Team News

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

Evo Summer Cinema Movies in Stanley Park – The Emperor’s New Groove

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The Largest Outdoor Movie Series in Canada.

Come and join Evo Car Share and Fresh Air Cinema for an unforgettable movie experience! Gather your friends and head to Stanley Park to enjoy watching your favourite films on a massive 40ft screen under the stunning night sky. It’s an experience you won’t forget!

On Tuesday, July 23rd The Emperor’s New Groove is playing!

WHEN: Tuesday, July 23rd | 9:03PM (Sunset)

WHERE: Stanley Park | Click here for exact location!

COST: General Admission FREE!

Real Talk – Periods for All presents Peer-iod Talks

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Worried about or unsure how to talk about periods and caring for menstruation?

Periods for All is a menstrual health initiative aimed at people with disabilities and their supporters.

They’re holding a FREE discussion / workshop in Kitsilano on July 26th with drinks & snacks. Ages 11 and up.

For more information, email: hello@periodsforall.org

WHEN: Friday, July 26th | 2:30PM – 4:00PM

WHERE: Kits House (2305 West 7th Ave, Vancouver, BC)

COST: FREE!

Still Moon Arts Society – Retain the Shade at Nootka & 14th

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Help “Retain the Shade” along Still Creek by removing ivy from trees along the creek banks. We will use clips, saws, and hands to free trees from weighty ivy in the park. We will also be removing any garbage found in the area.

This portion of Still Creek, which was daylit in 2011, is a new restoration target for Still Moon, and this will be our second session in the area. There are a few invasive plant species currently dominating the area: English ivy, Himalayan blackberry, and Japanese Knotweed. The focus of this session is to complete life-saver rings on cottonwood and alder to reduce the likelihood of trees falling in high winds. Hence, the shade around the creek will remain longer, cooling the water so that it can support aquatic life.

Join fellow community members at this restoration session for an evening of learning about native and invasive plants, a discussion of stream health and monitoring, and learn more about Still Moon’s activity in the area.

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!

Summary of Logistics:

Date: Saturday, July 27, 2024
Time: From 9:30 to 11:30 AM
Location: Meet at the corner of Nootka St. and E. 14th Ave. | Map
This is a free event. Donations are appreciated.

What to expect

This program is best for those who are 10+, as the slope and uneven terrain are a bit challenging.
We will provide light snacks, fruit snacks and granola bars, as well as some beverages, such as tea or Bubly.
Please bring a full water bottle to stay hydrated.
We will be working on slightly steep slopes.
Please wear sturdy closed-toe footwear (hiking boots, trail runners, rubber boots with good traction).
Wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty.
Still Moon will provide all tools, including gloves, shovels, garbage reachers, trowels, sharp boxes, and a first aid kit.
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

This site is accessed by a narrow, somewhat overgrown path; and the trees we will be working with are located in an area with very uneven terrain – some may be accessed via the path. The site is also moderately sloped. If you need help getting to the site, or have other questions about accessibility, please email connelly@stillmoonarts.ca.

Getting There

Nookta & 14th is a 10-minute walk from Renfrew Skytrain Station. Limited street parking is available.

Click here to register!

What is happening in Vancouver in July?

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

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

Collingwood Neighbourhood House – Community Lunch Menu for July

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, July 23, 2024 – Seasonal summer soup, salad, double stuffed potato, & apple crisp

Thursday, July 25, 2024 – BBQ Chicken or Mushrooms with cornbread, salad, pound cake with fruit compote

Tuesday, July 30, 2024 – Curry roast tomato and pepper soup, salad, quinoa, raspberry oatmeal cookie bar

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Community Lunch Program at Renfrew Park Community Centre

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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, July 26th | 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

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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.

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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 14th, 2024 | 7:00PM – 8:30PM

Next Level 2 Webinar: Tuesday, August 20th, 2024 | 10:00AM – 11:45AM

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 15th, 2024 | 10:00AM – 11:15AM

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.

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.

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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

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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!

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