Open in Tough Times Food Bank p. 11 - Going Virtual During a Pandemic
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2019 / 2020
Stories of people
helping people
Archway Community Services Magazine
Open in
Tough Times
Food Bank p. 11
Going Virtual
During a Pandemic
Counselling Services p. 8
A Community of
Online Learning
Language Instruction for
Newcomers to Canada p. 36
Archway Community Services fosters community well-being
and social justice through positive action and leadership.
Stories of people helping people
Language
Instruction
for Newcomers
to Canada
p. 36 — A
OUR MISSION: Archway Community Services fosters community
well-being and social justice through positive action and leadership. community of
online learning
OUR VISION: Justice, opportunities and equitable access for all.
EDITORS: Danielle Windecker and Kelly Neufeld
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Danielle Windecker, Kelly
Neufeld, Rod Santiago, and Steve Carlton
LAYOUT, DESIGN, & ILLUSTRATION: Grant Bielefeld
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Dale Klippenstein, Danielle
Windecker, Kelly Neufeld, Lyndon Dueck, Rebecca Thuro and
Archway Staff
40
Photos contained within are representative of our last fiscal year until
time of publication. Accordingly, many were taken before COVID-19 and
thus do not depict guidelines on gathering size or physical distancing.
Contents
OUR PROGRAMS
You can learn more about our programs at Archway.ca
4 LETTERS FROM LEADERSHIP 16 ROD SANTIAGO 30 CAREER PATHS FOR
CONTACT
Archway Community Services
By Rod Santiago and Marking 10 years as SKILLED IMMIGRANTS
2420 Montrose Ave Steve Carlton Executive Director New life in Canada
Abbotsford BC V2S 3S9
604.859.7681 6 STRIDE 19 LEGAL ADVOCACY 32 ABBY DADS
hello@archway.ca
Stepping into a new program No adjournment of services 10 years of supporting
during COVID-19 fathers in active parenting
8 COUNSELLING SERVICES
Going virtual during a 22 PHOTO COLLAGE 34 SENIOR SERVICES
global pandemic A year of people Comfort and safety
ACKNOWLEDEGMENT helping people during COVID-19
We acknowledge that we gather on the traditional unceded territory of the Stō:ló people. Stō:ló
11 FOOD BANK
territory extends from the mouth of the Fraser River to Boston Bar. Locally, this includes the Matsqui
First Nation and Sumas First Nation. We give them thanks for sharing their land and resources with us. Open in tough times 24 INTERPRETATION AND 38 ABBOTSFORD YOUTH
TRANSLATION SERVICES HEALTH CENTRE
We acknowledge and are grateful to the City of Abbotsford for their permissive tax exemption.
14 FRASER VALLEY HUMAN Providing clarity during Partners in wellness
This exemption helps Archway to continue forwarding its mission of ‘fostering community
well-being and social justice through positive action and leadership’ within Abbotsford. DIGNITY COALITION a global pandemic
We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia, the
20 years of responding to hate 41 ADMINISTRATION
Government of Canada, United Way as well as numerous foundations and donors. and honouring diversity 26 FAMILY CONNECTIONS Behind the scenes at Archway
AND FAMILY EDUCATION
Support during
unprecedented times
Federal Charitable Registration #10767 8195 RR0001 Provincial Certificate of Incorporation # S-8439 Archway.ca 3
Letter from Letter from
the Executive the Board
Director President
W
hen you ask Canadians
who their heroes
are of the COVID-19
pandemic, they speak of Dr. Bonnie
Henry, of first responders, health care
keep our doors open, and we quickly
D
workers and grocery store clerks. I measures applied in order to ensure
echo their sentiments and would add redefined services and service provision essential services at our Recycling plant, on’t blink! That’s how fast things can
one more prominent group to the to ensure both safety and relevance. Hearthstone Place, Autumn House, change. I remember at the start of the new
list of who is worthy of horn-blowing Sentinel House, Opioid Agonist Treatment year thinking back on the previous twelve
or to have a pair of John Fluevogs Staff in Archway programs utilized Centre, Interpretation and Translation months and reflecting on the great and eventful
designed in their honour: COMMUNITY technology to offer virtual Services, Youth Health Centre and Food year we had experienced at Abbotsford, er, Archway
SOCIAL SERVICE WORKERS! counselling, remote tutoring, online Bank to keep their doors open for service. Community Services. We are indebted to the leadership at Archway
webinars and remote doctors’ for providing pervasive care to all while
During the outbreak of the novel appointments, just to name a few. I give credit to our flexible and responsive We navigated a change of name and successful encouraging programs to ‘find a way’ to keep
coronavirus SARS CoV-2, the community leadership who quickly formed a re-branding of the agency’s identity; celebrated the services running for the vulnerable among us.
social services sector was defined as The Mobile Seniors Outreach program COVID Response Team to shepherd the first 50 years of service including the book launch The needs never stop and neither did Archway.
“essential workers” by the Province of was introduced to assist older adults organization through the pandemic. by Walter Paetkau; successfully hosted the annual
BC. Whether ensuring access to basic unable to leave home for groceries, They continue to play an ongoing Cultural Diversity Awards, the Community Builders We are grateful to directors and program managers
needs like food and shelter for low prescriptions and other essential needs. role with our COVID “Next Normal” Awards, the Jake Virtanen Charity Golf Tournament; who created new ways to get the job done despite
income households, providing mental and “Planning Ahead” committees. and created a new Strategic Plan to propel the the shut down as well as physical distancing. We
health counselling to youth, offering Our Youth Resource Centre agency forward in new and exciting ways. After a celebrate all staff for persevering through the first
supports to socially isolated seniors, organized video “trips” to Playland Thank you, also, to our resilient and hectic and fantastic year, what could go wrong? six months and for their resilience in bouncing
assisting temporary foreign workers and complete with pre-delivered mini- inventive staff, board, and volunteers who back time after time. And it’s not over yet.
individuals with diverse abilities or a donuts and cotton candy. keep finding ways to respond to the ever- By mid-March, it was well known what could
myriad of other services, Archway and changing and growing needs arising from go wrong, not just locally, provincially or On behalf of the Board of Directors, I wish
community social service agencies like There are now Facebook Live versions these pressure-cooker times we live in. nationally – but globally as we locked down to extend our sincere thanks to everyone in
ours held up BC’s social safety net during of our Family Centre and Best for under COVID-19. Collectively, we followed Dr. the organization for exemplary service to our
our province’s greatest time of crisis. Babies sessions (in English and Punjabi) Finally, thank you to the generosity Bonnie’s daily advice and ‘hunkered down’ to community through thick and thin during these
with 400+ viewers. And STRIDE of our donors and funders who are protect ourselves and our families. But what strange and challenging times. I know when we
At the start of COVID-19, Archway was for Older Workers quickly adapted helping to alleviate the strain created happened next at Archway speaks volumes look back on this year, we will be proud for many
faced with the dilemma of whether to to a virtual learning environment, by layers upon layers of complexities. about the agency, its mission and the character reasons. Thank you, Archway team! Please don’t
remain open. We had to factor in the offering online workshops and of the people who work here. Archway rose to blink.
safety of staff and clients, the little loaning laptops to clients in need. Now, if only I could get some the occasion and kept its doors open to as many
information we were receiving at the Fluevog shoes commissioned to people as it could and provided as many services STEVE CARLTON
time regarding provincial guidelines, These highlights are just a few of the commemorate my heroes. as humanly possible to those who depend on us. Board President
various funders’ expectations and many innovative and responsive practices
Archway’s mission and vision. We made taking place throughout Archway. I ROD SANTIAGO
the difficult but important choice to also want to acknowledge the safety Executive Director
4 Stories Magazine 2020 Archway.ca 5
mature workers in British Over 50% of unemployed people opportunities to prove themselves qualifications that make them
Columbia sometimes lack over 55 went to WorkBC offices for a period of four weeks. When a an asset to future employers.
technical skills, appropriate to seek help in 2018. While those participant secures employment,
training opportunities and offices are helpful, the 55+ group STRIDE continues to provide One highly-qualified client simply
familiarity with current hiring was left in a bubble without post-employment supports to needed orthotics so she could stay
practices. As a result, Statistics intentional efforts to address their ensure nothing is left to chance. on her feet in the workplace, but
Canada has noted 58% of unique needs. As the need was they were out of her budget due to
people 55 years and older feel recognized, the STRIDE program They also facilitate two weeks of unemployment. Once the program
their chances of finding sustainable was created. STRIDE services are unpaid work experience for the helped her obtain them, she was
employment are “not very good,” a client-centred, and their curriculum benefit of participants who want to quickly able to secure a job as a
sentiment expressed by less than supports individualized training. go into new careers or have limited Client Solutions Advisor for a major
half of job seekers aged 20 to 34. experience. This measure affords Canadian bank. She is reportedly
STRIDE provides valuable skills clients the opportunity to assess having the time of her life! About
Knowing that there are people who enhancement through employability, the desirability of the job and gives her decision to participate in STRIDE
need your services and connecting essential skills and employment the employer a chance to assess she shared, “you have everything to
with them can be two separate readiness workshops; short-term whether the participant will be a gain. What you learn about yourself
matters, but with the support occupational certification and good fit. Best of all, STRIDE's services will be the most valuable.”
of the Archway Marketing and unpaid work experience leading are free to program participants.
Stepping Into a
Communications department, word to sustainable employment. When asked what is particularly
was soon circulating about STRIDE. encouraging about the
“The more marketing one can do, program, Frank said;
the more aware people become; that “ STRIDE provides a good opportunity for
New Program
awareness generates interest and “STRIDE provides a good opportunity
interest drives curiosity,” offered Frank. unemployed older workers. It is a place for unemployed older workers. It is
“It is this curiosity that brings clients to
of refuge for overwhelmed older workers a place of refuge for overwhelmed
our doors because they want to know older workers because it is
more about the services we provide.” because it is specifically designed for them." specifically designed for them.
During a Global Pandemic
And come to STRIDE’s doors they “Some participants have told us
have. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19 hasn’t slowed Frank and that the STRIDE program means
S
the program had supported 45 In addition to serving their first his teammates, Lea and Valerie more than providing employment
kills Training Results services. Prior to STRIDE he worked clients in various ways. “10 clients clients in their first year, they have down, either. While participation supports and skills acquisition
in Directed Education/ in talent recruitment for a large have secured gainful employment built community partnerships has decreased somewhat and training. They say they enjoy knowing
Employment (STRIDE) is company in Alberta, traveling in various sectors, nine have with employers and training opportunities to coordinate they are not alone, which can be a
one of Archway’s newest programs globally to build their workforce. He received certification in short- institutions in order to leverage training and other opportunities trigger for various negative health
and it has had an excellent and was also a facilitator in a previous term occupational training, and resources and expertise and harness for participants have become more conditions in older people.
eventful first year thanks to the Archway employment program. This two have obtained occupational best practices that will serve challenging, they continue serving
dedication of supervisor, Frank experience was crucial as he rose to skills training,” Frank reported. participants for years to come. those in need in a hybrid approach. “I look forward to more successes
Amadasun, and his team. the challenge of developing STRIDE STRIDE quickly transitioned to an for our program participants.
and adapting during COVID-19. To qualify for the program, Participants in STRIDE benefit entirely online platform for those We will continue to restore
Starting a new initiative is never participants must be unemployed from transportation supports to comfortable with computers, while dignity and hope to the growing
simple, even when it’s something as Of course, there are always hurdles or precariously employed, which travel to and from workshops and maintaining physically distant in- demographic of unemployed or
necessary as STRIDE, which helps local to jump over when starting means that they do not meet the job interviews. The program also person sessions for people with underemployed people 55+ in
people over 55 gain employability anything new; coordinating logistics typical definition of the unemployed. provides childcare supports to barriers to accessing online learning. the Fraser Valley because there
skills and find meaningful, sustainable and staffing the department They may be working in unstable or participants who may be responsible is so much more they can do. We
work. Experiencing a global pandemic are expected, but not easy. unsustainable environments, earning for caring for young children so Despite all the obstacles they may find it particularly encouraging
on top of it all is something few a total employment income that is they can attend workshops. face, people have continued to turn to see their glowing smiles when
could truly prepare for or predict. Once practicalities were addressed below the market basket measures, out for STRIDE sessions, proof of their a participant gets employed to
it was a matter of connecting with or in an occupation that is likely As a direct employer incentive, they dedication and resilience. Early client do his or her dream job.” ■
Frank has a wealth of experience potential clients, but Frank knew they to be replaced by technology or offer wage subsidies to encourage successes have included opportunities
in recruitment and employment were out there. According to WorkBC, automation in the near future. employers to give STRIDE participants to expand their networks and obtain
6 Stories Magazine 2020 Archway.ca 7
COUNSELLING SERVICES
Going Virtual
During a Global
Pandemic Abbotsford
Addictions
counsellor Ernest.
Anas (far right)
and the MAP team
outside the George
Ferguson Way office.
A
rchway is proud to counsellors and clients were eager to honest statement acknowledging the safety of clients and coworkers, to newcomers through the Moving paperwork and offering guidance
provide specialized explore different options. Archway current tough times and the as an essential worker Ernest has Ahead Program (MAP) and Stream B with legal matters, banking and more.
counselling services Clinical Counsellor Josie Kane, M. A ., fact they won’t last forever. often remained on site at Abbotsford Counselling and Employment Program. Through these interactions, clients
for individuals seeking to address R.C.C, reported that many clients Addictions to help clients unable Focused on refugee claimants slowly start to open up about other
matters including substance who were initially hesitant about Building Bridges or hesitant to connect virtually. In and vulnerable immigrants and issues impacting family dynamics.
misuse, sexual abuse, anxiety and virtual-only counselling found online addition to counselling sessions, refugees facing multiple barriers to
At the Abbotsford Addictions Centre,
depression. Specialized programs services offered increased comfort he offers all Indigenous clients acculturation and addressing trauma, it MAP staff also identified and
Counsellor Ernest Chorabik is
offer support to victims of crime, and distance. Some began to open pre and post-session smudging, was essential that they not lose access addressed a unique concern, the
engaged in an Indigenous Addictions
youth, parents seeking to improve up more, and others who weren’t as he believes “culture is healing.” to these vital supports during COVID. amount of incorrect information
Pilot Project, which faces additional
mental wellness and newcomers willing or able to attend in-person Non-Indigenous clients may also about COVID-19 government benefits
challenges during the pandemic. His
acculturating to life in Canada. sessions became receptive to the participate if they wish, and he While sessions are traditionally that was spreading throughout
goals are to increase the presence
idea of phone and video sessions. hopes it will open them up to new one-on-one, during the pandemic newcomer communities.
of Indigenous-specific counselling
Like many social service providers, “Don’t assume good things can only experiences and ways of thinking. most have transitioned to telephone
services in the Abbotsford area, assess
Archway counselling staff were faced happen face-to-face,” she shared. and video conference check-ins. An “Our duty was to clarify all
the needs of underserved Indigenous
with distinct challenges at the onset As the community has started to added challenge is that, while staff at benefits to clients using their first
people locally, provide counselling to
of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some Josie’s key to navigating the pandemic carefully reopen, he and Lesley Archway speak more than 20 different language, and send out explanatory
those living on and off reserves, build
found that effectively maintaining is “resilience;” building it in her clients Braithwaite, Supervisor of Abbotsford languages and we have bilingual or publications,” explained Anas.
bridges with community members
connections to clients with unfamiliar and encouraging it in her coworkers Addictions, have begun to reach trilingual clinical counsellors, it is
and provide tools and groups for
technology was daunting. At the same and community. She finds it helpful out to Stó:lō Nation and Matsqui sometimes necessary to schedule
the ‘Red Road Recovery program.’
time, some clients initially considered to have “a sense of humour and a First Nation councils with the translators for specific languages.
The ‘Red Road’ is a reference to South Asian Community
waiting until the pandemic was over back-up plan,” such as an alternate hope of making connections and
following an Indigenous spiritual path Resources
to resume counselling services. method of contact for a client in case offering more services to members "For many clients, counselling is
during recovery and counselling. Also at our George Ferguson Way
of technical difficulties. Her positive living on and off reserves. a foreign concept to begin with
location, a clinical counsellor, bilingual
Increased Demand attitude and perseverance have been
These are important and significant
and doing so virtually can be even
in English and Punjabi, has been busy
vital while supporting clients. She also “Judging by the trajectory thus far, more challenging. It takes a lot
Counselling clients soon began responsibilities at any time, let providing sessions to families and
reaches out to others through COVID it augurs well for the remainder of of trust building to get them to
reporting increased levels of stress alone during the pandemic. By July youth in distress through the South
Facebook support groups and leaves the term and future continuation start engaging with counselling
and anxiety and have sought greater 2020 he had 37 clients and expects Asian Community Resource Office
messages of hope in the common of the program,” he shared. sessions,” shared Anas.
assistance with coping strategies numbers will increase, especially (SACRO). SACRO staff coordinated
areas of her apartment building. “Little
during COVID. Concerningly, staff have as group recovery meetings at the virtual and telephone counselling for
also reported an increase in domestic
things matter!” she exclaimed, such as
Mission Friendship Centre were
Moving Ahead MAP staff also provide support
family dysfunction, addiction, parental
reminding people they aren’t alone. At the Archway office on George services, such as directing clients to
violence files during the lockdown. postponed during the pandemic. abuse, and educational supports.
Ferguson Way, Anas Najim and his the Archway Food Bank, assisting
Some clients were stuck in India with
“My mantra is, ‘right now it’s like team have remained busy offering during doctors’ appointments,
When it became apparent restrictions While considerate of following limited help because of the travel
this,’” she shared. It’s a simple, counselling and other support services helping complete government
were not to be lifted quickly, both guidelines during the pandemic for
8 Stories Magazine 2020 Archway.ca 9
ban and staff had to support them have been sexually abused, women Youth Support
through that turmoil virtually with who are seeking to exit the sex Finally, over at The Foundry, a
a significant time zone difference. trade and individuals needing one- health and wellness centre for local
on-one short-term counselling. youth aged 12 to 24, all counselling
SACRO staff also offered guidance on services were initially offered
substance use and harm reduction Helping Families virtually at the start of the pandemic.
when selling drugs or having police The Family Connections Counselling Virtual peer support, phone chats,
contact during the pandemic. They program offered remote and in- online messaging and virtual or
facilitated conversations between person counselling to individuals phone counselling were some of
youth and their parents and gave and couples during the pandemic. the innovative services offered to
advice on sexual exploitation Clients were very resourceful in youth, parents and caregivers. FOOD BANK
and safely using dating apps. finding confidential places to engage
Open in
in remote sessions and joined in from In mid-July, in-person counselling
Many youth and their families their vehicle, bathtub or storage room! sessions were restarted for existing
accessed SACRO clients, and now
services via Foundry is open
phone and “ For many clients, counselling is a foreign
Tough Times
for face-to-face
online messaging appointments
while others concept to begin with and doing so virtually with new clients
with less access
can be even more challenging. It takes a two days a week,
to technology although they
attended lot of trust building to get them to start have yet to return
Operations Supervisor
Nick with donations.
physically-distant to the walk-in
engaging with counselling sessions."
meetings at the sessions they How the Archway Food Bank keeps helping
Archway office. once offered.
local people during a global pandemic
Abuse Counselling Creative Counselling
Archway Abuse Counselling Marlayne Penner, Counsellor and
While counselling is typically thought
programs also began offering Clinical Supervisor and Counselling
of as an in-person private or group
both remote and in-person Intern, Sebastian Wingfield found
activity, access to technology and the
IT
services during COVID-19, with the a creative way to offer the Mental
spirit of innovation have proved that
understanding that virtual services Wellness Parenting Group by hosting a should come as no in the Abbotsford School District Starfish Program
services could continue during the
aren’t suitable for all their clients. series of weekly videos. These mental surprise that this spring and temporary foreign workers.
pandemic. Archway counselling staff At the height of the pandemic,
wellness sessions, along with printable and summer have been
and their clients have demonstrated students who relied on Starfish Packs
Counsellors were conscious of resources and supplementary videos, especially busy for the Archway Food The Food Bank also expanded and
resiliency and adaptability during found themselves at home without
increased reports of domestic violence were made available to clients Bank, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. nearly doubled delivery services to
trying times in their pursuit of this supplementary food, and some
as many intimate partners suddenly enrolled in the program through a meet the needs of those unable to
improved mental wellness. ■ students who’d never needed a
found themselves on lockdown with private webpage they could access at New Challenges and leave their homes due to mobility
Starfish Pack before suddenly did.
their abusers. Staff connected with their convenience from any device. Increased Demand challenges, self-isolation or quarantine.
clients in the most suitable ways
Not only has demand for their Given the evolving situation and
for each situation and provided With significant increases in stress and The Archway Meals on Wheels
services grown in new ways, but changes in the school system,
online information and resources for anxiety widely reported this spring and program also experienced a 65%
staff have been busy sourcing new the families were provided with
urgent situations via the internet. summer, it was important to continue increase in demand for delivered
suppliers when existing ones faced grocery gift cards in April while the
offering services for clients seeking to prepared food for seniors. With
shortages. They’ve reconfigured program transitioned from weekly
The Abuse Counselling programs work improve their mental wellness while more seniors than ever unable to
distribution centres to maintain to monthly distribution of essential
with many different clients including parenting during the pandemic. afford prepared food, the Food Bank
physical distancing, set up satellite pantry food items. The Starfish
women who have experienced covered the cost so that seniors living
services in various neighbourhoods Pack program fed 500 students in
domestic violence, children who below the poverty line could have
and identified key focus areas May and June, which was a 64%
SACRO Case access to the food they needed.
Manager in need of increased support, jump from previous months.
Parveen.
namely: local seniors, students
10 Stories Magazine 2020 Archway.ca 11
Matt helps unpack deliveries.
Staff members Lucas and
Rachel load groceries in the
new drive-though model.
◄ Rachel encourages
online donations.
Starfish Coordinator Meghan
◄ Programs Supervisor with food for schoolchildren. “Right now, the future feels especially in accessing food and connect them
Huw helps load
groceries for delivery.
unpredictable,” said Dave Murray, with the wide range of Archway
Manager of the Food Bank and programming.
Philanthropy. “We are brainstorming
ways to keep engaging our donors “We are so grateful for the immediate
and our community, while doing care and action from our community
our part to keep everyone safe and the support of volunteers.
As Starfish Packs are traditionally JESS wanted to make use of her
while faced with food shortages The donated fresh food that the by physically distancing.” Without donations and volunteer
brought to the students’ schools, time while laid off and chose to
and limited contact with others. program has come to depend on time, we wouldn’t have been able
the Food Bank staff were especially volunteer with the food bank
has been decreasing, which has Increasing Access to Food to ramp up deliveries, ensure our
grateful to the Abbotsford School because it’s a tangible and direct
While the need for volunteers was meant more purchasing. Thanks shelves remained stocked, roll out
District for ensuring each child The effects of this pandemic will way of helping the community.
increasing, it was apparent that many to the amazing financial response safety protocols, process fresh
received their food, either by be long-lasting for some vulnerable Initially, she was surprised at
long-term volunteers were themselves of the community and emergency food, distribute food hampers and
making their school available as a groups. Some jobs may never return, what she discovered! The food
vulnerable. New volunteers stepped government supports, staff were able provide culturally appropriate food,”
pick-up location or in some cases and government benefits will bank building was smaller and
in to fill the gap and donned personal to purchase close to $73K of necessary said Dave. “Thank you to all our
delivering right to the child’s home. eventually end. Through it all the the volunteers within its walls
protective equipment and maintained food, right when it was needed. supporters for helping to reduce
Food Bank will continue to innovate were more diverse than she
physical distancing while sorting food food insecurity in Abbotsford.” ■
Community Support and supporting their neighbours. Another unknown is the ability to
to reduce barriers people are facing imagined. As a volunteer, she
helped pack hampers and sorted
The Archway Food Bank has been hold fundraising events that the
able to answer the increased Fluctuating Donations community has rallied around. The fresh produce for distribution.
demand and transition to new Archway Jake Virtanen Charity Golf
With the economy beginning to
“The staff have been so sweet. The
ways of operating thanks to a Tournament has been cancelled for
reopen, the Food Bank is watching
best part of volunteering has been
generous community. Individuals 2020, and the Toys for Tots Christmas
to see what the “next normal”
working with such a kind group
and organizations have supported Breakfast is being re-imagined.
will be. Since the pandemic hit,
of people and feeling so useful
Archway in continuing to enhance
both the fresh and non-perishable
doing the job that is so needed.”
access to food in a safe manner
food stock has fluctuated.
Volunteers Kiran,
12 Stories Magazine 2020 Tara and Lily. Food Bank staff and volunteers hard at work. Archway.ca 13
A coalition meeting
prior to COVID-19.
Raising Awareness In 2019, the FVHDC held the and equal in dignity and rights and that
Intersections at the Block event at is what FVHDC stands and advocates
FRASER VALLEY HUMAN DIGNITY COALITION While the adoption of the Abbotsford
The Reach Gallery Museum, on the for. By joining FVHDC, I felt like my
Community Protocol was encouraging,
International Day for Elimination of voice could be heard and together we
one challenge the FVHDC has
Racism. This event, with over 200 diverse could work to address issues of racism
continually faced is keeping community
20 Years of Responding to
attendees, was key for highlighting and hate in the community. Therefore,
members informed and encouraging
young adult Black, Indigenous, People making Abbotsford a safe and healthy
them to report incidents. Limited
of Colour and immigrant performers. community for all its residents.”
funding for the coalition means
Hate and Honouring Diversity
It also featured several community
limited activities it can host in the
organizations and booths including Whether advocating and being an
community with member organizations
an Indigenous clothing designer with ally for Indigenous rights, Black Lives
and community partners. Funding
items for sale; Health Initiative for Men; Matter, the LGBTQ2S+ community
has been gratefully received from the
Queer Life in Colour with Him; UFV’s or refugees, the Fraser Valley Human
provincial government, but there is
University Feminist Project; RACE Anti- Dignity Coalition has played an
always more that could be done.
Racism Network; Amnesty International; integral role in our community. They
World University Service of Canada; educate on and celebrate diversity in
Of course, during the COVID-19
the Gurmat Centre with Turban Up; all its forms and manage an important
pandemic the ability to reach the
Renovatio Creative Co. which creates protocol that tracks incidents of
community has been especially
and sells accessories that include racism in our community to report
hampered by the postponement of
an Indigenous, feminist perspective; to all levels of government.
community events. FVHDC members
and Archway Community Services.
have transitioned to online meetings
Manpreet Grewal, Director of
and connecting with people via social
Looking Forward Multicultural and Immigrant Integration
media. As always, they adapt.
at Archway celebrates the coalition’s
While it can be challenging to work for
work, stating, “we are proud that
In recent years, to keep meetings two decades towards the elimination
Abbotsford was one of the first
relevant and effective they invite guest of racism and discrimination and
communities in BC which got key
speakers to share personal experiences still see it occur locally and globally,
stakeholders together to address
the coalition does so tirelessly. Their
critical issues of racism and bigotry.
enthusiasm for the rights and dignity
“ As human beings, we Archway is strongly committed to its
B
of all people has never waned.
work in building inclusive communities
ack in 1999, people in Racism Through the Years Syrian refugees. Most recently in June
are all born free and and we’re grateful for all the partners
the Fraser Valley were 2020, reports increased significantly “Even encouraging one person to
Throughout the last 20-plus years who came to the table to carry on
starting to talk. They were
the coalition has continually received
with heightened awareness of the equal in dignity and change their perspective is a cause
this important work. We also thank
concerned about incidents of racism Black Lives Matter movement. for celebration,” explained Alison
and discrimination, and keen to do
reports of racism, white supremacy, rights and that is what Gutrath, Program Supervisor for the
the Province of BC for supporting
heterosexism, sexism, Islamophobia, community-based responses through
Community Protocol
something about it. In response,
and other forms of discrimination. FVHDC stands and Archway Diversity Education Program
who currently co-chairs the coalition.
its Organizing Against Racism and
a number of local organizations
They work to address these knowing In 2004, the coalition developed the
collaborated to benefit the community
they are both making a difference and Abbotsford Community Protocol: advocates for." Other members also share that
Hate initiative in the past, and through
the Resilience BC initiative now.”
by responding to hate and honouring dedication. Celine Ahodekon, Equity
dedicating themselves to a job which A Response to Critical Incidents of
the diversity of local people. Representative for racialized members
sadly may not be ‘done’ anytime soon. Discrimination and Hate Crime. This Ideally, a day would come when the
with the community. They have also in the Union of National Employees,
is repeatedly revised with the latest dignity and value of all people is
What is now the Fraser Valley hosted interfaith dialogues and talks shared her perspective: “Whether
Often, world events influence the information on how community so apparent that organizations like
Human Dignity Coalition (FVHDC) in response to discrimination. Most it is to apply for a job or to make a
incidents which occur in the community. members can respond to and the FVHDC are no longer needed.
was developed, and it became recently, FVHDC members joined a volunteering commitment, I always
After the terrorist attacks of September report incidents of discrimination While that may not be the reality, our
one of the first organizations of its local Black Lives Matter demonstration, read, first, the mandate of the company
11, 2001 in the US, there was a significant and hate crimes. A highlight in the community is fortunate to have people
kind in BC to respond to critical with member Harold Rosen of the or organization. As a human rights and
rise in local reports of anti-Muslim and FVHDC’s history is this protocol dedicated to taking up the cause. ■
incidents of discrimination. Abbotsford Interfaith Movement noting social justice advocate in my Union and
Islamophobic incidents. In 2016, when being adopted as a best-practice
that it was “peaceful and friendly, in my workplace, I joined The Fraser
the federal government committed tool that other communities use as
while generating the collective sense Valley Human Dignity Coalition because
to bringing Government Assisted an example in creating their own
that effective action must be taken their mandate responds to my values.
Refugees to Canada there was increased community protocols to respond to
to remedy systemic injustice.” As human beings, we are all born free
racism and discrimination towards discrimination, racism and hate crimes.
newcomers, including newly arrived
14 Stories Magazine 2020 Archway.ca 15
Additionally, during the early 90’s of the agency from scratch and the
when diversity wasn’t the prevalent assembly of such a gifted team whose
cause it is today, Rod was part of ideas and strengths turned into
the small team that supported innovative programs and fighting
53 non-profit agencies through a for the causes we believe in.
ROD SANTIAGO three-year multicultural, anti-racist
organizational change process. When Thelma Schrock stepped
This was the first initiative of this
Marking 10 Years
in as Executive Director, he
magnitude to help our sector become reflected on how she and the
more inclusive and accessible. Board of Directors were so
strong in governance, systems
as Executive
Wanting to utilize their experiences and structure. They set in
in a global setting, Rod and his family place new policies and were
embarked on a journey to Uzbekistan instrumental in the agency’s
in Central Asia, where they spent five
Director
accreditation with CARF.
years developing social enterprises
in a country run – at the time – by Working at United Way of the Lower
one of the five worst dictators of Mainland had given him a view
the world. This enabled him to work into the operation of hundreds of
alongside women living in extreme different nonprofit organizations.
poverty; many were the third or fourth To be invited to lead an agency
E
“wives” of men who didn’t adequately that was so strong in operations
xecutive Director, Rod A History of Helping provide for them and sexually abused Services. That role enabled him connected with people in Abbotsford
Santiago, recently marked and governance in programs and
them and their young daughters. and the youth team to address very – his community – about the
Prior to joining the senior leadership administration was “like being handed
10 years at the helm of real and present youth challenges agency, gaining a further depth of
team at Archway, Rod had a wide a dream job on a silver platter.”
Archway Community Services. such as addictions, mental health, knowledge and respect for our work.
variety of experiences in the non- One initiative Rod was working to
This past decade has been filled homelessness, suicide ideation and
profit sector. In the late 80’s he was establish provided training to women Personal and
with tremendous growth and gang involvement. In Chilliwack, Rod “The more I learned, the more I fell
director of Settlement Services with in the art of creating silk carpets. Organizational Growth
change for the organization, with was instrumental in starting innovative in love with who this agency was
Immigrant Services Society of BC. Women who participated could
much for him to reflect on. youth programming, including and what it stood for. ACS stood for With that as his starting point, Rod
Among a variety of responsibilities then sell the rugs internationally for
transitional supportive housing. advocacy and social justice, tenets had the privilege of continuing
assisting immigrants and refugees, he considerable sums, make their own
Some changes were public, like the I believed in,” Rod stated. He went Archway’s development and growth.
oversaw Welcome House – an arrival livelihoods and forge better futures
advocacy for what eventually became Throwing His Name in on to highlight his respect for the He has experienced many moments
point for newcomers to Vancouver. for them and their children. What
Hearthstone Place and the Ring at Abbotsford foresight of Archway founder Walter of joy and celebration as well as our
set this initiative apart
changing the agency’s Community Services Paetkau and the amazing things that share of challenges. Most surprising to
from others was the
name from Abbotsford Directors like Shairose Jinnah and him in the last decade has been the
sense of dignity that it One day, he heard that Thelma
Community Services “Because we have such an would develop for the Schrock, who took over for Archway
Manpreet Grewal have accomplished. continual discovery of how skilled,
to Archway to be more knowledgeable and passionate
descriptive of who we are exceptional leadership team, I’ve women, and that the founder Walter Paetkau, was
Eventually, Rod recounted having our staff are about what we do.
project would eventually planning on retiring herself.
and all we encompass.
Other changes happened
given myself the freedom to not be self-sufficient. a final set of interviews first with
staff and then with the Board of “I love our team. I am amazed by the
“I’d never been an Executive Director
behind the scenes try to be strong all the time." Rod and his family before,” he indicated. “Quite honestly,
Directors. When offered the role, wealth of experience and enthusiasm
as the agency grew he prayed about such a major we have in-house. We’re very fortunate
acculturated to I never thought I had a chance because
rapidly and needed to decision, consulted his wife and to attract and retain the talent that
living in Uzbekistan, this was an agency of such complexity
strengthen how we work family, and happily accepted. defines Archway. So many diverse
learned Uzbek, with such an incredible reputation.
amongst departments and with the people come together for a common
and designed initiatives to be Nevertheless, I chose to apply.”
community in order to better achieve Becoming an Executive cause and that’s what makes Archway
He then spent eight years as a sustainable long after the Andijon
our mission of fostering community Director unique - in comparison to other
planning consultant with United Way massacre that eventually led to their The application process was long,
well-being and social justice through organizations.
of the Lower Mainland. Along with family’s exit from the country. with the current leaders and board Entering in as only the third Executive
positive action and leadership.
providing funds and organizational at Archway wanting to ensure Director of an organization with a
It’s our complexity and how
support to agencies, Rod also offered Immediately prior to joining Archway, they selected the right person for forty-year history, Rod described
well our very different parts
social planning assistance to various Rod was the Director of Youth the job. Rod progressed through the experience as “rich and rare.”
work with each other in
municipalities and communities. Services at Chilliwack Community early rounds, and along the way He reflected on Walter’s creation
16 Stories Magazine 2020 Archway.ca 17
service to individuals, families care, substance use, community social In his capacity as Archway’s Executive
and community.” That love services, employment, education, food Director, Rod is part of various causes.
and appreciation for people security, and many other supports He is currently the vice chair of the
is evident, as “people” remain to youth and young adults, all in Community Social Services Employers’ LEGAL ADVOCACY
Rod’s favourite part of his job. one place. Now youth only have to Association (CSSEA) of BC. He is on
tell their story once and we, their the Homelessness Action Advisory
No Adjournment
Reflecting on what initiatives he providers, coordinate efforts rather Committee of Abbotsford City Council,
is most proud of, the Hearthstone than putting up unnecessary hurdles on the Advisory Committee of Peace
Place supportive housing project and roadblocks. It’s an impactful and Conflict Studies at UFV, and is a
of Services During
and Foundry youth health centre model of service delivery that I part of Equal Work – Equal Pay B.C.
immediately came to mind for Rod. believe would be transferable to other
His pride for Hearthstone stems not populations like seniors or women.” Rod always makes time for a few
just from the accomplishment of essentials in his day. These include
COVID-19
a beautiful building and the level self-reflection, prayer, and family; his
of excellence at which Neil Stark, wife Karyn, his daughters and their Legal Advocacy
Supervisor Ilena
Megan Capp, their team and the partners, and his granddaughters. and Family Legal
residents maintain the site, but Rod lives for Kalia and Nina! He Advocate Frances.
how the agency and its supporters also loves to spend time with
stood up for the message that every friends and values the opportunities
individual deserves a roof over their he gets to mentor others.
O
head. “Not everyone in community ver the last five decades plant staff. Initially there was a lot of was a lot of work involved in making
accepted that message right away,” When not in the company of groups Archway has provided confusion about obtaining work permit the program pivot in response to the
Rod recalled. “But now there are few of people, Rod and Karyn love to a significant number of renewals, being unable to travel home or pandemic,” explained Gurcharan. “We
visible detractors to the Abbotsford explore ‘off the beaten path’ parts legal aid and legal advocacy services, being stuck at home, unable to travel to had to very quickly ensure the team
Homelessness Action Plan.” of the world (often with packs on and these community supports work. Some workers traveled to Canada had the proper equipment to work
their back.) Alternatively, Rod finds didn’t stop during COVID-19. only to lose their jobs a short time later remotely throughout the pandemic.
“We introduced the concept of true replenishment when he can and others were subjected to abuse At the same time, we had to make
‘housing first’ at a time when dumping disappear for a week-or-so to go When lockdown guidelines were and were on the edge of returning to sure that clients who had little to no
chicken manure and ripping up the canoeing, tenting or snowshoeing implemented by the Province of their home countries. Others had jobs access to technology were not falling
tents of individuals living rough was somewhere really remote. BC, many legal services were put on awaiting them but were stuck in other through the cracks.” The team worked
sanctioned in Abbotsford. Our agency Rod making balloon animals for
hold. Courthouses were closed and countries due to travel restrictions, such on applying all of Archway’s COVID-19
children at a multicultural picnic.
took the brunt of the hit at that time. Pondering what the next ten years legal professionals were forced to as the country-wide lockdown in India. guidelines to ensure staff safety for
Because our team works so hard to run may hold, Rod indicated he most find new ways of supporting clients those continuing to work from the office.
such a great residence, we’ve paved When queried on how he’s changed looks forward to continuing to learn without seeing them in person. Our At Archway, our Legal Advocacy for
the way for ‘justice, opportunities and during his tenure at Archway, Rod together, as an agency. His sense three legal advocacy programs were Migrant Workers program includes Claudia noted that while she could
equitable access for all.’ I’m really reflected that he is learning to ask for of purpose, love of people and able to adapt to this new model and Claudia Stoehr, our Spanish-speaking work effectively from home, it didn’t
grateful that today other groups don’t help and to pace himself. These were vision keep him going even during continue helping people as best they advocate, Sarbjit Gill and Ricky have the same “feel” as seeing clients
have to fight to open low-barrier qualities he was terrible at when he challenging moments. could during such a trying time. Bhadesh, Punjabi-speaking advocates in person; however, it was necessary for
supportive housing initiatives.” first arrived as Executive Director. and supervisor Gurcharan Dhillon. safety’s sake. “In Latin culture people
He shared, “I’m not one to be Legal Advocacy for are very sociable,” she advised. Most of
“Another first I’m really proud of “Because we have such an exceptional satisfied with what is, so I look Agricultural Workers Through their combined expertise, the farm workers are used to being able
is the way Shairose Jinnah, Simone leadership team, I’ve given myself forward to what ought to be and they helped temporary foreign workers to drop by the office when they need
Border closures and travel restrictions
Maassen, our Youth Resource the freedom to not try to be strong what we can become together. Ever access food and support during periods support. Even when they work long
quickly filled life with uncertainty for
Centre team, and the community all the time. Not that I’ve arrived, but striving for justice, opportunities of quarantine, apply for other work hours six to seven days a week, the Legal
agricultural workers who are essential to
pulled together to create Foundry I’m learning that I don’t have to be and equitable access for all.” ■ permits and find new employment, Advocacy team adjusts to assist them.
our local economy and food supply. They
Abbotsford. We are part of starting “on” continually. I can take breaks too. register with Global Affairs if they were
include everyone from berry pickers
a one-stop, made-for-BC approach My mental wellness counts; mental Canadian citizens abroad and even Already dealing with uncertainty, the
and other produce farm employees to
to delivering mental health, primary wellness counts for each of us.” apply for CERB and BC Emergency lockdown amplified their sense of
nursery and greenhouse staff, poultry
Benefits if they were eligible. “There isolation and loneliness while they
and dairy farm hands and production
18 Stories Magazine 2020 Archway.ca 19“ We had to very quickly ensure the team had the
proper equipment to work remotely throughout
the pandemic... to make sure that clients who
had little to no access to technology were not
falling through the cracks." ▲ Sarb, Claudia and Gurcharan
at the 2019 Health Fair for
Agricultural Workers.
◄ Claudia with a van
full of donations for
migrant workers.
Ministry of Social Development and The ever-changing circumstances result maps to accessing community services
Poverty Reduction (MSDPR) cheques in a significant increase in Kim’s and are highlights! “Arming people with
during the pandemic, such situations Ilena’s workloads as measures protecting knowledge is sometimes as much of a
haven’t entirely stopped. While the clients are lifted. They are also busy success as winning a case,” she shared.
were away from their homes and During COVID-19, Frances quickly interim access to their children and Residential Tenancy Branch initially preparing to assist with overpayment of As supervisor of the legal advocacy
families. “Whether we connect in- noticed her clients’ needs changing. obtaining more legal aid hours. had a Ministerial Order put in place Canada Emergency Response Benefits team, Ilena is also there to support
person or virtually, we like to let the When courthouses began to close, only halting most evictions since the end (CERB). Ilena notes that, “while CERB her team. She has found adapting
migrant workers know they are not documents for urgent matters could It’s Frances’ first year in her role as an of March, it has now changed. In most was rolled out quickly in order to to the “new normal” both physically
alone and that as an agency we are be filed. Many clients struggled to see Archway Family Legal Advocate and she’s cases, evictions are once again permitted help citizens get some income, little and emotionally challenging but
here to help them,” said Gurcharan. their children. “Unfortunately,” Frances noticed many clients find completing and evictions for non-payment of rent to no proof of eligibility has resulted remains committed to her work.
reports, “the other party sometimes uses court forms challenging or aren’t certain resume September 1st. Ilena and Kim in many people collecting benefits
The program was able to help how the legal system works. She’s glad note that tenants who were unable for which they were not eligible.” The work of Ilena, Gurcharan and their
over 900 temporary foreign she can be there to support them, to pay rent during COVID-19 have respective teams proves that even
and migrant workers who even if it is via the phone or internet. until July 2021 to repay the arrears. Ilena also notes that while the volume when a pandemic brings most of the
arrived during the pandemic “ Arming people with of disability applications decreased world to a standstill, legal advocacy
and needed to be advised Community Legal Advocacy Initially, the MSDPR had suspended at the start of the pandemic due to
immediately on quarantine
knowledge is sometimes most holds on cheques at the start of doctors’ being focused on the pandemic,
remains an essential service. As our
community continues to adjust and
The pandemic is also a time of
requirements and other as much of a success as economic uncertainty, which is
the pandemic. Most holds are in place they, too, will start to pick up. cope, they remain available to help
guidelines. Connections to staff when clients need to provide further vulnerable people in need. ■
manifesting in different ways
who speak their language was winning a case." throughout our community. Ilena
information such as identification, As everyone adjusts to the current
both comforting in an unfamiliar medical reports, employment situation and the government offers
Candiani, the Community Legal
place and ensured newly insurance information or similar. various financial supports for those
Advocacy Supervisor, has been busy
arrived workers knew what was COVID-19 made obtaining such facing hardships during the pandemic,
supporting people in Abbotsford
expected of them regarding COVID. the pandemic as a reason for denying information challenging, necessitating questions arise regarding applications
while her co-worker Kim Donaldson
parental access even though court the hold. However, as all levels of and eligibility. Helping people who are
works out of Chilliwack. Due to
Family Legal Advocacy orders are still supposed to be followed.”
physical distancing measures, they
government adjust to the “new normal,” facing evictions, being found eligible
information is becoming available for benefits after a denial or learning
Frances De Beir in the Archway Family both began working remotely and
Other clients have come to Frances for and holds are being reintroduced. what their rights are to avoid being
Legal Advocacy program is also busy connecting with clients and others by
assistance with obtaining protection taken advantage of are successes for
supporting clients remotely, many telephone or video conferencing.
orders against abusive former partners, her, and helping people create road
of whom are experiencing new Community Legal
speaking to duty counsel, preparing Advocate Kim.
challenges arising from the pandemic. While Ilena and Kim have seen a
to self-represent, being granted
decline in evictions and holds on
20 Stories Magazine 2020 Archway.ca 21You can also read
