Team News

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR COMMUNITY
(EVENTS, NEWS, & AWARENESS)

REMINDER! Spectrum’s Annual Summer Picnic!

WHEN: Wednesday, July 17th, 2024

TIME: 2:00PM – 6:00PM

WHERE: JOHN HENDRY PARK – TROUT LAKE – PICNIC GAZEBO

Join us for the Spectrum’s Annual Summer Picnic and enjoy a selection of burgers, hot dogs, chips, salads, and cold drinks!

We are also looking for volunteers that would like to assist in the setup, clean up, and take down of the event. If you’re interested in being a part of the Picnic Team, please email Spectrum’s office at reception@spectrumsociety.org

We’re looking forward to seeing everyone for a fun day of socializing, good food, and sunshine!

DIGA – Gardening Season Kickoff Party

[ID: a photo of two people smiling at each other in a garden. There's colorful pink and orange flowers in front of them. There is text below that reads: Gardening Season Kickoff Party. Above is DIGA's logo and details of the event.]

Get ready to celebrate the start of DIGA’s gardening season at GF Strong on June 25th! Join us in the garden for some light snacks and great conversation about our gardening plans for the year. It’s going to be a blast!

For more info, contact us at info@digabc.org. See you there!

WHEN: Tuesday, June 25th | 1:30PM – 3:00PM

WHERE: GF Strong Garden (4255 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC)

Click here for more information!

Still Moon – Stewardship Work Party at North Renfrew Ravine

[ID: a photo of a group of people removing invasive plants by a creek.]

This stewardship session will focus on removing common butterbur from along the boardwalk and removing other introduced species on the streambank. We will also pick up any garbage we find in the ravine.

Since 2020, we’ve focused on restoring this part of the ravine, and as a result, several native species, like skunk cabbage, salmonberry, and black cottonwood, have returned to the space. This maintenance session will help these species continue to thrive in the area.

Join fellow community members at this restoration session for an evening of learning about native and invasive plants, as well as chatting about stream health and monitoring

This event is led by Still Moon’s Stewardship Program Manager, Connelly Stirling, who is keen on community stewardship and loves to share knowledge about birds, bugs, and plants!

Logistics

Date & Time: Wed, Jun 26 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Meetup Point: Renfrew Ravine Park – Meet at Yin-Yang Bench

Google Maps exact location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/r2EqcnzxvMWxZup37

Cost: FREE

More details

This event is led by Still Moon’s Stewardship Program Manager, Connelly Stirling, who is keen on community stewardship and loves to share knowledge about birds, bugs, and plants.

We will provide light refreshments, fruit snacks and granola bars, as well as some beverages, such as juice and sparkling water. Please bring water to stay hydrated!

Should-Knows Before the Event

This event is best for ages 10+.
Please wear sturdy closed-toe footwear (hiking boots, trail runners, rubber boots with good traction)
Wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty
Bring a full bottle of drinking water
Still Moon will provide all tools, including gloves, shovels, garbage reachers, trowels, sharp boxes, and a first aid kit.
Washrooms are available at the Renfrew Community Centre, a 5-minute walk from where we will be working.
Photos and/or videos will be taken to document the event for Still Moon Arts Society’s archival and promotional purposes. You will be asked for consent at the beginning of the event and your choice does not impact your ability to participate fully in the experience.

Accessibility Considerations

This site is accessed by stairs, and we will be working on some sloped areas as well. If you need help getting to the site, or have other questions about accessibility, please email connelly@stillmoonarts.ca.

Getting There

The closest bus stop is NB Boyd Diversion @ E 22 Ave and there is free parking in the neighbourhood. Limited street parking is available.

About Still Moon Arts Society

Still Moon Arts Society mobilizes community and creates positive change through eco-arts and environmental stewardship programming, and produces the annual Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival. Still Moon is a registered charity whose mission is to inspire vibrant and connected communities by creating artistic experiences and nurturing a passion for nature.

This event takes place on the unceded territories of xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

Click here for more information and to get tickets.

Real Talk – CQC Pride Dance Party at The Summit

Adults with cognitive disabilities who are 2SLBGTQIA+, curious, or questioning head to a Pride Dance Party in North Vancouver.

Connecting Queer Communities is a social group for folks with intellectual disabilities and neurodiversity who are 2SLGBTQIA+, curious, questioning, or who just want to hang out with their queer friends.

For our next outing, CQC is heading over to the Summit at the Intellectual Disabilities Society (IDS) on the North Shore to boogie down for their Pride Dance Party!

Date: Friday, June 28th | 1:00PM – 2:00PM

Address: 1095 Churchill Crescent, North Vancouver, BC

Cost: $10 | If you want to attend and you need support with the ticket cost, with transport, or need ASL interpretation, email kelsey@real-talk.org.

To register, click this link or email Desiree at summitprograms@idsbc.org.

Vancouver International Jazz Festival (June 21-30)

The Vancouver International Jazz Festival is on from June 21st – June 30th. There are both ticketed and free events!

Click Here To View the Events Calendar!

National Indigenous History Month

Every June, National Indigenous History Month honours and celebrates the rich history, heritage, resilience and accomplishments of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples across Canada.

This nationwide observance recognizes the strength and diversity of Indigenous communities and provides an opportunity to learn about Indigenous people’s lives, cultures, and their ways of knowing, being, and doing.

Join the celebration by learning more about Indigenous people’s history, lives and cultures, reading books and watching films by Indigenous authors and filmmakers, attending events and exploring some of the resources provided in the link below:

National Indigenous History Month

Still Moon Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival 2024 – Open Call For Artists & Performers!

Every autumn, Still Moon presents the Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival which honours the harvest moon, the Still Creek watershed, community, art and the diverse cultural traditions of Renfrew-Collingwood. The Festival features enchanting live music, giant lanterns, and illuminated art set against a backdrop of towering trees and the flowing waters of Still Creek.

We’re excited to announce that calls are open for artists and performers for the 2024 Festival. We invite local artists and performers to apply by Thursday, June 27th, 2024.

Apply as Harvest Fair Performer

Apply as Streamside Artist

What is happening in Vancouver in June?

Click on the link below to see what’s happening:

https://www.destinationvancouver.com/events/calendar-of-events/vancouver-events-in-june/

Collingwood Neighbourhood House – Community Lunch Menu for June

Join us every Tuesday and Thursday for an affordable three-course meal at our Multipurpose Room (5288 Joyce Street) for only $7-8 from 12:15-1:30pm.

Buy your tickets at reception!

For questions, email Susanna Chu at schu@cnh.bc.ca or call 604-435-0375.

Tuesday, June 25, 2024: Tomato basil soup, salad, grilled cheese, and cinnamon roll

Thursday, June 27, 2024: Peanut noodles with sautéed veggies, salad, and apple pie cookie

[ID: logo of Collingwood Neighbourhood House.]

Community Lunch Program at Renfrew Park Community Centre

Meals include a hot entrée, salad or side dish, dessert, coffee or tea. We try our best to use locally grown seasonal vegetables and fruit from community gardens! Lunches will be served on a first come first served basis. Lunch can be bought in person with cash/credit card or online with a credit card, limit of 4 per person. Limited number of lunches available.

Adults/Seniors $7.62+tax | Children/Youth $6.19+tax

*This week’s menu has not been released by the chef*

Fees for this program are non-refundable.

WHERE: Renfrew Park Community Centre, Kitchen (Room 110) – (2929 E 22nd Ave, Vancouver, BC)

WHEN: Friday, June 28th | 12:00PM – 1:00PM

Click Here to Find Your Market!

Vancouver Community Fridge Project

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.

Click Here to Find A Fridge!

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.

Learn How to Get Involved!

FINANCIAL UPDATES

BC Hydro – Free Portable Air Conditioners

Available for income qualified households and individuals referred by regional health authority programs.

If you live in an income-qualified household and/or have received a recommendation letter from your regional health authority’s Home Care Program you may be eligible for a free portable air conditioner (AC).

This program is available year-round. If you apply during the winter and fall, you’ll have your evaluation completed and receive your unit sooner than during warmer months. Homeowners can also choose to self-install their units, which may help in receiving a unit quicker, during the summer.

This offer includes:

One portable AC unit: Portable units are on wheels and are installed by connecting a flexible duct hose through an open window. They’re plugged into a standard wall electrical outlet.
A one-time installation: You’re responsible for ongoing maintenance, take-down and reinstallation. If you own your home, you can opt to self-install your unit.

A portable AC unit is ideal for small, closed-in areas, like a bedroom. It can help create a safe cooling space during extreme heat events during the day and at night. For more information on how to prepare for heat events, see guidance from the B.C. Centre for Disease Control.

How to apply:

Review the eligibility criteria to make sure you qualify.
If you rent your home, you’ll need to get your landlord’s consent. Complete the landlord consent form [PDF, 1.7 MB].
Apply online for your free portable AC unit.
After you apply, our team will reach out to you within a few weeks to let you know if your application is approved.*
Approved applications will then be forwarded to our contractors. Our contractor will contact you within one to two weeks to schedule a visit to your home.
Customers who own their homes can choose to self-install their units or have the AC installed for you.

There are no fees or shipping costs.

* Please note that air conditioning units are available on a first come, first served basis amongst qualified applicants subject to funding.

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!

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.

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: Upcoming RDSP Level 1 webinar dates will be announced shortly.

Next Level 2 Webinar: Upcoming RDSP Level 2 webinar dates will be announced shortly.

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: Upcoming Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning (BC Only) webinar dates will be announced shortly.

Click here to register and for more information

HEALTH & SAFETY

A compassion-first approach: new videos in support of Canadian Mental Health Week

Canadian Mental Health Week is May 6 to 12, 2024. The theme of this year’s campaign is “A Call to be Kind.” This theme suggests a “compassion-first” approach when interacting with someone struggling with mental health. And we’re doing our part to promote this approach. We’re pleased to share two new education videos with you:

The videos promote a better understanding of the two mental disorders that most commonly lead to long-term disability claims. They can also help create more compassionate people leaders within your organization. This can help them better support employees on their healing journey to mental wellness. These videos, along with the rest of our mental health education series, can be found on our website.

ICord – Sleep Routines and Sleep Disturbances After SCI Survey

Researcher(s): Dr. Victoria Claydon

ICORD researcher Dr. Claydon and her research team at SFU, and community partner Spinal Cord Injury BC are interested in learning more about the sleep routines, disturbances, and barriers to sleep supports experienced by individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), as well as the impacts of these sleep problems on daily life.

This survey study aims to characterize the milieu of routine and physiological sleep disturbances after SCI. The survey asks about sleep quality, sleep routines (i.e., turning), and sleep problems (i.e., sleep apnea, neuropathic pain, autonomic dysreflexia) as they present in the nighttime. We will also ask how your sleep

Why should you participate in this study?

Poor sleep quality is widely documented among individuals with SCI, with consequences of excessive daytime sleepiness, high levels of fatigue, and reduced participation. Unsurprisingly, 59-80% of survey respondents with SCI indicate having a sleep problem that interferes with sleep onset or sleep continuity. While the correlations between sleep problems and secondary conditions (chronic pain, bladder and bowel dysfunction, respiratory impairment) experienced in the daytime are strong, we do not know enough about how these problems present in the nighttime or how to best manage them.

As such, the principal focus of the survey is to characterize the frequency, severity, and management of 10 distinct sleep disturbances identified through literature review and community partner priorities: turning routines, sleep apnea, bowel care, bladder care, AD, thermal discomfort, neuropathic pain, nociceptive pain, spasticity, and anxiety. Given the potential for reciprocal impacts between sleep disturbances and additive effects on sleep outcomes, it is necessary to study these sleep challenges post-SCI. With the support of patient and community partners, we hope that the results of this study will shed light on the under-recognized challenges of sleep post-SCI to provide context for meaningful change and inform clinical priorities.

You may be eligible to participate in this study if you:

Have an SCI (inclusive of all injury levels, severity, duration, and cause)
Are living in Canada
Are at least 19 years old
Are able to communicate and understand instructions in English

Compensation for participation

As a thank you for your time, participants will receive $15 via e-transfer. At the conclusion of the survey, participants who wish to receive the honoraria will be linked to an external survey to enter an email to which the e-transfer will be sent. Your email will not be linked to your survey responses.

This study will take place:

Remotely (online survey / phone / audio call)

Time commitment

This online survey is estimated to take 30 – 45 minutes to complete. Skip logic has been integrated so that you will only be shown questions for the sleep disturbances that you indicate. If not completed in one sitting, the page can be left open until you return to it. If you wish to complete the survey verbally, please contact the survey coordinator (rebekah_lee@sfu.ca) to arrange a call.

Click here to start the survey, or save https://www.surveymonkey.ca/r/SleepAfterSCI to start later.

For more information or to sign up to participate, please contact the study coordinator Rebekah Lee by email at rebekah_lee@sfu.ca or call (778) 892-8560.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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!

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