are open to anyone who could benefit from a more casual, supportive and laid-back experience.
What is happening in Vancouver in July?
Click on the link below to see what’s happening:
https://www.destinationvancouver.com/events/calendar-of-events/vancouver-events/
![[ID: logo of Vancouver Farmers Markets.]](https://eatlocal.org/assets/themes/VFM-2018/img/header_vfm_logo.png){kind=logo}
Click here to find your market!
Vancouver Community Fridge Project
![[ID: a photo of an open fridge, inside is various fruits and vegetables.]](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1606859191214-25806e8e2423?width=entropy%26cs&optimize=medium)
The Vancouver Community Fridge Project is a decentralized food distribution network and mutual aid initiative created to provide healthy, free food and essential supplies to our communities across lower mainland.
Our mission is to combat food insecurity by encouraging our communities to take part in laterally-directed mutual aid, starting with providing free, safe, non-policed, accessible and nutritious foods through community fridges and pantries.
All fridges and pantries that are apart of the VCFP network will be operating on a strict no policing, no-shame policy. This means, the VCFP does not condone patrolling how fridge users engage with the fridge, gatekeeping, or any exclusionary or harmful behaviours. The fridges should be accessible, welcoming places based on trust and communication of needs, established by and for the community.
FINANCIAL UPDATES
Plan Institute – Canada Disability Benefit (CBD)
Applications are now open!
After months and years of advocacy (and a whole lot of waiting), the moment is finally here – applications for the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) are now open!
Applications opened on June 20, 2025 and are available on the Government of Canada website. You can submit your application via the online application portal, by phone, by mail, or in person at a Service Canada Centre.
You may have already received a letter from the government inviting you to apply for the CDB. The letter includes a unique application code and instructions on how to apply. If you did not receive a letter from the government and think you are eligible for the CDB, you can still apply.
It may be helpful to gather some key information before you complete the application, including:
- Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Mailing address
- Direct deposit information
- Optional: your net income (line 23600) from your 2024 notice of assessment. Providing this information will speed up your application, but it is not required.
If you are a legal guardian or representative for someone with a disability and you are applying for the CDB on their behalf, you will also need to provide proof that you are authorized to act as the beneficiary’s legal representative.
Click here to learn more about the application process
When will I receive my payment?
The first payments of the CDB will begin in July 2025 for applications received and approved by June 30, 2025. If your application is approved in July or later, you will receive your first payment in the month after your application is approved.
How much can I receive?
The maximum benefit amount is $2,400 per year, or $200 per month. The amount you receive will depend on your income (and the income of your spouse or partner, if relevant).
Learn more about how your benefit is calculated
How do I know if I’m eligible for the CDB?
To qualify for the CDB, you must be aged between 18-64 and be currently approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). You must also have filed your taxes for the previous tax year.
Find out more about the eligibility criteria
Where can I get support?
Plan Institute’s Disability Planning Helpline can offer support with the CDB, including understanding the application process and finding out whether you are eligible. Our advisors can also support you to apply for the DTC.
You can contact the Helpline by calling 1-844-311-7526 or emailing helpline@planinstitute.ca.
You can also talk to Service Canada directly about the CDB on their designated CDB call center telephone line: 1-833-486-3007 or by teletypewriter (TTY): 1-833-467-2700.
Disability Without Poverty | CDB Overview
Follow these steps:
1. File your tax return.
Need help? There are free tax clinics available to help you.
2. Apply for the Disability Tax Credit
Fill Form T2201 – Download the form from the Canada Revenue Agency website. Fill in Part A.
Find a Medical Practitioner – Take the form to a qualified medical practitioner to certify the impairment by completing Part B.
Submit Your Application to the CRA – Mail the completed form or submit it online. The CRA will review your application and send a notice of determination.
While you wait for the applications to open, see if you qualify for other federal programs like:
- Registered Disability Savings Plan
- Canada Workers Benefit
- Disability Supplement
- Child Disability Benefit
3. Apply for the Canada Disability Benefit
Applications for the Canada Disability Benefit open in June Payments start in July 2025!
STEP ONE: File your taxes for free
STEP TWO: Get help with your DTC application
STEP THREE: Learn more about the CDB
Disability Alliance BC – MY DTC
The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a tax benefit from the Government of Canada. It is meant to help people with disabilities and their families reduce the amount of income tax they have to pay. Benefits like the Registered Disability Saving Plan and the new Canada Disability Benefit coming in July 2025 can be accessed when you have the Disability Tax Credit.
My DTC is a free online guide to the Disability Tax Credit created by Disability Alliance BC. It has information on benefits, eligibility and the overall process, as well as tools to help with applying. Please note, My DTC does not allow people to apply for the DTC directly. This is done through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
Visit My DTC here to explore the guide.
Credit Counselling Society
The Credit Counselling Society is an accredited non-profit that helps Canadians solve their money problems. We do this by providing free credit counselling, low-cost debt solutions, and education to help you manage your money better.
Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools for building the financial success that everyone deserves. We’re here to help you through your difficult times and towards a better future.
BC Hydro – Customer Crisis Fund
If you’re a residential customer experiencing a temporary financial crisis, such as a loss of employment or benefit income, unanticipated medical expenses, or a death in the family and you’ve fallen behind on your BC Hydro bill, you may be eligible for a grant payment to avoid disconnection of your service.
Eligibility for a grant
To receive a grant from the Customer Crisis Fund, you need to meet a few criteria:
- Be a residential account holder.
- Be applying for a grant for your primary residence account.
- Your account must have payments overdue by at least 21 days or be facing disconnection. You can apply as early as when you have a balance owing on your account, but your application will be on hold until your payment is 21 days overdue or your account is facing disconnection.
- You must have experienced a life event, within the last 12 months, that caused a temporary financial crisis.
- Have an outstanding balance of $1,000 or less, and have demonstrated some attempt to make payments towards your bill.
You may receive one grant per account holder annually (one per year). If a grant application is denied and your circumstances change, you can apply again in the same year.
Click here for more information and how to apply!
![[ID: logo of BC Hydro Power Smart]](https://ecofitt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/bchydro.jpg)
Inclusion BC Provincial Budget Alert 2024-2025
Spectrum is a member of Inclusion BC and supports their provincial advocacy on behalf of individuals and families with developmental disabilities.
Click here for their report on the provincial budget announced for 2024-2025.
![[ID: logo of Inclusion BC]](https://files.constantcontact.com/5484ef30101/c09a3cee-3809-41f2-964f-ab73cfcb439f.png)
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Plan Institute Webinars
The Plan Institute has FREE upcoming regular webinars on the topics of the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) and Wills, Trusts and Estates Planning.
RDSP
The Registered Disability Savings Plan is a Canada-wide registered matched savings plan for those with disabilities to better financially plan for their futures. The Level 1 webinar is meant for those who want to learn about what the RDSP is, who qualifies, and how to apply. The Level 2 webinar is for those who already have a RDSP, or have already taken Level 1.
Next Level 1 Webinar: Wednesday, August 13th | 7:00PM – 8:30PM
Next Level 2 Webinar: Wednesday, August 20th | 7:00PM – 8:45PM
Click here to register and for more information
Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning (BC Only)
This webinar is meant for those who want to become better informed on the process of wills, trusts and estate planning to better secure the future of your relative or loved one with a disability. There is a limit of 60 participants so early registration is encouraged!
Next Webinar: Thursday, August 14th | 10:00AM – 11:30AM
Click here to register and for more information
Community Support for Spectrum
Spectrum is a registered charitable organization that fundraises to provide the extra things that aren’t covered by government funding. We appreciate the support our community provides in these ways:
Donations: We receive donations through our monthly giving program from both community members and our employees.
Different ways you can donate to Spectrum Society
- You can make a donation online through CanadaHelps.org on our secure donation page here.
- You can complete this Donation Form and send a cheque to our office.
- You can join our monthly giving club and provide us with permission to make a monthly deduction from your bank account. Complete this Donation Form and email it to donations@spectrumsociety.org or mail it to our office.
- As an employee, you can give us permission to make a deduction from your payroll each pay period. Complete this Donation Form and email it to donations@spectrumsociety.org.
- Remember Spectrum Society for Community Living when you are preparing your Will. We have an Endowment Fund that provides us with regular income to assist in providing supports to people with disabilities in the Community. Please call if you have any questions about this.
Click here for more information!
REFERRAL PROGRAM
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Is there anyone you know that is looking for meaningful work?
If you have a friend, family member or meet someone in the community that is interested in joining the team and you refer them to Spectrum, you could be eligible for a referral bonus!
If the person referred is hired and maintains at least 6 months of consistent employment with Spectrum, we will award a $250 Referral Bonus.
*for more information on the program, please email hr@spectrumsociety.org
We thank you for bringing us quality applicants/employees!