Community News
Product Spotlight

Options Candles on SALE NOW
The Options program at North Shore ConneXions Society offers skill-building activities to individuals who value life-long learning and want to build on their existing skill set. Participation is individually driven and centred on personal choice. Individuals are encouraged to give input and be involved in the decision making about their chosen programming.
Our Options team has been busy creating beautiful soy wax candles. These 4oz soy candles are set in lidded tins and come in several festive fragrances – Lavender, Rosemary, Frankincense, Lemon, Eucalyptus & Peppermint.
Buy 1 for $6 or get a set of 3 for only $15 through the Venture Enterprises Square store. Scan QR code below to access the store.

For more information about North Shore ConneXions Society, our programs, volunteering or how to donate, please visit www.nsconnexions.org or call 604.984.9321 today!

Program Spotlight – Muffin Cafe

We are thrilled to announce the reopening of our popular Muffin Café in the Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre (123 23rd St E in North Vancouver). The Muffin Café was an entrepreneurial venture through North Shore ConneXions Society. This café was a staple for the folks at the community centre. We are planning our Grand Re-Opening for early 2022. We asked our participants say about the Café:
Jeremy Sellers – “I loved it when my family would come into the café EVERY Tuesday.”
Dawn Mende – “My favourite part is connecting with the seniors.”
Emma Henderson – “My favourite thing is EVERYTHING!”

Easy Hummus Recipe

Here is one of Emma’s favourite recipes from her Cookbook:
Prep time 15 mins
Ingredients
• 1 can chickpeas
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp. tahini
• 1 tsp. cumin
• 1 pinch salt
• Fresh herbs for garnish
Directions
1. Add chickpeas, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, tahini, cumin and salt into blender or food processor.
2. Mix everything until smooth.
3. Put in bowl and garnish with parsley or cilantro.
4. Place in fridge until ready to serve with bread or fresh vegetables.

Our Mission

OUR VISION
A community where all people with disabilities have equal opportunities to lead active, fulfilling lives and are recognized as contributing members of the community.
OUR MISSION
To support families and serve children and adults living with intellectual disabilities by:
• Providing quality programs and services which support the development, independence and empowerment of adults, children and families
• Working in partnership with adults, children, families, Society members and members of the community
• Advocating for and developing a full range of community based services to meet the unique needs of each person and family
DIVERSITY IS BEING INVITED TO THE PARTY, INCLUSION IS BEING ASKED TO DANCE
We build communities where everyone is included.
HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED:
■ Become a Member
■ Donate today at NSCONNEXIONS.ORG
■ Hire someone with an intellectual disability
■ Volunteer
■ Attend a virtual event

Smoking Affects Your Hearing

Did you make any New Year’s resolutions? If you are a smoker, you can now add increased risk of hearing loss to the list of reasons to quit. The chemicals found in cigarettes may affect the way your ear processes sound. In fact, smokers have been found to be 15% more likely to have hearing loss than non-smokers. Hearing loss isn’t fatal, but it can lead to a number of health-related issues down the line. Dementia & depression have been linked to untreated hearing loss, so be sure to have your ears checked regularly. Get started by scheduling a hearing test today.

Healthy Workplace New Year Resolutions

Want to make your work a place where you can be healthy and productive? The best way to do that is to be an Ambassador of well-being yourself. All it takes is some passion, energy and action. Agree to spend 5% of your week (only 30 mins!) to generate workplace health and productivity ideas. Some ideas to get you started include walking meetings, putting up posters by the elevator to encourage stair use, starting every meeting off with a round of gratitude (or celebrating a win) or dedicating a meeting room for quiet space. For more ideas, or to get accredited as a Certified Workplace Health and Performance Practitioner, check out wellnessworkscanada.ca

Memberships

Memberships at Pat Porter are voluntary and show support for the Centre. It is for anyone who wants to join and be part of our community. Becoming a member offers discounts on some of the programs and events running at the Centre. It also gives you a voice in business meetings and voting rights along with the opportunity to serve on the board and a variety of committees. 2022 memberships are $25 if purchased before January 15, 2022. Stop by the Centre to get yours!

Circle of Friends Adult Day Program

Our Circle of Friends program is designed to strengthen an individual’s ability to continue to function in their homes as well as remain active in the community. The program runs twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. Transportation can be arranged through Steinbach Handi Van. What are some of the things we do? We have lots of coffee and snacks, participate in light exercise and arts and crafts or games. We often have special guests who perform live music and go out for lunch in the community. For more information, give us a call or head to our website.

Community Resources

Our Community Resource program offers a Transportation Program to help you get to and from appointments or run errands in Steinbach and Winnipeg. A fee is associated with this program and rides are dependent on availability of volunteer drivers. Our Equipment Loan program provides you with a wheelchair, walker or cane with the referral of a health care professional. Equipment can only be loaned to a client living in a private residence for up to 3 months. Our Friendly Visitor program connects you with a volunteer that visits with you on a regular basis. We also provide ERIK kits which help you keep important medical information in one place in the event of an emergency. Please call us today if you require these resources.

Volunteering

Interested in volunteering with us? Whatever your skill set or age, we’ve got a place for you! Volunteers help out with a variety of areas at the Centre including Reception Desk, Event Set Up or Clean Up, Kitchen Help, Meal Delivery, Transportation and more! Volunteer commitments are flexible, ranging from a few hours every week or month. All volunteer positions require a Criminal Record Check. Call or email to find out more!

Minds in Motion – Register Now!

Minds in Motion is a program designed for people with early to moderate signs of dementia to attend with a family member or friend. This weekly program offers 8 sessions including a gentle chair fitness class followed by engaging activities and conversation. Happening at the Pat Porter Active Living Centre Thursdays from 10 am – 12 pm starting January 20 until March 10. The cost to participate is $65 per pair. Please call 204-320-4600 to register.