Brighten the Holidays
There’s a certain energy in the air as falling leaves give way to snowflakes and shopping malls start filling up with holiday shoppers. Stores sell Advent calendars, special pastries, Hanukkah gelt and all the other things that mark the wonderful festivities that brighten up the darkest days of the year.
For some vulnerable adults served by BC CRN, there may be difficult days with reminders of better times. Read our stories about festivities for seniors and others who can’t get out and about, and ways to support isolated adults who may be experiencing loneliness, poverty and mental health challenges. And please, remember to hold space on December 3 for the International Day for Persons with Disabilities.
As always we bring news from our communities and educational opportunities this month. Whether you are celebrating family traditions or simply spending some quiet time on your own, may this month close your year with joy.
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Spotlight on Jayme Fowler: Community Service Award Recipient
Jayme Fowler, Beaver Valley CRN Coordinator, is the recipient of this year’s Village of Montrose Community Service Award. Regional Mentor Heather von Ilberg sent the announcement to the BC CRN with the praise, “She works tirelessly for people in her community.” The award was a complete surprise to Jayme when the Mayor called to inform her that she had won.
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CRNs in the Community: Connecting, Listening, Engaging and Educating
The days of celebrating remembrance and thanks have come and gone and snowy landscapes are starting to form. Last month our Mentors and Coordinators traveled far and wide, connecting deeper with their communities, listening to needs, responding by delivering core programs, collaborating with like-minded agencies and preparing gifts and events for older isolated adults. Here are a few highlights from around the province.
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CRNs in the Community: Holiday Events Edition 2023
This holiday season, wherever you are and however you celebrate: be safe, check in on your neighbours and if able, take time to support or join in with your local events and experience the warmth and fun of connecting with your community.
Here are a few of BC CRN’s hosted events happening around the province this month. Contact the local CRNs highlighted for more information to help or attend. Check your local community centers and news sources for more events and activities scheduled near you.
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BC CRN Executive Director Begins Bidding Farewell
After 14 years at the helm, BC CRN’s Executive Director Sherry Baker has announced her intention to retire next Spring, effective March 31, 2024. The news was released late October by the Board of Directors to internal staff and associated members, and is now being shared publicly.
During Sherry’s tenure with the BC CRN, the organization has grown substantially and currently provides 86 CRNs that operate throughout 262 communities in British Columbia.
We wish Sherry all the best and thank her for building this amazing provincial network that helps keep our communities safer for vulnerable adults.
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BC CRN Regional Mentor Opportunity: Cariboo/Chilcotin
Are you experienced and passionate about community work, advocating and educating for the rights and protection of the vulnerable members of your community?
The BC Association of Community Response Networks (BC CRN) is an organization based on strong values and principles which guide their work. Community Response Networks are formed in local communities to help keep vulnerable adults safe and free from abuse, neglect and self-neglect.
The Regional Mentor position oversees the CRNs in the Cariboo/Chilcotin area, serving the communities of Quesnel, Williams Lake and 100 Mile House.
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Engraved Name Tags and Business Cards for Network Coordinators
BC CRN is pleased to be offering Network Coordinators customized engraved name tags and business cards, shipped directly to Coordinators at no cost through our corporate VistaPrint account.
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10 Festive Winter Holiday Activities
Winter festivities are a cornerstone of many people’s cultures and community connections. In Canada, these may include Hanukkah, Christmas, Tet, Diwali, Winter Solstice and so many more. Some folks can’t get out to participate in events or with their faith communities, and new traditions are being developed to help seniors and people with disabilities celebrate the season. We are offering 10 festive activities to engage housebound folks over the holiday season.
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Resources for Vulnerable Adults During the Holidays
While many Canadians watch Hallmark Movies with loved ones while wrapping gifts, poverty, hunger and loneliness at the holidays is a reality for many vulnerable adults. There are various resources in our communities to ensure everyone receives some love and care filled with holiday spirit.
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International Day of Persons with Disabilities is December 3, 2023
The UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities is December 3. Proclaimed in 1992, the day aims to “promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.” It also seeks to build awareness of the benefits of integrating persons with disabilities in all aspects of political, economic, social and cultural life. As you will read, there is still much work to be done.
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Spotlight on Ageism Presentation
December 5, 2023 | 12:00 pm - 1 pm PST
You are invited to attend this online presentation. Ageism is highly prevalent and is the most socially accepted and tolerated form of discrimination in Canada. Like sexism or racism, ageism is discrimination – based on someone’s age. Ageism can occur at any point in our lifespan – regardless of how old we are – and may lead to others making judgements about our background, capability, mental or physical status, based only on their impression of our age.
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January Provincial Learning Event: Working with a Designated Agency
January 16, 2024 | 10:30 am - 12:00 pm PST
You are invited to attend this online webinar. Hear from Leanne Lange at Fraser Health about the Adult Protection Program and learn how designated agencies work in responding to situations of abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults. The Adult Protection Program provides consultation and support to staff and physicians working in hospitals, community programs and long-term care homes who respond to situations of abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults. Fraser Health is one of 5 Health Authorities in the province that are designated agencies with a mandate to investigate reports of adult abuse, neglect and self-neglect. Leanne has led adult protection work at Fraser Health for 16 years. Prior to this Leanne worked at the Public Guardian and Trustee for 10 years.
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We're interested in hearing from you!
We welcome your feedback, story ideas, and photos for consideration in a future edition.
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BC CRN acknowledges the generous financial support of the Province of British Columbia.
For more on the BC CRN and our free programs, visit us at | bccrns.ca.
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