Our News and Stories
How to save a life: Front line stories and overdose prevention
More than 50 people gathered at Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House on October 11 to hear first-hand accounts from five storytellers whose lives are deeply touched by the fentanyl overdose crisis. This event marked the first in a series of six dialogues and overdose prevention trainings at neighbourhood houses around the city, in partnership with Megaphone Magazine and CBC Vancouver.
Feeding a community: Insights into Mount Pleasant’s food programs
For Aya, MPNH was “el punto de partide (a point of departure) to try new things, to be more comfortable with people. It took me out of my depression, the loneliness I felt,” she explains. “Now I feel useful, I feel happy and I feel more connected.”
This sense of connection is especially helpful for newcomers struggling to meet new people while mastering a second language. Of people surveyed in this report, nearlly 78% state that the food programs have helped them improve their English language skills, crediting the “practical, hands-on training” they receive from instructors and peer-leaders in the program.
Miracles happen at our House: Children’s Birthday Miracles
A team of volunteers organizes group birthday parties for a number of families, covering all the details from decorations and food, to entertainment like puppet masters and magicians, as well as cake, and gifts for all the birthday children. To date, the CBM Vancouver team has worked with several Syrian and Aboriginal families, and always look forward to organizing the next birthday.
Part science, part magic: Witnessing the solar eclipse at our House
At Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House today, people used their cell phone cameras to take unique photos of the eerie light. Sharing this magical scientific experience left everyone feeling inspired and ready to face a sunny day after spending the morning in shadow.
Celebrating literacy with food, games and African dancing
Newcomer families and their volunteer tutors gathered together at Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House on July 18. With Scrabble games, jelly beans and vegetarian biryani, they celebrated all the hard work the families had completed over winter and spring, as they learned English.
Neighbourly Together: Brenda’s story
“When I was unexpectedly retired, I thought, What do I do? I move forward. With the support of my family I was encouraged to get out and get involved in something new. I came to Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House. I decided to take Senior Peer Counselling, which led to training as a Neighbourly Together volunteer. I just feel so good working with seniors.”
Fire Across The Land
Brad Marsden (Gitskan Nation) led us through a powerful experiential workshop to help educate service providers of the collective trauma that has impacted Native people throughout Canada’s history.
Celebrating 40 years as Neigbhours
Hundreds of people gathered under our roof on the tenth of May to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House. From seniors like George Jolly who was part of the neighbourhood in the 1970’s, to new parents swaddling our tiniest community member, everyone was welcomed in the spirit of joy and friendship.
Juliana’s Story: Struggling at home? We can help you find work
Juliana was going through a major life transition. While recovering from a car accident, she was in the middle of family legal issues after leaving an abusive partner, and was living with her teenage son in second stage housing. Juliana also had a three-year employment gap, and needed to develop job search skills as well as a professional network. She also mentioned having low self-esteem and health issues.