At the corner of Victoria and 49th Avenue, South Vancouver Neighbourhood House has stood since 1977. For decades, its neutral brick walls blended into the background, unreflective of the vibrance and community life unfolding inside. “Some participants have said that they thought our building was an insurance office and didn’t know to come in until…
From her first role at Sasamat in 2014 to now leading as Executive Director, Kristen Hyodo’s journey is one of transformation, purpose, and passion. What started as temporary move grew into a lifelong commitment to outdoor education, youth leadership, and Land Justice. Today, Sasamat Outdoor Centre thrives under her leadership as a space where young…
May’ My name is Marisa Law, the illustrator of the ANHBC Strategic Transformation Forest Ecosystem. I am 22 and an urban Indigenous (Upper Smelqmix/Upper Similkameen) / Settler youth artist residing on Coast Salish Territory.
The Aging with Pride event, launched in 2020 by QMUNITY in partnership with Gordon Neighbourhood House and other amazing local organizations, began as a way for 2SLGBTQIA+ seniors to celebrate Pride together during the isolation of the pandemic. Since then, it has grown into something far greater than a single annual event, it has become a vital space of connection, belonging, and affirmation for queer and trans seniors who too often experience invisibility or isolation as they age.
Sheila Kirkby’s relationship with Kitsilano Neighbourhood House began by accident but blossomed into decades of meaningful involvement. From attending potlucks with her daughter, to becoming a dedicated volunteer supporting seniors, families, and children, Sheila’s story reminds us that transformation happens through connection and commitment to our communities.
A Q&A with Claudia Sjoberg, Pedalheads CEO In this Q&A interview with Claudia Sjoberg, founder and CEO of Pedalheads, we discuss her longtime involvement with neighborhood houses across Canada, starting with Cedar Cottage, highlighting her role in creating welcoming and adaptable community spaces. She shares with us what finding refuge at the Neighbourhood House meant…
By Penny Bradley, Executive Director Alex House Not everything that is beautiful starts out that way. Our Reconciliation journey with Semiahmoo First Nation started with a misstep, which resulted from not understanding the traditional protocols of the people whose land we have operated on and occupied for over 100 years. On September 21, 2024 we…
When Safa Abdulmalk arrived in Canada at the age of 11, she carried with her the weight of a difficult and disrupted childhood. Born inside a taxi on a warm, sunny day in Syria, her mother often remarked that Safa couldn’t wait to be born, eager to see the world from her very first breath.
Anyone who gets to spend time at Sasamat Outdoor Centre knows that it is a magical, connected and tranquil place – filled with lively campers, leaders and volunteers in the spring and summer months. Sasamat Lake is on the ancestral and stolen territory of the səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), and Stó:lō (Stolo) Nations, colonially known as Belcarra.
Stefani started at Alex House as a childcare coordinator and never imagined she could become a leader. Through mentorship, hands-on experience, and dedication, she grew into Director of Childcare, guiding a team of 50+ educators and shaping a place where children and families feel seen and valued. Her journey shows how working at a neighbourhood house can transform not just the community, but you too.
