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Get Prepared for Winter Weather!
Winter is on its way, so now’s the time to start preparing for the months ahead. There will be a greater risk for severe weather which can be a risk to your safety in many ways, and it is always a good idea to prepare for the worst. Here are some recommendations from the BC government on how to best prepare:
- Create and maintain an emergency plan. Prepared BC has a fill-in-the-blanks Home Emergency Plan available to help you get started along with resources for those with disabilities.
- Identify a winter weather buddy. If you or someone you know experiences mobility issues it can be a good idea to have a friend to help out with tasks such as with shoveling snow and running errands if leaving the home is challenging.
- Prepare your home. Ensure you have good insulation, and weather stripping along doors and windows if necessary, and keep a shovel and salt on hand. Removing snow from walkways can reduce slips and falls.
- Prepare your vehicle. Install winter tires and keep your tank at least half full at all times. It can be a good idea to keep winter-specific emergency items on hand.
- Use appropriate clothing and gear. Hats, gloves and wearing multiple layers of clothes help prevent heat loss. Bright clothes and shoes that are waterproof with good grip is recommended.
- Follow trusted sources for information. Environment and Climate Change Canada is a good source for weather alerts. First Nations Health Authority and Emergency Info BC are also reliable sources.
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Joyce St. Banners Celebration
There are some new banners on Joyce Street and Collingwood Neighbourhood House is hosting an event to celebrate! This FREE event is open to anyone in the community. There will be art with Aaniya Asrani, music from St.Mary’s choir, as well as cookies and hot drinks.
WHEN: Thursday December 7th, 2:30 – 4:30pm
WHERE: Collingwood Neighbourhood House, 5288 Joyce St.
Contact CBergonzoni@cnh.bc.ca or 1-604-435-0323 for more information
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CQC’s Queer Prom in New West
Connecting Queer Communities will be hosting their first Queer Prom! This prom is a celebration for people with cognitive disabilities and neurodiversity, and is open to 2SLGBTQIA+, curious, questioning, and allies. You can dress as fancy or casual as you’d like. There will be a dance floor, DJ’d music, a photo booth, drinks and snacks. Admission is FREE!
If you need ASL interpretation or help with transportation please email kelsey@real-talk.org.
WHEN: Friday December 8th, 7 – 9pm
WHERE: 336 Columbia St., New Westminster, (BACI Office, close to the Columbia Expo Skytrain Sation)
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Winter Troutfest
Trout Lake Community Centre Association in partnership with the Vancouver Park Board is holding this FREE community event to celebrate the wonders of winter! There will be crafts, play gym and public skating. There will be a limited number of skates and helmets available to rent for free.
WHEN: Sunday December 17th, 12:30 – 3:30pm
WHERE: Trout Lake Community Centre, Gymnasium
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Self Advocate Movie Viewing Night – BCSALN
BC Self Advocates Leadership Network Society is hosting a zoom viewing of “Freedom Tour”, a documentary created by People First of Canada. It features 16 stories of self advocates and friends travelling across the prairie provinces to raise awareness about life in an institution. This powerful film is a reminder to remember the lessons of history and that every person matters. *Please note this movie contains sensitive content*
Click here for more information
WHEN: Friday December 8th, 7:30pm
RVSP to salnbc19@gmail.com to receive the zoom link
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Renfrew Seniors Holiday Luncheon
Come enjoy a delightful feast, fun entertainment, new friends, and door prizes! Registration is $14.29 and is required, but meals can be purchased the day of depending on availability.
Menu – Roasted turkey with cranberry sauce and stuffing, mash potatoes and gravy, mixed seasonal vegetables, and seasonal desserts and cookies.
WHEN: Wednesday, December 6th, 12 – 2pm
WHERE: Renfrew Park Community Centre, 2929 22nd Ave E
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CNH’s Community Lunch Menu for December
Tuesday, December 5: Cream of broccoli soup, chicken/veggie sandwich, salad, vanilla pudding
Thursday, December 7: Meat/veggie lasagna, salad, date bar
Tuesday, December 12: Beef barley soup, egg salad sandwich, salad, chocolate chip cookies
Thursday, December 14: Closed for the Seniors’ Holiday Luncheon
CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAYS FROM DECEMBER 19-28
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CLBC Resources for Aging Families
CLBC Community Councils have been trying to raise awareness on the challenges of aging, and the planning supports available to individuals and families supported by CLBC who are getting older. Here is a list of recommended supports:
- CLBC Aging Resources:
- PLAN Institute
- Future Planning Tool
- Access Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)
- Information on Personal Support Networks
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For those receiving benefits with Spectrum, we offer our EAP (Employee Assistance Program) to provide 24/7 confidential support to our employees. If you are not currently receiving group benefits but are in need of support, please reach out to your supervisor or Human Resources at hr@spectrumsociety.org so we can provide you with accessible options of support. For immediate access to set up assistance, you can click here: Lumino VC (dialogue.co) OR download the app directly onto your smart device by going to the App Store and searching Lumino Health Virtual Care. The graphic is as follows and you will need your benefit group number and Access ID to set it up:
When accessing EAP via the app is not possible:
· Plan members can get access to immediate help through their EAP by calling 1-844-342-3327. A Member Service Specialist will assess your needs and coordinate care with the appropriate resources.
Plan members are also able to access the EAP through the app or online.
If you or your dependents are having trouble using the app or website and need help accessing your account, they can:
- contact Dialogue by emailing sunlife-support@dialogue.co Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.
- visit help.dialogue.co and use the chat feature for assistance, for after hours and weekend support.
For questions regarding benefits plan information, you can
- contact hr@spectrumsociety.org
*Applies to all Lumino Health Virtual Care products – Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Primary Care, Stress Management & Well-Being
Spectrum recognizes that our teams do an incredible job of supporting people in our services. The work that each of you do is valuable and at times, difficult. Please do honor what your body/mind may be communicating. If you feel increased stress or grief, please pay attention to those signals and reach out to the EAP or us for resources of support.
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What is happening in Vancouver in December?
Click on the link below to see what’s happening:
https://www.destinationvancouver.com/events/calendar-of-events/vancouver-events-in-december/
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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!