September 23rd is International Day of Sign Languages!
This day is to raise awareness about the importance of sign languages and to advocate for the rights of deaf individuals and the deaf community worldwide.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR COMMUNITY
(EVENTS, NEWS, & AWARENESS)
CNH – Cedar Carving
Join us on Tuesday evenings from 5 to 7 pm for our weekly cedar carving program. This program is free with priority for Indigenous youth, elders and families.
For more information, call 604-435-0323.
WHEN: Tuesday, September 17th | 5:00PM – 7:00PM
WHERE: Collingwood Neighbourhood House (5288 Joyce St, Vancouver, BC)
COST: FREE
Mount Pleasant Community Clean-Up & BBQ
Join Us for the Mount Pleasant Community Clean-Up & BBQ!
Hello, wonderful people of Mount Pleasant! Saturday September 21st, we’re rolling up our sleeves and coming together for the UN’s World clean-up day unlike any other. You bring the enthusiasm, we’ll supply everything else you need. Come for the clean-up, stay for the food, fun and new friends!
What to expect:
- Community Clean-Up: Let’s beautify our streets, parks, and spaces. Every hand helps!
- Free BBQ: After we’ve made our neighbourhood shine, join us for a delicious BBQ on us! It’s our way of saying thanks.
- Prizes: Yes, you read that right! Participate for a chance to win some prizes.
We’re proud to partner with the Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House and the City of Vancouver! Let’s come together to care for our planet and our neighbourhood.
WHEN: Saturday, September 21st | 10:00AM – 12:00PM
WHERE: Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House (800 E Broadway, Vancouver BC)
Vancouver Etsy Co. – Fall Pop Up
You won’t want to miss the Vancouver Etsy Co Fall Pop-Up on September 21st This exciting event is free admission and pet-friendly, so bring your furry friend along for the ride.
With over 90 makers, designers, and creatives showcasing their unique and handmade products, you’re sure to find something special that speaks to you. Whether you’re looking for one-of-a-kind jewelry, handmade pottery, or beautifully crafted home decor, this pop-up has it all.
Not only will you have the chance to shop from some of the most talented artisans in the area, but you’ll also be supporting local businesses and independent creators. Plus, with free admission, you’ll have more money to spend on the things you love!
So mark your calendars for September 21st and head on over to the Vancouver Etsy Co Fall Pop-Up. We can’t wait to see you there!
WHEN: Saturday, September 21, 2024 | 10:00AM – 5:00PM
WHERE: Robson Square Ice Rink (800 Robson St, Vancouver, BC)
COST: FREE ADMISSION!
Pet-friendly!
RSVP for a chance to win ‘MARKET CASH’ to spend at the POP-UP with any vendor! ** Draws will happen every 100 RSVPs. The more friends you bring, the more chances to win! CLICK HERE TO RSVP.
What is happening in Vancouver in September?
Click on the link below to see what’s happening:
https://www.destinationvancouver.com/events/calendar-of-events/vancouver-events-in-september/
Collingwood Neighbourhood House – Community Lunch Menu for September
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 Collingwood Neighbourhood House reception!
For questions, email Susanna Chu at schu@cnh.bc.ca or call 604-435-0375.
Tuesday, September 17, 2024: Carrot and coconut soup, beef or veggie lettuce wrap, salad, and sesame balls
Thursday, September 19, 2024: Fish or potato cake, salad, and oatmeal muffin
Tuesday, September 24 2024: Squash soup, turkey or veggie sandwich, salad, and carrot cake
Thursday, September 26, 2024: Chicken or mushroom souvlaki with rice pilaf, salad, and pear & apple spring roll
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
- Arugula and Bulgur Salad
- Perogies with Sausage and Cabbage
- Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
Fees for this program are non-refundable.
WHERE: Renfrew Park Community Centre, Kitchen (Room 110) – (2929 E 22nd Ave, Vancouver, BC)
WHEN: Friday, September 20th | 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.
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
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: Tuesday, September 17th, 2024 | 7:00PM – 8:30PM
Next Level 2 Webinar: Thursday, September 26th, 2024 | 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, September 19th, 2024 | 7:00PM – 8:15PM
Click here to register and for more information
HEALTH & SAFETY
What is Self-Care and Why is it Important?
Self-care is the practice of taking care of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of your life to promote health and wellness.
While many people may view self-care as a form of selfish indulgence, the act of caring for oneself is an important part of a person’s overall well-being.
https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-self-care-5212781
Putting Your Best Foot Forward – Foot Comfort and Safety in the Workplace
Why is Foot Comfort Important?
Given that we spend a significant portion of our day on our feet, it’s essential to take care of them and wear appropriate footwear. Work-related foot injuries generally fall into two main categories. The first includes injuries like punctures, crushes, sprains, and lacerations (cuts). The second category involves injuries from slips, trips, and falls. Although slips and falls may not always lead to foot injuries, neglecting foot safety significantly increases the risk of such incidents, which can result in injury.
To read more about causes, contributing factors, and prevention of foot injuries in the workplace, visit the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) here: https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/prevention/ppe/foot_com.html
Reporting Unsafe Working Conditions and the Importance of a Safe Work Environment
Importance of a Safe Work Environment
A safe work environment is crucial for the well-being of all employees and people supported. It not only ensures the physical safety of everyone but also fosters a positive and supportive workplace culture. A safe workplace minimizes the risk of accidents, injuries, and illnesses.
Reporting Unsafe Working Conditions
Employees play a vital role in maintaining a safe work environment. If you observe any unsafe conditions or practices, it is essential to report them immediately. To report an issue, you can complete Spectrum’s Unsafe Working Conditions Report form, available on the Health and Safety webpage: https://www.spectrumsociety.org/human-resources/health-safety-committee/
We appreciate that you care about your co-workers and the people we support; we will never discriminate against you for completing an unsafe working conditions report.
Why Reporting is Crucial
Reporting unsafe conditions helps prevent accidents and injuries, protects everyone’s health, and ensures alignment with provincial safety regulations. Maintaining a safe work environment is a collective responsibility. By reporting unsafe conditions, you contribute to a safer and healthier workplace for all.
If you have any questions or need further guidance, please contact Human Resources: hr@spectrumsociety.org
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.
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!