At Whole Way House, our MISSION is to support the vulnerable and isolated on their journey of healing in a safe and welcoming community, equipping them to recognize their inherent worth and purpose.
In Partnership with BC Housing, Whole Way House Society provides community building programs and tenant support services for 133 vulnerable seniors and veterans living in the Downtown Eastside at the Veterans Manor. Whole Way House works to provide a safe & secure place to belong and to age well in place.
Thank you to Coastal Church for donating your services to create this video and helping us share our story.
We are hiring a part time Program Coordinator:
Job Summary:
We are seeking to hire a part time Program Coordinator to plan and deliver community building programs to vulnerable seniors and veterans who are at risk of homelessness in the Downtown Eastside. They will recruit and coordinate volunteers, engage residents in programs and keep excellent data records. Our Program Coordinator will work closely with the Tenant Support Worker to help residents access the local community resources they need.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
- Set up and facilitation of programs (daily, weekly, monthly, special)
- Liaise with other mental health and health care providers, physicians, community workers, landlords and family members on behalf of clients
- Take inventory and coordinate supply orders
- General office and van cleaning
- Hosting and coordinating volunteers and partner organizations for programs
- Developing respectful and trusting relationships with clients
- Work collaboratively in a team and with partner agencies
- Linking clients to tenant support services
- Providing a safe space for guidance and support for the residents, including engaging them in participating in programs and accessing resources available to them
- Keeping up to date and accurate records regarding resident and program data, progress, success, feedback and potential development
- Assisting the Manager with organizing and coordinating, workshops, fundraisers and special events
Assets and experience:
- University degree and/or Community College Diploma in social services or related field an asset (but not required)
- Experience in community mental health, mental health and crisis intervention an asset
- Experience working with homeless individuals preferred
- Valid Class 5 driver’s license preferred (not required).
- Proficient use of Microsoft Office and Google Drive.
- Ability to work independently; self-motivated and disciplined. Ability to work with a team, cooperative, contribution-oriented.
Email cover letter and resumé to info@wholewayhouse.ca
How we work
ReConnect by building meaningful relationships where we can combat loneliness and isolation in a safe and supportive community
ReBuild a sense of belonging and purpose through opportunities to contribute, education and training
ReCenter around a meaningful and purposeful life through one on one tenant support services and connecting to community resources
This year we have added a bi-weekly Breakfast Club at the Veterans Manor to promote good health and nutrition as well as increased social interaction in the mornings.
Our ReConnect, ReBuild and ReCenter programs are always growing as we evolve with the needs of our community. Please visit the Volunteers page if you would like to see a live calendar of our current programs.
who
Whole Way House is a registered Canadian charity serving vulnerable seniors and veterans who are facing marginalization, disabilities, addiction issues and/or mental health issues at the Veterans Manor in the Downtown Eastside. It was co-founded by Jenny, Josh and Mary Konkin in 2013.
what
Our vision is to reach the people in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside by creating a safe and welcoming environment where we can build meaningful relationships and a community that instills worth, value and dignity.
why
We believe that when a person feels loved and valued, they are able to find purpose in life and be a part of something greater. We offer friendship and support to those who are often lonely, isolated, rejected and forgotten.
The 'I Get To' Legacy Project
Each Legacy Chain is handstamped by someone transitioning out of homelessness and/or recovery programs and all of the proceeds go to support our community building programs for vulnerable seniors and veterans at Whole Way House.
It was inspired by Co-Founders, Jenny & Josh’s dad, Ron Konkin and his journey with terminal cancer. When he was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma, he said he changed his perspective from “I have to” to “I get to” and these necklaces are a great reminder to leave a legacy of gratitude and generosity.
To apply or learn more, visit the Supportive Housing website.
Supportive Housing Partnership with the Veterans Manor
Whole Way House Society serves the residents of the Veterans Manor at 310 Alexander St, Vancouver, BC by providing Community Building Programs as well as one on one tenant support to 133 marginalized seniors and Veterans living in the Downtown Eastside.
In May of 2017, Whole Way House was proud to partner with the Veterans Memorial Housing Society through funding generously provided by BC Housing to provide the Supportive Housing Services at the Veterans Manor. Because of this partnership, we are able to receive new tenants from the Supportive Housing Registry waitlist, provide support and access to vital resources, as well as a safe and welcoming community.
The Veterans Manor was built in 1986 in response to the housing crisis during Expo ’86 and many Veterans were being evicted. It is owned and operated by the Veterans Memorial Housing Society, has 133 units (mix of single room with 2 piece bath and full bachelor suites), a beautiful rooftop garden and outdoor courtyard and 24/7 reception staff for security.
More info at the Veterans Manor website.
Giving Week
We are so thankful for your donations and to more efficiently manage our storage of all the wonderful items we receive, we are adopting a new Giving Week process! Starting April 22nd, from Monday to Saturday the last full week of each month we will be accepting donations at the Veterans Manor (310 Alexander Street, Vancouver). This way, once donations are in we can easily organize and store the items until they are needed!
Items we always need:
- Men’s clothing and footwear of all sizes
- Linens and other housewares
- Men’s toiletries
- Canned or non-perishable food items
Items we don’t need but know who does:
- Women’s and children’s toiletries, clothing and footwear – UGM Women’s & Family Centre, Sheway, Wish Drop-in Centre Society
- Large Furniture Items – HomeStart Foundation, UGM Thrift Store, Salvation Army Thrift Store
Thank you again for your generosity and support. We couldn’t do what we do without you! To arrange a drop off time during Giving Week, please email programs@wholewayhouse.ca or call 604-687-4566.
President named Top 40 under 40
We are excited and extremely proud to announce that our very own Whole Way House President Jenny Konkin is a winner of Business in Vancouver’s 2018 Forty under 40 Awards!
Jenny has had a tremendous impact on the Vancouver community by working tirelessly to help vulnerable adults to feel more connected and less lonely in our city.
Jenny has an astounding entrepreneurial spirit and she uses these gifts to benefit the at-risk and vulnerable adults in our own backyard. Jenny constantly does more, with less, by being resourceful, strategic and employing sheer tenacity. She has the qualities of a true leader.
Join us in congratulating our strong and committed leader as she received this impressive recognition from the business community! Read her full story below.
(Every year Business in Vancouver highlights the achievements of BC’s young entrepreneurs, executives and professionals by finding 40 outstanding professionals worthy of the Forty under 40 distinction.)
Happening right now
Learn more about the history and people behind Whole Way House.
In the news
We’re thrilled to have our stories featured in media outlets across the lower mainland, and even beyond! A complete archive of Whole Way House in the media is available here.
Restoring Dignity To Those On The Downtown Eastside
August 20, 2015
Breakfast Television host Riaz Mehgi sits down with Whole Way House Co-Founder Jenny Konkin and Kris to discuss the “I Get To” program and how it empowers members of the Downtown Eastside community to work creatively with their hands, while building confidence, skills, value and purpose in their lives.
Source: Breakfast Television
Whole Way House provides a welcoming space for DTES tenants
August 12, 2016
The Daily Hive provides an in-depth feature of recent events and projects at Whole Way Hous, including Family Dinner, Monthly Hair Cuts, the “I Get To” Legacy Chain, UGM Alumni Super Smoothies, Emergency Medical Training, Family Birthday Parties, Art Sessions with Gerrard and the upcoming annual Family Picnic in the Park.
Source: Daily Hive Vancouver
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