![[ID: an illustration of three solo rainboots, all have white polka-dots but are different colors - pink, yellow, and blue. There is a collection of various wildflowers coming out of each one.]](https://media.istockphoto.com/id/1308581981/vector/spring-flowers-in-boot.jpg?s=612x612&w=0&k=20&c=bDoGDIxYToGWMGgIgGbnbrex-DFd319LV6c5TUeOdQc=)
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COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES / EVENTS
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Hastings Park Farmers Market
![[ID: a photo from the farmers market - there are various vegetables in blue bins. To the right is red text that reads: Hastings Park Farmers Market, Every Sunday 10 am to 2 pm, PNE Fairgrounds, www.eatlocal.org]](https://www.pne.ca/files/uploads/2023/12/HP-Farmers-Market-16x9-2023.png)
Located on the PNE Fairgrounds between the Forum & the Agrodome, the Hastings Park Winter Farmers Market brings fresh local goods every Sunday from November-April. Find a weekly selection of locally grown fruit and veggies, farm fresh meat, eggs and dairy products, fresh baked sourdough bread and treats, craft beer, wine and spirits, artisanal prepared food, local crafts, hot coffee and food trucks. Find shopper parking at Gate 2 off Renfrew.
The market continues to operate as an essential service with COVID-19 protocols in place. Visit Vancouver Farmers Market’s COVID-19 FAQs page for the full updated list of new protocols.
EACH WEEK AT THE MARKET: 35+ farms and producers, food and coffee trucks.
WHERE: PNE Fairgrounds (2901 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC)
WHEN: Sunday, March 10th 10:00AM – 2:00PM
TRANSIT: Located on Bus Routes #4, #14, #16, R5, #210
PARKING: Free Shopper Parking at Gate 2 – tell the attendant and they will direct you where to park.
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Planting From Seed Workshop
![[ID: two photos next to each other. The first shows a hand planting a seed in a pile of soil. The second shows Alex Johnson smiling, behind him is a garden with various plants and trees. There is text next to the photos that reads: "Disabled Independent Gardeners Association: Planting From Seed Workshop With Alex Johnson from Gardenworks. March 14 from 1-2PM PT, Creekside Community Centre, Room 1, Limited Seats Available!"]](https://img.evbuc.com/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.evbuc.com%2Fimages%2F702255709%2F77321440671%2F1%2Foriginal.20240221-182415?w=600&auto=format%2Ccompress&q=75&sharp=10&rect=0%2C0%2C2160%2C1080&s=1ddbfb41731835dd52257a62612512e2)
Discover the joy of starting your own plants from seed!
Intended for both beginners and green-thumbs alike, this 1 hour session presented by Disabled Independent Gardeners Association (DIGA) in partnership with GARDENWORKS will provide you with everything you need to get started growing from seed, including both supplies and know how!
Hosted by an expert from our Community Partner GARDENWORKS, participants will leave with the supplies, knowledge, and confidence to grow their very own plants from seed.
Presenter Bio:
Alex Johnson is a gardening expert with over 10 years of experience working at GARDENWORKS.
His broad knowledge base in various gardening-related topics, coupled with his passion for growing food and helping people connect with nature, has made him a go-to resource for all things gardening.
WHERE: Creekside Community Centre, Room 1 (1 Athletes Way, Vancouver, BC)
WHEN: Thursday, March 14th, 1:00PM – 2:00PM
COST: FREE
Click here for more information and to register!
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GIRLHOOD: Confidence Building & Career Talk Workshop
![[ID: text that reads: GIRLHOOD: Confidence Building & Career Talk Workshop. There are photos of three different girls below the text. There are illustrations of ferns and flowers in the background in colors of purple and pink.]](https://img.evbuc.com/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.evbuc.com%2Fimages%2F641933009%2F418753334059%2F1%2Foriginal.20231115-000923?w=600&auto=format%2Ccompress&q=75&sharp=10&rect=0%2C0%2C2160%2C1080&s=5d90316dab9febe04d006db192f951ea)
This event is brought to you in partnership with Minerva.
Join us for an empowering and interactive workshop designed to boost your confidence and ignite your career aspirations! This hybrid (virtual and in-person) event is tailored specifically for girls (12- 18 years old) who want to excel personally and with their future career aspirations and goals.
During this workshop, you’ll have the opportunity to learn valuable skills and strategies to build self-confidence, overcome challenges, and set goals. Our expert speakers will share their personal experiences and insights, providing valuable advice on various career paths.
Through engaging activities and discussions, you’ll gain practical tools to navigate the world and develop a growth mindset confidently. Whether you’re sure or unsure of what you want to do when you grow up, this workshop is for you.
Join us and explore what options are available to you as you continue to enhance your existing skills. This workshop will empower you to pursue your dreams fearlessly.
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, learn about networking with your peers, and be inspired by successful women who have made their mark in various industries.
WHERE: Werklab (290-1275 Venables St, Vancouver, BC)
WHEN: Saturday, March 16th 10:30AM – 12:30PM
COST: FREE, but please register!
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CNH’s Community Lunch Menu For February/March (PAUSED)
![[ID: a logo on a dark purple background with white text that reads: 'Collingwood Neighbourhood House'.]](https://www.spectrumsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/cnh.png)
We will be pausing the program from February 15 until March 14.
We will confirm details about reopening in March.
For updates, please send an email to schu@cnh.bc.ca.
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What is happening in Vancouver in March?
![[ID: a painting from the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Arts.]](https://assets.simpleviewinc.com/simpleview/image/upload/c_fill,h_300,q_50,w_300/v1/crm/vancouverbc/key-image-MNY-JAJ-pg-1-_A42CD143-ED86-0CD7-0C9E048A863D44BE_a43ae90c-afd3-7c78-b6fdac220270bbee.jpg)
Click on the link below to see what’s happening:
https://www.destinationvancouver.com/events/calendar-of-events/vancouver-events-in-march/
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FINANCIAL UPDATES
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The CNH Tax Clinic
![[ID: A close-up of a tax form from the CRA.]](https://scontent.fcxh2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/428639914_821287740042743_1361612448048719511_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_p180x540&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=3635dc&_nc_ohc=OYx8SHlTsIYAX8UPzuU&_nc_ht=scontent.fcxh2-1.fna&oh=00_AfDtM_F1PPQtYomEJQolr1Qg63PwgAeRejdN5gL9C2u9nA&oe=65E6068A)
The CNH Tax Clinic will be opening soon for folks wanting help with their tax returns! Running from February 24 until April 30.
The Clinic will be open on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1-3pm at the Annex (drop off and in-person) and on Saturdays from 10-3pm at the Main House (5288 Joyce Street; in-person).
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Benefits Information Session for Seniors (65+)
![[ID: a photo of the Vancouver Public Library Renfrew Branch.]](https://newtobc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Renfrew1.jpg)
Are you 65 years or older? Learn about benefits, credits, and deductions you could be eligible for, such as the Disability Tax Credit, GST/HST Credit, medical expenses, Canada Caregiver Credit, and pension income splitting. If you do your taxes after the filing deadline, your payments could be delayed. You will also learn about tools and services that are available to you.
Presented in partnership with Canada Revenue Agency.
WHERE: Renfrew Branch Library (2969 E 22nd Ave, Vancouver, BC)
WHEN: Tuesday, March 12th 10:00AM – 11:30AM
Register online with your library card!
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2024 TD1 and TD1BC Forms
![[ID: a stock image of a tax return form with a black pen placed on top.]](https://workingholidayincanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/tax-return-form-canada.jpg)
If there are any changes to your income circumstances, please ensure to fill out the following forms for 2023 and provide them to Accounting once complete.
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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.
This is their report on the provincial budget announced yesterday for 2024-2025.
![[ID: logo of Inclusion BC]](https://files.constantcontact.com/5484ef30101/c09a3cee-3809-41f2-964f-ab73cfcb439f.png)
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![[ID: a logo on a white background with text that reads: 'Plan Institute for caring citizenship']](https://planinstitute.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Plan_Institute_logo_2016_tagline-grey.jpg){kind=logo}
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: Thursday March 21st, 7 – 8:15pm
Next Level 2 Webinar: Wednesday March 27th, 7 – 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 March 28th, 7 – 8:15pm
Click here to register and for more information
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HEALTH & SAFETY
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Sun Life Healthy You: Be a fan of your health
We launched the Sun Life Healthy You (SLHY) hub in 2023. We want to encourage Canadians to take charge of their health. We also want them to know that Sun Life is here as a partner that can help them live healthier lives. We built the SLHY hub as part of Sun Life’s ongoing multi-year partnership with the Toronto Raptors. It provides practical advice on the topics of goal setting, routine building, physical fitness, nutrition, and mental health.
![[ID: a logo on a white background that reads: 'Sun Life: Healthy You']](https://www.adnews.com/images/m42695.jpg)
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![[ID: a logo on a white background with the text that reads: 'Sun Life | Lumino Health]](https://fulcrumtherapy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/lumino-health.png)
Diabetes Coaching with Lumino Health Pharmacy
Lumino Health Pharmacy offers pharmacy services, provided by Pillway. In January 2024, they will begin offering diabetes coaching from a pharmacist to all plan members, free of charge!
Diabetes is a fast-growing chronic disease, and the cost of drugs to treat it is on the rise. Plan members with diabetes often experience other chronic diseases at the same time. Coaching with Lumino Health Pharmacy aims to help plan members follow their treatment and improve health outcomes.
About Lumino Health Pharmacy
Launched in July, Lumino Health Pharmacy is an optional service. There’s free delivery within Canada to help manage medication routines with confidence.
About the diabetes coaching program
To start a coaching session, plan members sign in to the Lumino Health Pharmacy mobile app or website.
- Coaching will focus on lifestyle, diet, nutrition, mental health, health literacy and medication management.
- On-going coaching is also available if needed.
- The pharmacist can also coordinate with other health-care providers (if requested by the plan member). This includes general practitioners, specialists, and dietitians to best support plan members.
SunLife will launch diabetes coaching to plan members in January 2024. They send emails directly to targeted plan members who are actively claiming for diabetes-related medication(s). These emails will aim to raise awareness about the service and encourage them to use it. Standard exclusions will apply for plan member communications.
When plan members sign in to the my Sun Life mobile app or mysunlife.ca, they’ll receive messages about the program.
More details will follow about the coaching program in January, along with a preview of the plan member emails.
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![[ID: a logo on a white background with text that reads: 'Community Living British Columbia']](https://www.communitylivingbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/logo-e1527801547458.png){kind=logo}
CLBC Reminder to get your flu and COVID-19 shots
Community Living BC encourages everyone who has yet to receive their COVID and flu shots this season, to kindly do so as soon as possible, ideally before the holiday season. COVID-19 remains a risk to the population (especially for those who are unvaccinated) and influenza cases are rising.
Priority to receive the COVID-19 vaccination is given to all individuals supported by CLBC. Invitations for this season’s vaccinations have been sent through email or text to everyone who has registered for a COVID vaccination in the past. It is possible to book both vaccinations in the same appointment! These vaccinations are free and available at pharmacies, health care authority clinics, and some primary care provider’s offices.
You can book your appointment through the Get Vaccinated System.
If you need help booking your appointment, you can call 1-833-838-2323. This number is open 7 days a week from 7am – 7pm and 9am – 5pm on statutory holidays.
Click here for BC’s fall respiratory illness immunization campaign
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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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![[ID: logo of Health & Safety Committee.]](https://www.spectrumsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/HS-Committee.jpg)
Come Join the Health & Safety Committee
Are you passionate about enhancing workplace health and safety? Spectrum has a great opportunity for you to share your unique experiences and opinions as a part of the Health and Safety Committee.
Spectrum’s Health and Safety Committee are on a mission to fix and build our membership. The committee consists of Community Support Workers, Managers, and Human Resources personnel. The main purpose of the Health and Safety committee is to ensure we meet WorkSafeBC standards and that every employee and people we support know that their safety is a priority.
Some Roles and Responsibilities of Committee Members are:
- To review all workplace reports of injuries and illness
- Review reports of unsafe working conditions
- Develop and review safety plans and protocols
- Review training opportunities for staff
- Ensure our Policies & Procedures align with WSBC regulations
You might be thinking that this sounds like a big commitment with an already busy schedule. However, we meet just once a month for a couple hours and you are paid for your time. Additionally, you also receive 8 hours of paid Health and Safety training each year.
This is a great opportunity to contribute to Health and Safety at Spectrum, diversify your skills, as well as connect with fellow Spectrum staff.
If you are interested in this opportunity, or want to know more information, please email Safety@spectrumsociety.org or speak to your manager.
We hope to hear from you soon!
Your Health & Safety Committee
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![[ID: a graphic design with a yellow background. There is a white hanging sign with bold yellow text that reads: 'Employee Referral Program'.]](https://static.vecteezy.com/system/resources/thumbnails/007/558/360/small/employee-referral-program-hanging-sign-on-yellow-background-for-business-marketing-flyers-banners-presentations-and-posters-illustration-vector.jpg)
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!