http://www.pacsbc.com/ Serving the Peace Arch Community. http://www.pacsbc.com/news.php?article=115 On November 14, Kwantlen Polytechnic University and Peace Arch Community Services held a regional conference on issues relted to providing professional counselling services to the ever increasing South Asian Community in the Fraser Valley area. 'Social service providers have indicated that there is a need for culture specific training in the region. At Kwantlen, we are working to ensure that the training needs of both those working in the field and those pursuing a career in social services are provided with up to date and relevant research', said Dr. Kamala Nayar of Kwantlen Polytechnic University Jas Sandhu, Clinical Counsellor at Peace Arch Community Services and facilitator for this conference, identified the need in the region to make service providers aware of the unique aspects of the South Asian culture to allow them to provide the most effective treatment possible. Mr. Sandhu is not surprised that the conference was quickly sold out. The following workshops were offered: BELIEF CREATES REALITY: THE SELF IN A CULTURAL CONTEXT Dr. Gira Bhatt, Kwantlen Polytechnic University Our beliefs are powerful mediators of how we perceive our self and our world. These perceptions in turn shape our emotions, our behavior, and our interpretations of life events. Importantly beliefs are rooted in cultural contexts where they are created, validated, and sustained. In this presentation, implications of beliefs are examined as they pertain to our physical and psychological well-being. Born and raised in Mumbai, India, Dr. Gira Bhatt completed her MA in Clinical Psychology from the University of Bombay. She received her second MA and PhD from Simon Fraser University. Currently, she is a faculty member in the Applied Psychology program at Kwantlen where her research is focused on issues of self, identity, and acculturation. While living in Canada, she retains her cultural roots in India where she had extensive training in the philosophical traditions of India. MISUNDERSTOOD IN THE DIASPORA Dr. Kamala Nayar, Kwantlen Polytechnic University After the events of 9/11 an enormous wave of fear regarding terrorism swept across North America. In effect, a backlash of racist activities occurred toward ethnic minorities, especially toward those who wear the turban. In light of these events, this presentation will discuss the conflict experienced by orthodox Sikhs and the implications for helping professionals. Kamala Elizabeth Nayar holds a Ph.D. in South Asian Religions from McGill University, and is currently a faculty member in Asian Studies at Kwantlen. She is the author of three published books, including The Sikh Diaspora in Vancouver. Her research interests include the South Asian diaspora, the Punjabi community in Western Canada, and gender. PACS News Anthony http://www.pacsbc.com/news.php?article=114 This year, at the Peace Arch Community Services annual Volunteer Appreciation Lunch, the following were recognized for the milestones in their years of dedicated volunteerism: 15 Years Margaret Willson- Shop-by-Phone Program 10 Years Dawn White- Information & Referral Help Line 5 Years Marjorie Mooney - Board of Director Diane Middler- Board of Director Barb Amyotte- Food Bank Heather Fuchs- Shop-by-Phone Program Naida Thomsen- Food Bank Peter Geary- Volunteer and Information Services Dianne Watson- Shop-by-Phone Program Marilyn Wolfe- Food Bank The theme for this year's lunch was From Compassion to Action Last year, the approximately 200 volunteers at Peace Arch COmmunity Services donated approximately 25,000 hours of their time. PACS News Andrew http://www.pacsbc.com/news.php?article=113 The Board of Directors, volunteers and staff of Peace Arch Community Services, invited you, and your family and friends to attend our 30th Birthday Party and Open House on June 19th. Approximately 200 people came to join us in celebrating thirty tremendous years of community leadership and service in White Rock and Surrey. Last year our staff and volunteers served the needs of 3 out of every 100 people in Surrey and 20 out of every 100 in White Rock. Peace Arch Community Services is indeed your community service agency! Attendees enjoyed an afternoon of musical entertainment compliments of the White Rock Blues Society, face painting, Cupcake the Clown, food and beverages at our head office location just off Marine Drive. There was fun for the whole Family and even a GIGANTIC birthday cake! Our fourteen community programs throughout Surrey and White Rock had information displays about the services we provide to children, youth, families, adults and seniors. It was an excellent opportunity to learn more about what is available in your community to serve you and others. After greetings from the Mayors of White Rock, Surrey, the Prime Minister, Premier, Lieutenant Governor, and local Members of Parliament, the Honorable Gordon Hogg, past PACS Board member, was recognized for his commitment and service to the White Rock and South Surrey communities. PACS was also officially presented with its 4th re-accreditation by the Council on Accreditation. The Millenium Rotary Club also presented PACS with a cheque from its recent golf tournament to be used for th epurchase of a new van for our Food Bank. PACS News Andrew http://www.pacsbc.com/news.php?article=47 On Saturday June 21, Peace Arch Community Services once again offered a tour of custom designed kitchens by Pacific Rim Cabinets in the White Rock/South Surrey area. Approximately 100 people toured the nine homes that were chosen to showcase a variety of styles and designs of new and remodeled kitchens. As well, members of the design team for each kitchen were present in the homes to answer questions. The tour was of interest to those looking for ideas, seeing the latest styles or just spending a few hours on a self guided tour of homes. Along with a ticket, was a map and directions to the homes, as well as a description of the kitchens that were to be seen. Proceeds from the tour went to Peace Arch Community Services to allow us to continue to serve the needs of approximately 15,000 individuals each year from infants to seniors in Surrey and White Rock through our 14 different programs as we have for the past 30 years. Thank you Canadian Tire South Point and Hugh and McKinnon Realty for once again being outlets where tickets could be purchased. For information on the homes that were included on the tour, please visit www.pacrimcab.com PACS News Andrew http://www.pacsbc.com/news.php?article=112 The Imposters Revue performance troupe of our Specialized Adult Services day program for individuals with developmental delays, is pleased to present Jukebox Jive musical tribute to the 1950 and 1960 era. Thursday June 5, 2008 Doors open at 6:30 St. Michaels Millennium Hall, 12996 60th Avenue Call 604 592-5599 for tickets: $10.00, must be purchased in advance Wheelchair Accessible PACS News Andrew http://www.pacsbc.com/news.php?article=111 Self-care for women in our Western culture is often broadly defined through pampering acts such as bubble baths, body or beauty treatments or shopping extravaganzas! While these activities can provide an immediate release of stress and momentary increased pleasure, long-lasting self-care that positively affects the whole person requires greater awareness and intention. Our inner self communicates when it is being pacified, ignored, neglected or betrayed. We may feel a discomforting sense of incongruency or imbalance, as a result. How frequently we check in with ourselves about our experience in the world and how we respond to the insights we gain, likely suggests the value or beliefs we currently hold about our place in the world. We might experience daily tension that just will not go away. We may feel bored, depressed, angry and/or experience a general loss of direction in our life or experience a specific loss of meaning to goals and aspirations. We may feel 'out of touch' with how we feel or think about a particular situation or relationship that results in 'automatic pilot' living. We may experience greater conflict with others. We may yearn for something, but have no idea how to fulfill the desire. We may feel fatigued more often than not or develop physical illness or disease. Each of these experiences is an invitation. An invitation to examine more closely one"s inner experience of oneself and the world. To RSVP to such an invitation may mean that we are willing to evaluate our past and current experiences, wander in areas of the unknown and it"s many possibilities; while at the same time, learn to accept the mystery of who we are becoming. Such an endeavor may seem difficult, scary or hopeless; however. We do not need someone to show us the ropes. We are the ones we have been waiting for. Deep inside us we know the feelings we need to guide us. Our task is to learn to trust our inner knowing. -Sonia Johnson Peace Arch Community Services therapists, Stephanie Dorey and Angela Herd, both trained and practicing art therapists within the Counselling Services Program and the Family Support Program, wish to invite Women of White Rock and Surrey to join them in participating in: Self-Care Retreat For Women. Retreats will be offered on Saturdays from 10:00am to 12:00pm and run for 8 consecutive weeks beginning May 10th. Entry into the retreat space will provide participants with a sense of relaxation and safety. The senses will be aroused by quality essential oils, gentle music and lighting. Stephanie and Angela will facilitate rich art therapy opportunities to explore, express and process personal experience. Topic ideas for the retreat will be discussed in the first retreat and will reflect the unique needs and interests of the group participants. Journal writing, guided imagery, phototherapy, discussion and laughter will weave throughout the course of the 8 weeks. The purpose of the group is largely to find rest, relaxation and rejuvenation while gaining new perspectives of oneself and strategies of how to better care for one"s inner self on a day to day basis. Tea and light snacks will be provided at the beginning of each retreat. Cost $160.00 for 8 / two hour retreat sessions -only $20/therapeutic session Where Peace Arch Community Services, 882 Maple Street White Rock Who All woman who seeks to feel a greater connection to her thoughts, feelings, behavior and choices Registrations are being taken now by PACS Intake Coordinator, Tracy Hyette at 604-538-2522. This is a group you will not want to miss. REGISTRATION IS LIMITED The Facilitators Angela Herd, C.S.W., BA, DVATI is an art and family therapist who has provided support to children and families of diverse need, for over 17 years. Angela ’s experiences include supporting children, youth and adults dealing with issues of attachment, parenting skills, family violence, drug & alcohol dependency, developmental disabilities, family mediation, dementia/Alzheimers disease and care giving, mental health, grief and loss, suicide prevention and self-care. Currently, Angela is acting coordinator and therapist in the Family Support Program at Peace Arch Community Services and also provides individual, family and group therapy within the Counselling Services Program. Stephanie Dorey-Wells, C.S.W., BA, DVATI has over 12 years experience supporting children, adolescence, adults and families. She has worked in many therapeutic settings supporting a wide variety of clients. These include children and adults dealing with attachment issues, substance misuse, developmental disabilities, mental illness, family violence and children with social development and behavioural difficulties. She is currently working as a child and family therapist for our Family Support Program and Mental Health Child and Family Service Program, she also provides individual, family and group therapy within the Counseling Services Program. PACS News Andrew http://www.pacsbc.com/news.php?article=110 People from all over Surrey and White Rock came to the Hazelmere Golf and Country Cub on March 8 to attend the 30th Anniversary Gala of Peace Arch Community Services. This year"s theme was the Mad Hatter's Tea Party. A record number of Councillors from the cities of Surrey and White Rock, representatives from the Surrey Foundation, a full contingent from the Cloverdale Chamber of Commerce, Member of Parliament Russ Hiebert and the Consul General of Belize were some of the many old and new friends, patrons and supporters who came in foolish or fancy attire to spend an evening with Alice in Wonderland. Master of Ceremonies MLA Gordon Hogg gave the Mad Hatter a run for his money and the Ray Myers Band once again entertained the appreciative crowd. PACS' new Executive Director David Young greeted each guest as they arrived and summarized the many services provided to 3 out of every 100 infants, children, youth, teens, adults and seniors in Surrey and 30 out of 100 in White Rock who Peace Arch Community Services assists each year. Gala Chair Alicia Hagerman said,'What a party. I am delighted, overwhelmed and humbled at the continuing generosity of this fabulous community. It is wonderful to see Board Members, staff, volunteers, donors, sponsors and attendees, all coming together for the benefit of PACS programs and services. What a great way to celebrate Peace Arch Community Services' 30th Birthday. What a great welcome for David Young as well. We even had David making tissue flowers at one of our Gala committee meetings! Sincere thanks to everyone, and, wasn't our own 'Mad Hatter', newly retired Valerie Wehrle from our Volunteer and Information Services Program, terrific? ' PACS News Andrew http://www.pacsbc.com/news.php?article=108 Peace Arch Community Services (PACS) is pleased to announce the hiring of Sue Sanderson as the new Manager of our Volunteer and Information Services (VIS) Program. Ms. Sanderson brings a wealth of experience and volunteerism in the social and community service sector and was recently the Supervisor of a similar program in a related agency. Sue has been a resident of Surrey for the past 25 years with her husband and two children. The PACS Volunteer and Information Services program provides a help line, grocery shops for those who are house bound, drives those in need to medical appointments throughout the Lower Mainland, distributes Christmas hampers to needy families, assists with the annual Christmas Day dinner, and provides pro bono income tax return preparation. Through its Volunteer Centre, we inform individuals not only of volunteer opportunities within the 14 different programs within PACS but also within other organizations who may need their skills, abilities and talents. VIS is one of the original programs at Peace Arch Community Services, which in 2008 celebrates 30 years of dedicated service to the communities of Surrey and White Rock. Ms. Sanderson replaces Valerie Wehrle, who retired at the end of January. PACS News Andrew http://www.pacsbc.com/news.php?article=107 For the sixth time in eight years, Peace Arch Community Services has been voted Best Community Service Organization by readers of the Now Newspaper. Peace Arch Community Services thanks all readers of the Now who voted on our behalf either as friends, supporters, clients, former clients, their families or friends. It has been a privilege to serve the community for three decades with respect, dignity and compassion. PACS News Andrew http://www.pacsbc.com/news.php?article=105 The Board of Directors of Peace Arch Community Services Society (PACS) is pleased to announce the appointment of David W. Young to the position of Executive Director effective January 7, 2008. Mr. Young is returning to the Lower Mainland from Ottawa, where he most recently served as the Executive Director of The Canadian Association of Family Resource Programs (FRP Canada), providing national leadership in the development of programs and supports for families and family support practitioners. For over 25 years, David has been a champion of community-based and client-centered approaches in both the public and the voluntary sectors, leading, creating and delivering a range of child, family and community support services. Educated at Trent University (BA) and the University of British Columbia (BSW), David is a social worker by training and executive leader by experience. Recently appointed to the Minister of Health National Drug Prevention Advisory Committee, he also participates on the National Advisory Board of Invest in Kids (Toronto); is Vice-President of the North American Organization of the Family (Montreal), and is the Chairperson of the National Alliance for Children and Youth (Ottawa). David was a founding member of the Governing Council of the Alberta Association for the Accreditation of Early Learning and Care Services (Edmonton), and has served on the boards of Kiwassa Neighborhood Services (Vancouver) and the United Way of the Lower Mainland (Burnaby). David also participates on the Selection Committee for the Prime Minister's Awards for Excellence in Early Childhood Education. A former Assistant Deputy Minister with the Government of British Columbia and a certified peer reviewer for the Council on Accreditation (New York), David has considerable expertise in leadership, management, strategic planning, governance, and organizational development. PACS President Bob Dominato reports that 'The Board of PACS is pleased that David is bringing his diverse skills, knowledge and experience to our team. We are confident that as PACS enters its 30th year of service that we are well positioned to continue to grow and improve our services to the citizens of Surrey and White Rock I encourage all of our friends and neighbours to join me in welcoming David to the community and in celebrating PACS 30th birthday this year.' PACS News Andrew