Reduce stress and boost your well-being this holiday season
From GroupHealth Benefits Solutions
As the holiday season approaches, you may be feeling excited or you may be starting to feel some stress.
With so many things to do and people to see, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. However, it’s important to take care of yourself and manage your stress during this busy time of year. Here are some tips for managing stress going into the holiday season:
Prioritize your tasks
It’s easy to feel like you have a never-ending to-do list during the holiday season. It can help to prioritize your tasks and focus on what’s most important to you.
Take breaks
It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday rush and forget to take time for yourself. This can be as simple as taking a walk around the block or having a cup of tea.
Set boundaries
Setting boundaries during the holiday season can look like saying “no” to certain events or activities if you’re feeling overwhelmed or burnt out.
Connect with others
The holiday season is a time for connecting with friends and family. Make sure to prioritize time with loved ones and connect with them in meaningful ways.
Seek help if needed
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and struggling to manage your stress, don’t hesitate to seek help. Talk to a trusted friend or family member or consider speaking with a mental health professional.
Remember to take care of yourself and make your well-being a priority to enjoy the holiday season to its fullest.
Press Release: Community Foundations – Featuring Penticton Access Centre
Government of Canada’s Community Services Recovery Fund supports pandemic recovery of South Okanagan Similkameen organizations.
Penticton BC: Community service organizations in the South Okanagan Similkameen have received a boost to their pandemic recovery through the Government of Canada’s Community Services Recovery Fund.
The Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen was responsible for delivering $306,000 from the Fund. A total of $900,786 was awarded to projects by 22 organizations in the South Okanagan Similkameen.
The Penticton & Area Access Centre is a beneficiary of funding from the Government of Canada’s Community Services Recovery Fund through the Community Foundation. The Access Centre saw everything about their operations affected by the pandemic. They lost 50% of their staff and many of their highly experienced volunteers. They had to quickly adjust to new policies and remote work scenarios necessitated by the pandemic, at the same time trying to manage dramatically higher demand for services they had traditionally delivered face-to-face. They experienced a significant drop in revenues because they could no longer run their annual fundraising events. The mental health of their remaining staff suffered due to heightened stress at work, leading to more incidences of medical leave.
Despite all these challenges, the Access Centre continued to deliver its vital services to the community. Now, they are applying what they learned to build a stronger and more resilient organization. “Like so many community service organizations across the country, the pandemic deeply challenged us,” said Brandi Beckett, Executive Director of the Access Centre. “With the help of the Community Services
Recovery Fund, we are already making significant progress towards building our resilience to weather future challenges. The improvements we are making are definitely driving us forward in our work helping people navigate social systems in our region.”
The Community Services Recovery Fund is a one-time, $400 million investment by the Government of Canada to support Canada’s community services organizations as they adapt and modernize in response to impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Community Foundations of Canada, United Way Centraide Canada and the Canadian Red Cross are administering the program.
“We’re very proud to announce this funding, and to celebrate the collective investment made in our region through the Government of Canada’s Community Services Recovery Fund,” said Aaron McRann, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen. The organizations benefiting from this funding have learned hard lessons from their pandemic experience and determined the steps they need to take to become more resilient—through their pandemic recovery and beyond. We’re excited to support them on their journey.”
“Community service organizations are at the heart of communities like the South Okanagan Similkameen, creating a sense of belonging from coast to coast to coast. The Community Services Recovery Fund will enable organizations like the Penticton and Area Access Centre and others that serve our diverse communities to adapt and modernize their programs and services and to invest in the future of their organizations, staff and volunteers. Together, we can rebuild from the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic and build a more just and equitable future for those in the South Okanagan Similkameen,” said the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Jenna Sudds.
The organizations receiving funding through the Community Foundation are listed on its website. To learn more about the Fund and to view a map of funded projects across the country, please visit: Community Services Recovery Fund
More information:
Kevin Ronaghan, Grants & Community Initiatives
Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen
236-500-1243; kevinronaghan@cfso.net
Annual General Meeting Report
We held our Annual General Meeting on Thursday September 14th. Here is our Annual Report for the 2022/2023 Fiscal Year.
2022-2023 Annual Report (1)
Success Story: Community Advocacy
Written by Donna Ashcroft and Brittney Taylor, Oliver Community Advocates
“Adrian was faced with mental and physical health issues & a housing crisis, and he contacted our outreach office at The Access Centre for support. The most urgent issue was a landlord dispute & legal advocacy to not lose his RV pad rental.
Due to him having some mobility problems, Brittney and Donna made a site visit to meet Adrian at his RV to gather evidence and information to further understand the whole situation. They referred him to the Access Poverty Law Program for help to dispute the eviction notice. The dispute was successful and the final result was that he didn’t lose his housing.
Brittney and Donna also provided emotional support and connected Adrian with appropriate healthcare and social supports. After struggling along without any support for so long, Adrian was very grateful and his mental and physical health were greatly improved.”
Success Story: Family Law Program
Written by David Desautels, Family Law Advocate
** names have been changed to protect privacy**
Maria is married to Floyd, and they have two boys under 12 years old. Maria and Floyd had a good marriage until Floyd became aggressive and started to act erratically. It came to a point where Maria no longer felt safe, so she decided to leave her home with the kids and went to live with a friend. Maria did try to reconcile but the attempt was unsuccessful as Floyd became even more dangerous.
The Family Law advocate, David, met with Maria and explained her options. First step was to apply for Protection Order for her and her kid’s protection.
A provincial court judge granted the Protection Order. Once a Protection Order is granted, a copy of the Order is sent to the other party, the other party then has the option of applying to the courts to set it aside. A hearing is set, and a judge determines if the Order stays in place. In this case Floyd didn’t apply.
David prepared an Application about a Family Law Matter on Maria’s behalf requesting that Maria have the majority of parenting time as well as all of the parental responsibilities, and she wanted a child support order in place. She also asked that Floyd’s contact with the kids should be decided by her and the kids.
Again, Floyd did not respond to the Application, so David prepared an Application for a Case Management Order Without Notice, a court date was scheduled, and the Application’s requests were all granted by a judge.
Maria can now move on with her life, concentrating on raising her children in a healthy happy home. After one year of separation, she can apply for a divorce.
In this situation, there were many steps involved and each one requires a form to be completed, in some cases a very lengthy one. Without an advocate, Maria would have had to fill out the following forms and navigate the court system while raising two kids alone and without stable housing:
“Form 12-Preparing an Application About a Protection Order” -17 pages
“Form 3-Preparing an Application About a Family Law Matter” -49 pages
“Form 11-Preparing an Application for Case Management Order Without Notice or Attendance” -3 page form with 18 pages of Schedules
Success Story: Poverty Law Program
Written by Keleah Strack – Poverty Law Advocate
“We had a family who was served a 2-month eviction notice for landlord use of property. The landlord claimed that she needed the tenants to vacate because she wanted to move into the tenant’s rental property. The family scrambled to find a new place, put their belongings in storage and incurred debt.
The current rental vacancy rate in Penticton is 1.4% and in Summerland where this couple lived the vacancy rate is 1.2%. This means that people who are evicted are pushed into temporary housing in motels or vacation rentals. This can lead to multiple moves, little hope of settling down in a stable environment and sometimes homelessness.
After a few months in temporary housing, the family saw their old place listed for rent at an elevated cost. They realized that their ex-landlord had evicted them illegally to increase her monthly profit. They contacted our office for support and thanks to the online rental listing and landlord’s social media posts, the advocate was able to compile strong evidence for the tenancy hearing. They won and were awarded a monetary claim for 12 months of rent, the maximum penalty for this type of illegal eviction. This reward enabled the family to move forward and find permanent housing.
These 2-month notices have become common for landlords who want more money from their investments. They are difficult to fight because in order to prove bad faith the tenant often needs to vacate and wait 6 months before they can file for dispute. In that time, they scramble to find housing and incur costs related to relocation. They sometimes are forced out of their communities, away from their doctors, extended family and friends. We have seen people evicted with serious health conditions who have upcoming surgeries and other medical appointments they miss because they have to move 8 to 10 hours away where life is more affordable but less accessible.
Having assistance and support when disputing illegal evictions, like the two-month notice this family received, can have a big impact on tenant’s wellbeing. The process can be long and complicated but when tenants are successful, the financial reward can provide some relief. In this family’s case it led to more stable housing and debt repayment. These small wins also discourage landlords from illegal evictions and force landlords and tenants to become familiar with the BC Residential Tenancy Act.”
Finding My Way in an Ableist Profession
Thanks to Disability Alliance Blog for this article:
Finding My Way in an Ableist Profession by Salina Dewar
As an aspiring lawyer, my first hint of what lay ahead of me came at age 13. When I told classmates and teachers I wanted to be a lawyer to help people, almost all of them suggested I could be “a lawyer for people with disabilities.”
At the time, I shied away from that idea for two reasons. First, my understanding of human rights and injustice was broader than “just disability.” Second, I felt typecast. I wanted to be recognized for my ability, my talent and my contribution, not “just” for my disability.
My acceptance into law school was the beginning of my legal education. It was also the beginning of a crash course in ableism in the legal profession.
In one class, I mentioned to another student with a disability that I feared our peers would take me less seriously because I used crutches. That student responded to the effect of, “Yeah, I should probably be using [a mobility aid], but I don’t want to do the disability thing.”
The amount of time I needed to perform some tasks became a concern, too. I discovered that I needed more time to process and respond to information, particularly if I was under pressure. I learned later that this was an effect of my disability.
I was granted extra time to write some of my school exams and later to write the bar exams required to practice law.
I had some difficulty finding articles. This is the year you work under the guidance of a practicing lawyer, leading up to being permitted to practice law.
In 2004, I brought up my disability during interviews for articles because I wanted to address any concerns head-on. During one interview with a pair of male lawyers, the older lawyer brushed off the disability, saying he wasn’t worried about it.
His younger colleague chortled nervously and said something like, “Yeah, maybe it’ll help us win more because the judge will take pity on you.” His colleague elbowed him. I was both amused and horrified. I knew I would never work there.
Eventually, I practiced for over two years in an office that placed some weight on how much billable time you could generate. This created significant stress for me because almost everything I did seemed to take longer. I constantly felt the need to shave time off clients’ bills because I wasn’t sure how much time another lawyer would take.
Court appearances were nerve-wracking, too, because of the pressure not only to get it right but to appear perfect. I often brought a cheat-sheet I could refer to, to make sure I did not forget key points. I once had a judge say, “It will be better when you let go of the paper.” I think this was genuinely intended as encouragement, but fear and even shame kept me from explaining why I had notes.
In 2013, I switched to non-practice status to focus on my well-being and on finding my way to meaningful, law-related work in the non-profit sector (I’m a member of the Law Society, but I don’t currently practice law). In 2016, I joined DABC and moved over to our new Disability Law Clinic (DLC) in 2020.
In a recent conversation with an established practicing lawyer who has a disability, I learned that some BC courts have removed the option of virtual hearings for simple matters–an option widely used during the pandemic. This lawyer has been denied requests for virtual hearings or asked for a great deal of personal information to allow the accommodation, even when the other party has no concerns about it.
We often look to courts and tribunals when we have been wronged, but there is a great deal of ableism within the legal profession itself. I am determined to raise awareness about this ableism, so it can be addressed.
In the meantime, my experience navigating a rather rigid profession and the changes in the impact of my disability give me additional insight into the struggles, fears and frustrations of many of our clients at the DLC.
I no longer feel typecast. Instead, I thrive living as, and working with and for, people with disabilities many of whom are also members of other marginalized communities. It is both a pleasure and a privilege to do this work.
Salina Dewar, BA, LLB, is Law Clinic Assistant and Advocate with DABC’s Disability Law Clinic.
“Elevate Your Well-being: Mastering the Art of Self-Care”
Welcome to our blog on self-care, a topic that is essential for maintaining a healthy and happy life. In today’s fast-paced and demanding world, we often find ourselves putting the needs of others ahead of our own. However, it is crucial to remember that self-care is not selfishness; rather, it is a necessary practice that allows us to be the best versions of ourselves. Whether you are a student, a working professional, a parent, or anyone juggling multiple responsibilities, dedicating time to self-care is crucial for overall well-being. Throughout this blog, we will explore different aspects of self-care, its benefits, and practical strategies you can incorporate into your daily routine to prioritize yourself. So, join us as we embark on this journey of self-discovery and learn how to nurture our minds, bodies, and spirits through self-care practices.
Walking
Engaging in regular walks exemplifies a simple yet potent form of self-care that can have transformative effects on overall well-being. Walking offers a rejuvenating escape from the demands of daily life, allowing individuals to reconnect with both nature and themselves. Whether taken as a leisurely stroll or an invigorating hike, this activity promotes physical health by boosting cardiovascular fitness, enhancing muscle tone, and aiding in weight management. Equally important, walking provides an opportunity for mental restoration, reducing stress and anxiety while stimulating the release of endorphins – the body’s natural mood elevators. As footsteps align with breath, walking becomes a rhythmic meditation that clears the mind and fosters creative thinking. By prioritizing regular walks, individuals embrace a holistic approach to self-care, nurturing their body, mind, and spirit with every step taken. I know for us here in the beautiful Okanagan we have lakes on both sides of our town and the views are impeccable! When I walk along the lake, with tunes in my ears, I feel absolutely amazing! This part isn’t cheap by any stretch but if you have a dog, use them as an excuse to do more walking!
Meditation
Meditation serves as an invaluable self-care practice, offering a sanctuary of stillness amidst the chaos of modern life. By dedicating even a few minutes each day to quiet contemplation, individuals can experience a myriad of benefits that positively impact their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Through focused breathing and mindfulness, meditation cultivates self-awareness, reduces stress, and enhances the ability to manage life’s challenges with equanimity. It encourages a break from the constant stream of thoughts, promoting mental clarity and a heightened sense of presence. Ultimately, incorporating meditation into one’s self-care routine fosters a harmonious balance between the inner self and the outer world, fostering resilience and nurturing a profound sense of inner peace. There are so many free options for Mindfulness and Meditation. Youtube has many great options with free meditation channels. If you have a smart phone there are also many free podcasts and free apps that can be downloaded directly to your Smartphone so no matter where you are you can stop and take 5-10 minutes or even longer to take a step back and calm your body.
Take a nap
Napping is an essential component of self-care as it provides time for rest and rejuvenation. Taking a short nap can help to recharge the mind and body, improving overall well-being and performance. It allows for a break from daily responsibilities and allows individuals to reset and recharge, leading to increased energy levels and enhanced cognitive functioning. Moreover, napping has been proven to enhance mood, reduce stress, and improve memory retention. By prioritizing the act of napping, individuals can effectively manage their physical and mental health, leading to increased productivity and better overall quality of life.
Clean or Organize
Cleaning or organizing can be good for self-care because it helps create a clean and peaceful environment that can positively impact our mental state. When we clean or organize our living or working spaces, we remove clutter and disarray, which can contribute to feelings of overwhelm and stress. Tidying up not only improves visual aesthetics but also creates a sense of order and control over our surroundings. This process can be incredibly therapeutic, giving us a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Additionally, the physical activity involved in cleaning or organizing can release endorphins and boost our mood. Taking the time to care for our environment through cleaning and organizing is a simple yet effective way to prioritize self-care and nurture our overall well-being.
Dance
Dancing can be a wonderful self-care activity because it allows individuals to express themselves freely and let go of any accumulated stress or tension. Engaging in dance helps to increase the release of endorphins, which can enhance mood and provide an overall sense of happiness and well-being. It promotes physical fitness, as it is a great cardiovascular exercise that improves strength, flexibility, and coordination. Additionally, dancing encourages mindfulness and concentration, as it requires individuals to be present in the moment and focus on their body movements. Whether dancing alone or with others, it provides a sense of connection, fosters self-confidence, and allows individuals to embrace their unique creativity, making it a fantastic activity for self-care and nurturing one’s overall mental and emotional health.
Journal
Journaling can be a powerful tool for self-care because it allows individuals to express and reflect upon their thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a safe and private space. By putting pen to paper, individuals are able to externalize their internal thoughts and gain a deeper understanding of themselves. Journaling provides a therapeutic outlet for processing and navigating through difficult emotions, stressors, or challenging situations. It can also promote self-discovery, personal growth, and self-compassion as individuals gain insights into their patterns, beliefs, and values. The act of journaling itself can be a form of self-care, as it encourages individuals to carve out time for self-reflection, mindfulness, and self-expression. Ultimately, journaling can foster a sense of inner calm, clarity, and empowerment, making it an invaluable tool in one’s self-care routine.
Colour
Coloring stands as a delightful and therapeutic form of self-care, inviting us to reconnect with our innate sense of creativity and playfulness. Engaging in the simple act of coloring not only provides an escape from the pressures of daily life but also offers a meditative experience that soothes the mind. The gentle strokes of color on paper can translate into a profound sense of mindfulness, where worries fade and focus narrows onto the present moment. As we select hues and bring life to intricate designs, our brains release dopamine, triggering feelings of joy and accomplishment. This accessible and enjoyable practice transcends age and artistic prowess, making it a wonderful way to unwind, destress, and cultivate a sense of accomplishment, one vibrant shade at a time.
Read
Reading serves as a gateway to mindfulness and self-reflection. As we dive into the pages, a captivating story can transport us to another time, place, or even another dimension. It allows us to temporarily detach from our own worries and stresses, providing a much-needed break for our overworked minds.
Engrossing ourselves in a good book not only provides relaxation, but also fosters personal growth. Whether it’s a gripping novel, a compelling memoir, or an enlightening self-help guide, reading expands our knowledge, ignites our imagination, and encourages empathy. We gain new perspectives, understand different cultures, and connect with diverse characters who help shape us into more compassionate human beings.
Work in your Garden
Gardening is important for self-care as it offers numerous benefits for our physical and mental well-being. Firstly, engaging in gardening activities allows us to connect with nature and experience a sense of tranquility and relaxation. The act of nurturing plants and flowers brings a sense of purpose and fulfillment, boosting our mood and reducing stress levels. Additionally, gardening provides an opportunity for gentle physical exercise, improving our physical health and promoting better sleep. Being responsible for the growth and development of plants fosters a sense of responsibility and accomplishment, boosting our self-confidence and self-esteem. Ultimately, gardening allows us to escape from the everyday stresses of life, fostering mindfulness and providing a therapeutic outlet for self-expression and creativity.
Cook a meal
Cooking can be a wonderful form of self-care as it allows individuals to engage in a nourishing and creative activity. When we cook for ourselves, we have control over the ingredients we use, ensuring that they are wholesome and nutritious. It provides an opportunity to slow down and be present in the moment, as we chop, stir and savor the aromas. Cooking can also be therapeutic, offering a way to express ourselves and explore our creativity. It can be a form of self-expression and self-care by preparing and enjoying meals that bring comfort and joy. Moreover, cooking allows us to take a break from the fast-paced world and focus on something satisfying and fulfilling, ultimately promoting overall well-being.
In a world that often glorifies hustle and constant connectivity, the essence of self-care emerges as a vital counterbalance, a gentle reminder to prioritize our own well-being. This journey through the facets of self-care underscores its profound significance in nurturing not only our physical health but also our mental and emotional equilibrium. From the soothing embrace of meditation to the revitalizing rhythm of a simple walk, these practices grant us the invaluable permission to pause, reflect, and replenish. Self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity, offering us the tools to navigate life’s challenges with grace and resilience. As we conclude this exploration, let us carry forward the understanding that by embracing self-care, we embark on a transformative voyage of self-discovery, empowerment, and lasting contentment. So, take that step, inhale that moment, and wholeheartedly embrace the journey of self-care – a journey that, in nurturing the self, radiates its positive light to every corner of our lives.
New Increases for Shelter Rates
Thanks to Disability Alliance Blog for this information:
The BC Budget for the 2023/2024 fiscal year was announced at the legislative assembly in Victoria on February 28, 2023. The Budget revealed that there would be an increase to the shelter rate for people on income assistance and disability assistance; an increase that has been long overdue. The shelter rate, which hasn’t changed since 2007, will increase from $375 per month to $500 per month for single individuals. Rent prices have increased by much more than $125 since 2007, so while we recognize that this shelter rate increase is a step in the right direction, it fails to meaningfully address systemic poverty in our province.
There are also increases to most income and disability assistance supplements, including diet supplements (increased by 50%) and the monthly nutritional supplement (increased from $165 to $180 per month). These changes take effect as of August 1st, 2023 (and will appear starting with the July 19th 2023 cheque issue).
The provincial government recently released a rate table, detailing current rates as well as the new rates. You can view this rate table here.
DABC has updated 8 of our Help Sheets to reflect the new changes to income and disability assistance shelter rates and supplements.
The updated Help Sheets are as follows:
Checklist for the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Benefit
Monthly Nutritional Supplement (MNS)
The Persons with Persistent Multiple Barriers (PPMB) Benefit
Health Supplements for People with Disabilities
People with Disabilities on Reserve: The PWD Designation
Income Assistance Application Process for People with Disabilities
If you have any questions, we have a ministry worker here on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons between 1pm – 4pm if you want to come by and speak to someone about your benefits.
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