Mary, Manager of Vancouver Youth Services at BYRC, celebrates MPNH’s five-year partnership and lasting community impact. As MPNH marks its 50th anniversary, she recognizes its commitment to meaningful partnerships, belonging, and positive change. She hopes MPNH continues fostering inclusion, resilience, intergenerational connections, and vibrant communities for generations to come.

After breaking her arm in 2018, Elizabeth McIllfaterick discovered Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House and became its Volunteer Coordinator. Recognizing newcomer children’s educational needs, she established a Saturday Homework Club. Her experience inspired her teaching career, highlighting MPNH’s lasting impact as a community where everyone belongs, contributes, gives, and receives support.

For 13 years, Oficina Curumim has helped Brazilian-Canadian children preserve their language, culture and heritage through Portuguese-based learning, arts and celebrations at Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House. Founded by Brazilian parents, the program also fosters community connections among families, strengthening cultural identity and ensuring Brazilian traditions continue across generations in Canada.

Varouj Gumuchian helped establish Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House’s Men’s Shed, creating a welcoming space where men build skills, friendships, and community through shared projects. A retired architect and lifelong community builder, Varouj values the Shed’s role in fostering connection, supporting mental health, reducing loneliness, and keeping participants engaged, curious, and young.

ReUseTech BC values its partnership with Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House, supporting newcomer families through refurbished laptops and digital skills workshops.

Together, we helped Spanish-speaking caregivers navigate school technology, communicate with teachers, access important information, and stay connected to their children’s education.

Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House Daycare provides children with a warm, engaging, and supportive environment. Experienced educators build strong relationships, guide behaviour, and ease transitions to kindergarten. Families value the daycare’s caring community, activities, traditions, and parent friendships. Anna and Jeff hope more families can experience the same trusted, nurturing opportunities.

After moving from Singapore to Vancouver following his wife’s death, Michael struggled with grief, loneliness, and starting over. Volunteering at Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House transformed his life. Through Tech Café and Tuesday lunches, he connected with seniors, shared his skills, and discovered purpose. Michael now champions community, connection, diversity, and belonging.

Flavours of Hope and Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House built a collaborative partnership supporting newcomer women entrepreneurs through Dream Cuisine. By sharing space, expertise, and community connections, they help women develop food businesses while fostering belonging and leadership. The partnership demonstrates how nonprofits can overcome limited resources through cooperation, mentorship, and shared community impact.