The E-Newsletter is an initiative of the Burnaby Interagency Council and we are thankful that the City of Burnaby’s Social Planning staff has taken on the administration of the E-Newsletter.
Last Updated: Oct. 27, 2023
| EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS | 📢 |
| YWCA Survive to Thrive Employment Program
Next Start Date: Nov.7, 2023, + Continuous Intake |
Survive to Thrive is free up to a 12-week program that offers specialized employment and skills training services for survivors of violence and/or abuse.
We are currently accepting participants for upcoming and future cohorts. Contact us at 604 936 5694 or 778-877-1533 | survivetothrive@ywcavan.org | //ywcavan.org/survive-to-thrive | Click here: Info-Session and Registration Form — referral made easy! See attached poster for more information. |
| BNH Community Cafe
South House (4460 Beresford Street) Thursdays 1-4pm North House (4908 Hastings Street) Fridays 1-4pm |
We are inviting neighbours to drop by for a cup or tea or coffee, chat with others, play a tabletop game, or check out what is happening at our new community cafes. Occasionally there will be special workshops or activities such as yoga, guest speakers or crafts. The Community cafe is a dedicated space for the community to engage. Everyone is welcome to drop by. BNH Membership required and a donation of $5.00 for unlimited access from September-December.
Please see below posters for more information: |
| BNH Multi Cultural Conversations Circle |
Multicultural Conversation Circle Program
Mondays from 2:30-4:30 pm at BNH South House. Start date: Oct 16 and End date: Nov 27. Please see the attached poster for more information |
| Burnaby Christmas Bureau (registration)
Nov 1- 30 (for families and seniors) Dec 1 – 9 (for families only) Mon- Fri, 10am-4pm; Sat, 10am- 3pm (except Stat holiday) |
The Burnaby Christmas Bureau is back this year, providing Christmas cheer and support to families and seniors with low income living in Burnaby.
Registration is now open for the Toy Room, where families can select new toys/gifts for their children (newborn-16yrs) & seniors can register to receive a sponsored Seniors Gift Hamper for the holiday season. Family registration will take place during the Toy Room’s opening hours @ Brentwood Mall & seniors can register in-person at the Toy Room, by mail, fax, or email throughout November. More details available at: www.bbyservices.ca/Christmas |
| BNH Caregiver Lunch
Thursday, Nov. 2nd 11:00 am – 2:00 pm |
Are you a family caregiver who gives care and support to an adult family member or friend. Please join us for this important topic of planning for personal, health and financial affairs. Please register with Kathy Bobicki for this program. We cannot accommodate drop in.
Please see the attached poster for more information |
| BNH Haita Yoga
Tuesdays noon-1:00pm November 28 to December 19 |
Join Our Community Adult Yoga Program!
Experience the power of yoga in a welcoming and supportive community setting. Discover the benefits of HATHA yoga, de-stress, and enhance your physical and mental well-being with us! Every Tuesday, Nov 28 – Dec 19, 2023 (12 pm-1 pm) For Adults: all levels, no experience needed To Register: Contact Carina at volunteer@burnabynh.ca Fee: $5 donation (Nov-Dec) + BNH Member Please see the attached poster |
| Dementia Friends Cafe
BNH South House (4460 Beresford St) Last Thursday of the month 12:00-2:00 pm |
South Burnaby Neighbourhood House hosts a dementia-friendly cafe the last Thursday of the month.
There will be different topics from brain health, creating a safe home, getting ready for the holidays as well as a visit from the UBC IDEA LAB. Find your way forward with dementia! Please see the attached poster for more information and contact at 604-375-5778 or faryar@bbyseniors.ca to register. |
| BCS Seniors Memory Club
2055 Rosser Avenue Most Saturdays 10:00- 11:30 am |
This multicultural, dementia friendly club provides a morning of fun for people living with memory loss, and their family/friend caregivers!
Please see the attached poster for more information. |
|
BCS Dementia Friendly Cafe 2055 Rosser Avenue Thursday, Nov 9 1:00-3:00 pm |
We welcome people with memory loss or dementia, their families and friends!
Registration is required. Email: faryar@bbyseniors.ca Please see the attached poster for more information. |
| BNH Seniors Connections
South House (4460 Beresford Street) |
Meet new friends and enjoy lunch ($5 for lunch, Fridays only)! Activities include karaoke, art, bingo, workshops and much more!
A schedule of our Wednesday and Friday activities are available! Please see the attached poster for more information. |
|
BNH |
Burnaby Neighbourhood House TAPS is a new, low-cost, social activity day program for Burnaby seniors.
The program is funded by the Government of BC and managed by the United Way of the Lower Mainland. Visit  https://burnabynh.ca/get-involved-seniors/ for more information. |
| Burnaby Neighbourhood House
Digital Literacy Program Various Locations |
Would you like learn to use email, create files and documents, use excel, search the Internet or practice typing and writing skills on a computer?
For more information please see attached for more details. |
| Burnaby Family Life
Family Resource Programs (FRPs) |
Family Drop-In, No Pre-Registration Required
FRPs are more than a singular program, they are a collaboration of programming, services, and resources for all families in the community. FRP’s provide Family Support, Play-based learning, Early Learning & Literacy, Parent Education and Learning and Information & Referrals to families. Location: 6140 McKercher Ave
See Poster for program schedule For more information: Family Resource Programs — Burnaby Family Life – A place to go a place to grow |
| Join Burnaby Family Life for Learning Together Through Play | Drop-In Program, No Pre-Registration Required
Children enjoy storytelling, songs, rhymes, movement, and dance. Meet other families, make friends, and learn about community resources.
For more information: Family Resource Programs — Burnaby Family Life – A place to go a place to grow |
| Burnaby Family Life
Baby & Me Second Stage |
Drop-In Program, No Pre-Registration Required
Join Baby & Me Second Stage at Edmonds Resource Centre, #205-7355 Canada Way on Fridays from 9:30 am – 11:30 am. This ongoing playgroup is for parents with babies aged 6 to 18 months. Play with your child, meet other parents, and discuss health and growth concerns in a relaxed environment. Topics include child development, health, safety, nutrition, and learning new songs together. Free snack provided. For more information: Family Resource Programs — Burnaby Family Life – A place to go a place to grow |
| Burnaby Family Life
Parent-Child Mother Goose |
Pre-Registration Required
10 weekly sessions starting from September 14 and 15, 2023, respectively. This program fosters parent-child bonding through rhymes, songs, and stories. Gain skills and confidence to create positive family patterns during crucial early years. Children (up to 24 months) benefit from enjoyable, healthy language and communication experiences. For more information: Family Resource Programs — Burnaby Family Life – A place to go a place to grow |
| Burnaby Family Life
Family Life Education (FLE) Services Parenting and Support Groups |
FLE offers diverse programs for individuals and parents to foster healthy and supportive environments for families. Programs include Calm & Confident parenting, Nobody’s Perfect Parenting Program, STEP, Fatherhood, and more. Encouraging caring relationships, FLE provides education and support. Free childcare (18 months to 10 years) available with pre-registration for in-person programs. Enjoy light snacks and bus tickets.
See Poster for program schedule For registration, program details, and schedules, visit Family Life Education — Burnaby Family Life – A place to go a place to grow |
| Burnaby Hospice Society
Young Adult Grief Support Group Once a month on the last Tuesday of every month from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm |
This free, professionally-facilitated support group will provide a safe space for young adults to share their grief experiences with peers.
For more information, call 604-520-5087 or email info@burnabyhospice.org |
| Trauma-Informed English Classes for Immigrant and Refugee Women
Pacific Immigrant Resources Society September 18 – December 18, 2023 1:00 – 2:30 PM, Mondays |
This is a FREE multi-level English program (from beginner to intermediate) that allows participants to practice and improve their English language skills, make friends, gain self-confidence, and learn more about Canada.
Location: Online For more information and to register, please contact Zarmina Ali (English/Farsi/Dari) at zali@pirs.bc.ca, (778) 608-4285 or visit the program page: https://pirs.bc.ca/our-programs/community-english-classes/. See Poster for more information |
| Moving Forward: Intermediate Level English Class for Immigrant and Refugee Women
Pacific Immigrant Resources Society September 27 – December 6, 2023 1:00-2:30 PM, Wednesdays |
Moving Forward is a FREE Intermediate level English program for immigrant and refugee women who speak lover Intermediate English and are ready to start exploring their options: continuing education, networking, volunteering and career opportunities.
Location: Online For more information and to register, please contact Anna Xia (English/Mandarin) at gxia@pirs.bc.ca, (778) 608-4208 or visit the program page: https://pirs.bc.ca/our-programs/moving-forward/ See Poster for more information |
| Women’s Peer Support Groups (Ukrainian, Spanish, Farsi/Dari, Multicultural – English)
Immigrant Services Society of BC Date: October to December Time: 10am-12pm or 11am-1pm |
AVAILABLE IN 4 LANGUAGES: Farsi/Dari, Ukrainian, Spanish, and English
Come and join our free 10-week support groups for immigrant and refugee women.
Multicultural Women’s Support Group (English) Mondays 10am-12pm – Online (Zoom) October 16 – December 18 Spanish Women’s Support Group Tuesdays 10am-12pm – In-Person (Includes childminding) October 10 – December 12 Ukrainian Women’s Support Group Wednesdays 6-8pm – Online (Zoom) November 1 – January 24 Farsi/Dari Women’s Support Group Thursdays 10am-12pm – In-Person October 19 – December 21 Registration: Contact Fiorella at fiorella.diliberto@issbc.org or (778) 319-3884 Multicultural Group Poster: https://issbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Multicultural-Womens-Group-2.pdf Spanish Group Poster: https://issbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Spanish-PSG-Poster-Spanish-Version.pdf Ukrainian Group Poster:  https://issbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Ukrainian-PSG.pdf Farsi/Dari Group Poster: https://issbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Farsi-PSG-Poster-English-Version.pdf |
| GENERAL | 📜 |
| Burnaby Public Library
Services and Hours |
Hours: Monday to Thursday: 10 am – 8 pm Friday and Saturday: 10 am – 6 pm Sunday: 12 pm – 5 pmPrinting upgrades: We’ve added new features to printing services at all BPL branches including wireless printing, colour printing and $5 of free printing each month for library members. Congrats summer readers! Pick up your Summer Reading Club medal at any of our locations until September 30. Home Library & Accessible Services offers free services to patrons with perceptual disabilities and to those who cannot visit the library due to health or limited ability. Monday to Friday, 9am to 4:30pm. Call 604-436-5400 or email eref@bpl.bc.ca for information, reading recommendations, help with technology, getting a library card and more. |
| Burnaby/New Westminster Family Justice Centre, Ministry of Attorney General | Provides information and assistance to families about Family Justice issues, such as separation and divorce, parenting arrangement, and calculation of child and spousal support. Interpreters can be arranged upon request. All services, including mediation and assistance with court process, are FREE and confidential.
Hours of operation: Monday to Friday 8:00am to 5:15pm (excluding Statutory Holidays) Currently, staff are working in the office Tuesday to Thursday, but booked appointments are still required. To book an appointment with a Counsellor, please phone the Reception number below. Contact: Reception # (604) 660-8636 (phones are answered Monday to Friday 8:30am-4:30pm, excluding Statutory Holidays) Website: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/divorce/family-justice |
| Burnaby Rent Bank | The Burnaby Rent Bank provides low-cost, no interest loans to low to moderate income residents of Burnaby who are in rental accommodation. Applicants are at risk of eviction or disconnection of essential utilities due to a temporary and unexpected financial crisis. Service is provided by telephone, internet and in-person.
Hours of operation: Mon – Fri  9am to 4:30pm, 40 Begbie Street, New Westminster, phone 604-526-2522, website; https://purposesociety.org/events/categories/rent-bank/burnaby-rent-bank/ |
| ECHO Clubhouse
Canadian Mental Health Association – Vancouver Fraser |
ECHO supports individuals, living with a mental illness, in their rehabilitation and recovery journey through holistic services that range from vocational (job, volunteering, education), recreation, health and wellness and life skills. ECHO builds personal efficacy around wellness and provides a safe place to connect, reducing isolation and increasing well-being.
Contact: echoclubhouse@cmha.bc.ca or 604-526-9606 Website: https://vancouver-fraser.cmha.bc.ca/programs-services/echo-clubhouse/ Brochure: https://vancouver-fraser.cmha.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/CMHA-Brochures-ECHO-V3-No-Bleed-1.pdf |
| Food Access Program for Newcomer, Immigrant and Refugee Families at Pacific Immigrant Resources Society | This program provides weekly healthy food hampers and care packages to families with children living in a low-income bracket or on social assistance.
Location: Journey Home Community 7175 Royal Oak Ave, Burnaby For more information and to register, please contact Marianna Gassmann (English/Spanish) at mgassmann@pirs.bc.ca, (778) 608-4298 or visit the program page: https://pirs.bc.ca/our-programs/food-access-program/. |
| Information Children Free Parent Support | Parenting Helpline: 778-782-3548
E-Support: info@informationchildren.com Parent Coaching: click here to schedule a 30 or 60 min session Questions or concerns about parenting the early years (0-12)? We’d love to chat with you, offer strategies and suggestions, and provide resources that suit the unique needs of your family. Common topics caregivers ask us about: tantrums, sleep & bedtimes, screen-time limits, adjusting to daycare or new siblings, mealtime struggles. |
| Ministry of Children and Family Development | Family Services and Intake teams working with children under 12 years will be moving to #300 – 5172 Kingsway, Burnaby. Phone number is 604-660-5900.
The Children and Youth with Support Needs office will be moving to #101 – 7645 Kingsway, Burnaby. Phone number is 604-660-9494. |
| Outreach Support for Newcomer, Immigrant and Refugee Women at Pacific Immigrant Resources Society | PIRS multilingual team of Outreach Support Workers (OSW) provide one-on-one system navigation and peer mentorship support.
For more information and to register, please contact osw@pirs.bc.ca, (604) 298-5888 or visit the program page: https://pirs.bc.ca/our-programs/one-on-one-support/. |
| Pacific Post Partum Support Society | Free Postpartum depression/anxiety telephone or text message support (for anyone with children under 3 years old or those supporting them). Virtual support groups available. No referral needed.
Hours of operation:Â Monday-Friday, 10:00am-3:00pm Telephone or text message support: 604-255-7999 Toll free telephone support Canada wide: 1-855-255-7999 Website: www.postpartum.org |
| Volentia Healthcare Translation
Free Healthcare Translation Services Available |
Volentia Healthcare Translation is a UBC organization providing free healthcare translation services, where a translator can accompany you to your healthcare appointments. Our volunteer interpreters are undergraduate and graduate students who are native speakers of Mandarin, Korean, or Punjabi.
See attached poster for more information. |
| CALENDARS | 📅 |
| ISSofBC | November Calendar |