Our News and Stories
Alice’s story: Youth can do it too
Alice is a youth who came to Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House in August 2014. She came to the employment team at our House for assistance with finding a volunteer position, to gain experience for entering the job force. Alice completed Grade 12 with the aid of a learning assistance and life skills program alongside a Work Experience Placement (WEP) as a cashier at a fast food restaurant. Alice mentioned that she had no other work experience, and she wanted to receive case management services—to help her learn job search techniques and find a position as a customer service representative.
Family literacy in Mount Pleasant
When Zahra Jalali immigrated to Canada 10 years ago, she already had a degree in English translation from her home country of Iran. She soon realized, however, that knowing and using a language were very different things, and enrolled in English as an Additional Language (EAL) courses at Vancouver Community College (VCC).
Steele of Approval: Neighbourhood House Week
In honour of Neighbourhood House Week, CKNW’s Lynda Steele speaks with Deb Bryant, CEO of the Association of Neigbhourhood Houses of BC (ANHBC), about how neighbourhood houses fight social isolation.
Rana’s Story: Finding a fulfilling career in Canada
Two weeks after her move from Dubai to Canada, Rana connected with Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House-WorkBC Specialized Services by attending our ‘BC Industry Speakers and Job Fair’ in February 2018. Here, Rana expressed that she lacked the support of her family in seeking a better life and future for herself. During the event, she signed up to attend an orientation session with the employment program in our House.
Social Inclusion: You Belong Here (Wing Sun’s Story)
Wing Sun is an older adult who was becoming very isolated at home. He was told by his doctor that it wouldn’t be long before he was wheelchair-bound. Hearing this, his case manager referred him to the Beulah Adult Day program at the South Vancouver Neighbourhood House (SVNH).
The movement for belonging: Neighbourhood Houses in Metro Vancouver
Neighbourhood houses have been around in Metro Vancouver since 1894—that’s more than 120 years—helping create spaces for community-building and to encourage a sense of belonging in our cities.
Bond to Literacy
Julia Zhu, our program facilitator, met Shirley at a local park while participating in outreach recruiting participants to the Bond to Literacy program. Shirley was right away very interested in the Bond to Literacy program and proceeded to register herself and her young son on that same day. Attending the Bond to Literacy Program was the first time that Shirley and her son had come to Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House.
Social Inclusion: Benilda’s Story
Uprooting oneself from one’s comfort zone is not an easy feat for anyone, but Benilda found it particularly difficult. When her family immigrated to Canada from the Philippines in 2008, it was her visits to Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House (FHNH) that made her feel connected and at home.
Alberto’s Story: Job search help pays off for newcomers
Alberto* came to see José at Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House because he wanted to become an ESL teacher. He needed assistance with elaborating his resume and with job interviews. His resume needed to be better organized, and he needed to find the right wording to convey his skills and experience. He also required confidence in approaching potential employees and facing job interviews.