Our centre space is
available to all women for the purpose of socializing, working,
reading, having coffee or tea, watching a video and using the internet.
We also have a telephone, microwave, computers, photocopier and fax
machine available on a first come, first serve basis. Currently two
staff, Michelle Dodds (Executive
Director) and Supriya Ryan (Development & Outreach Coordinator), are eager to meet you and assist you in any way they can.
The drop-in space is child-friendly and includes a play area and toys. It is
a safe space to meet other women, use office equipment and access information, resources and referrals pertaining to various issues impacting women. If we do not know
the answer, we will work to find one for you! No appointments necessary.
Close to 500 different pamphlets, booklets and handouts on a variety of topics (legal, health, poverty, abuse, counselling, employment, education, government services, etc.) from organizations and agencies across the North Shore and Lower Mainland.
Resource binders of current reference materials on topics such as: advocacy, employment, youth, parenting, childcare, legal issues, etc.
Resource directories such as The Red Book (a guide to Lower Mainland services), The Green Book (a guide to North Shore services), The Green Book Junior (a guide to North Shore services for families with children aged 0-6, The Single Mother's Resource Guide, the North Shore Guide to Helping Services for Seniors and Caregivers, etc.
Bulletin boards listing current community events, on-going programs, action campaigns and personal network postings (e.g. search for roommates, women business owners, participants for research studies, etc.)
A job posting clipboard with up-to-date job opportunities
A an up-to-date list of low cost housing in the Lower Mainland and a list of homeless shelters
We also provide referrals for the following agencies. Women can schedule an appointment with staff to discuss the possibilities and requirements for these referrals. Good Stuff Connection Helping Families in Need Society
Staff can offer emotional support, suggest options, provide information and referrals to other services or organizations, help create action plans and assist in locating resources. This support can be provided by phone, email or in-person. Women seek support in a number of different areas, such as: employment, education, welfare and disability benefits, poverty, physical and mental health, disabilities, housing and homelessness, legal assistance, violence and abuse, counselling, isolation, childcare, parenting, self-awareness and development, sexuality and gender, communications, life skills, child apprehensions, and more.
Emergency Food
We have a small storage of food for emergencies.
Foods items include non-parishable food items (frozen foods, soups, pasta, pasta sauce, lentils, tuna, baby food, crackers, canned fruit, cereal, oatmeal, grains, nuts, tea, coffee, juice, soy/rice/almond milk etc.), homemade soup and other meals when available. Please contact us if you require support.
Similar to emergency food, basic emergency toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, pads, tampons, body lotions, hair styling products, soaps, etc. are also donated to the centre and stored for distribution. Some clothing, particularly warm winter coats, fleece jackets, sweaters, t-shirts and jeans, socks, new underwear and some small household items such as towels and linens, cookware, bags, etc. are occasionally available. Please contact us if you require support.
Multi-Media Resource Library
Books (fiction and non-fiction), journals, reports and some audio video materials are kept in the library for use on-site or to lend for 3-week periods. Materials are electronically catalogued and searchable on the centre’s public access computers. Almost all materials in the library have been received by donation.
Computers are available on a drop-in basis for writing letters and resumes, checking email, conducting Internet searches as well as learning touch-typing.
Four computer terminals are available - 3 are connected to the Internet and 1 is for word processing and other off-line activities. Staff and volunteers provide assistance. Some funding for high speed Internet, website hosting, technical support, equipment and software purchases, and staff support is provided through Industry Canada’s Community Access Program. In the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Community Network coordinates this program.
Women use the public access computers to search for accommodation, employment and education. They create resumes, write letters and reports, search the Internet, compose and receive emails, download photographs and stream broadcasts. Many government forms and applications are also printed or completed on-line.
The computers have a variety of software applications, including a beginner typing instruction program called Mavis Beacon. This program was introduced in 2006 and has been very popular ever since. In addition to teaching how to type, it provides a basic introduction to the use of the computer using both the mouse and keyboard, which helps reduce fear and anxiety associated with learning how to use Microsoft Word and the computer in general. Women who are on the waitlist for the Basic Computer Program are encouraged to use Mavis Beacon, which helps them to practice their computer skills while staying connected to the Centre while they wait for their lesson. Support is provided.
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