News

PACS Volunteer Appreciation Lunch Recognizes the Giving of Many

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.

Added Wednesday, July 2nd 2008

PACS 30th Anniversary Open House - June 19 -Was A Celebration for Everyone!!!

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.

Added Wednesday, July 2nd 2008

3rd Annual PACS DESIGNER KITCHEN TOUR FUNDRAISER - Another Succes!!!

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

Added Wednesday, July 2nd 2008

**SOLD OUT **Specialized Adults Services presents "Jukebox Jive" musical tribute June 5th!! **SOLD OUT

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

Added Thursday, June 5th 2008

Self-Care Retreat For Women offered in May

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.

Added Wednesday, April 2nd 2008

PACS 30th Anniversary Gala a Huge Success!!!

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? '

Added Monday, March 17th 2008

Sue Sanderson, New Manager of Volunteer and Information Services

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.

Added Monday, March 17th 2008

PACS ONCE AGAIN VOTED BEST COMMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR

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.

Added Tuesday, February 12th 2008

PACS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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.'

Added Tuesday, January 15th 2008

December 9 Blues Benefit for the PACS Food Bank Surpasses ALL Expectations

On Sunday December 9 at the Rumba Room of the Aston Pacific Inn, the White Rock Blues Society held its First Annual Yuletide Blues Benefit Concert for the Peace Arch Community Services (PACS) Food Bank.

Over 525 pounds of food and $3,400 in donations were collected on behalf of the 2,000 clients, 1/3 of whom are children, in White Rock and South Surrey who the Food Bank serves each month.

Throughout the course of the night, hundreds of people came to support those in need and enjoy the wonderful performances of the Mud Bay Blues Band, Dave 'Hurricane' Hoerl and Brandon Issak of the Twisters, Al Webster from the Jeff Healey and Colin James bands, Glen and Gordon Pearson, Jason Buie, Leanne Coleman, Dave Webb, Rodney Senft, Brian Scott and others. Sound and lighting were generously supplied by Gordon Brown, James Wahl and John Laird of Brown Sound.

'All of these individuals came together for a common cause', said Rod Dranfield, President of the White Rock Blues Society. 'There is something about the Blues and hunger, not just about food but about suffering in life. There are not too many Blues musicians out there who have not been hungry at some point. These guys have good hearts'.

Jason Buie, Artistic Director of the White Rock Blues Society, who performed that evening and was instrumental in getting his friends to join him said, 'The Blues is a Universal language. Everyone has had the blues at some point in there life -if they know it or not. Blues music is a healing form of music....when we're down it can lift us up, make us feel like everything is gonna be all right....it can renew our hope at the end of a bad day. Blues music is timeless.....it is not a fad...it is here to stay. Everyone from 18 to 88 can relate to this music...it will always be 'cool'. Musicians and folk that are involved in the blues community/world are generally a caring, understanding, soulful group of people. With this being said it is inevitable that a function such as 'Yuletide Blues' would not be a great success. It's all about brotherly love.'

'I am overwhelmed by the generosity in this community', said Anthony Intas, Community Relations Coordinator at Peace Arch Community Services. 'The musicians, the organizers, the volunteers and the public all came together for a truly magical event'.

The White Rock Blues Society was established this year to promote, share and advance blues and related music in the community. It puts on a number of concerts throughout the year. Its next one will be held on December 29 at the same venue and will feature many of the artists who donated their time for the Food Bank Benefit Concert. For more information contact Rod Dranfield, Society President at 604 542-6515 or www.myspace.com/whiterockbluessociety

Added Wednesday, December 12th 2007

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Peace Arch Community Services releases a quarterly report every three months in the Peace Arch News newspaper. Through this report, we hope to keep the community up to date on the latest happenings here at PACS.

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