Barrier Free Richmond

Community Social Development DepartmentJune 2017

A Guide to Community Resources

City of Richmond

Table of ContentsBarrier Free Richmond –An Introduction ..............................ii

Community Resources ....................ii

Recreation and Low Income ........... 1

Disabilities ...................................... 1

Newcomers .................................... 2

Children and Youth ........................ 2

Seniors ........................................... 4

Women’s Services .......................... 5

Income Assistance .......................... 5

Employment Services ..................... 5

Housing ......................................... 5

Emergency Food and Shelter .......... 6

Mental Health and Addictions ........ 7

Barrier Free Richmond –An IntroductionThis “Barrier Free” Guide highlights a range of City and community resources available to individuals and families living in Richmond. This Guide has been created by the City’s Diversity Services Section, which works cooperatively with a variety of community partners to reduce barriers to participation and to ensure that parks, recreation and cultural services are accessible for Richmond residents.

Community ResourcesThe Richmond Low Income DirectoryThis directory is a comprehensive list of services and resources for people living on low income in Richmond. More information: www.rcrg.org.

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Recreation and Low IncomeCity of Richmond–Recreation Fee Subsidy ProgramThis program helps to facilitate access to recreation by offering admission and program registration subsidies to Richmond’s community centres, cultural facilities, aquatic centres and arenas for people experiencing fi nancial hardship. More information or to apply: 604-247-4909 or www.richmond.ca/subsidy.

KidSport RichmondThis non-profi t organization’s goal is to assist with the registration cost of participation in sports programs to ensure all kids in need have access to sport and physical activity. More information: 604-812-4042 or www.kidsport.ca.

Canadian Tire JumpStartThis program provides funding to assist children 4 to 18 years with access to physical activities and sports programs and services. More information: 604-247-4909 or www.jumpstart.canadiantire.ca.

DisabilitiesCity of Richmond–Recreation Access CardThis card enables Richmond residents living with a permanent disability that seriously impairs activities of daily living to receive a 50 percent discount to drop-in activities at community centres, aquatic centres and arenas. Application forms

can be picked up at City Hall, community centres or downloaded online. More information: 604-247-4909 or www.richmond.ca/accesscard.

Richmond Centre for Disability (RCD)100-5671 No. 3 Road

This organization, supported by the City of Richmond, offers a variety of specialized information, resources and activities to persons with disabilities and their support networks. The RCD is cross-disability and helps to create opportunities for those with disabilities to take more control over their lives. More info: 604-232-2404 or www.rcdrichmond.org.

Richmond Society for Community Living (RSCL)170-7000 Minoru Boulevard

RSCL provides innovative services that respond to the changing needs of individuals living with a developmental disability and their families, over the course of their lives. A referral by the BC Ministry of Children and Family Development may be required for some programs and services. More information: 604-279-7040 or www.rscl.org.

Richmond Therapeutic Riding Association13671 No. 3 Road

This organization, supported by the City of Richmond, offers a therapeutic horseback riding program for children and youth with disabilities that promotes physical, social and psychological well-being. More information: 604-241-7837 or www.richmondtherapeuticriding.com.

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NewcomersFollowing is a list of some of the main immigrant settlement agencies in Richmond. More information about the variety of services available to assist newcomers can be found in Richmond’s “A Guide for Newcomers”. This online guide contains local information from fi nding employment to housing options to a list of City and community services. The guide is currently available in English, Tagalog, Chinese, Punjabi and Russian and is available at: www.richmond.ca/newcomers.

SUCCESS220-7000 Minoru Boulevard

This organization provides free settlement, language training, employment-related services and community connection activities at Richmond Caring Place and Cambie Community Centre. Information and services are available in Cantonese, Mandarin, English, Punjabi, Hindi, Tagalog, Farsi, Spanish and Arabic. More information: 604-279-7180 or www.successbc.ca.

Richmond Multicultural Community Services (RMCS)210-7000 Minoru Boulevard

RMCS offers programs and services that are aimed at assisting immigrants and refugees with settlement and integration needs. Newcomers programs include job search, information and referral, and interpretation and translation. More information: 604-279-7160 or www.rmcs.bc.ca.

Immigrant Settlement Services (ISS)110-5751 Cedarbridge Way

ISS provides a variety of support services for immigrants and refugees to help get settled, fi nd careers and learn about starting a new life in Canada. More information: 604-684-2561 or http://issbc.org.

Children and YouthCity of Richmond–Youth Services

The City of Richmond Youth Services section aims to address the recreational, social and cultural needs of youth. This is achieved by:

• building relationships that are grounded in mentoring, role modeling and engagement;

• creating meaningful social, recreational and cultural experiences; and

• working with other agencies and services to help support youth.

More information: 604-276-4110 or www.richmond.ca/youth.

Richmond Family Place Society8660 Ash Street

This society provides programs for parents with children up to 6 years of age, with the addition of siblings up to 12 years. Registered and drop-in programs are available at Richmond Family Place and at other locations in the community. More information: 604-278-4336 or www.richmondfamilyplace.ca.

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Richmond Youth Service Agency100-7900 Alderbridge Way

This agency provides programs and services that are responsive to the diverse needs of children, youth and families in Richmond. It is also home to the Pathways Aboriginal Centre, which provides a gathering place for Aboriginal children, youth and families. More information: 604-271-7600 or www.rysa.bc.ca.

Richmond School District–Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS)SWIS workers assist newcomer students and families in adapting to the local school system and accessing community resources such as recreation services. More information: contact your child’s school in Richmond.

Family Services of Greater Vancouver250-7000 Minoru Boulevard

This organization’s programs provide parents with preschoolers an opportunity to practice English, gain new skills and connect with other parents while children play. Programs are held in various locations across the city. Counselling, support and therapeutic education programs are also offered to individuals, families and groups on a sliding fee scale. More information: 604-279-7100 or www.fsgv.ca.

Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives–Richmond Child Care Resource CentreThis resource centre provides access to information to help fi nd quality child care. Staff provide options to assist parents in the matching of child care to children’s needs. Forms, information and directions on how to apply for a government child care subsidy are also available. More information: 604-279-7020 or www.rcrg.org.

Touchstone Family Association120-6411 Buswell Street

The services available from this organization focus on maintaining family relationships that include a range of counselling and support services for families, youth and children. Services include the Community Action Plan for Children (CAP-C) in which parents with children up to 6 years can share information, socialize and learn more about parenting, problem solving and personal development. Also, Family Preservation/Family Reunifi cation services include counselling, crisis intervention and early intervention to families with diffi culties. More information: 604-279-5599 or www.touchfam.ca.

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SeniorsCity of Richmond–Seniors ServicesThe City of Richmond Seniors Services and community partners offer a wide variety of programs and services for adults 55+ years at Minoru Place Activity Centre and most community centres. Information can be found in the Parks, Recreation and Culture Guide at www.richmond.ca/guide. More information and a complete list of supports available: 604-238-8450 or www.richmond.ca/parksrec/seniors.

Multilingual Seniors GuideThis program and benefi ts guide is available in English, Punjabi, Chinese and French. Copies can be viewed at www.seniorsbc.ca/guide/ or picked up from a Seniors Coordinator at a community centre in Richmond.

Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives–Seniors Community Support ServicesThis service offers programs that connect seniors to services that help to increase and maintain independence. Programs available include seniors information and referrals; seniors information line; shopping; caregivers education and support; Better at Home Transportation; friendly visiting; and light housekeeping. More information: www.rcrg.org.

Wellness Clinics and Holistic Health ServicesMinoru Place Activity Centre and most Richmond community centres host monthly Wellness Clinics that offer free blood pressure checks, information on seniors programs and services and holistic health options. Services such as refl exology, chair massage, Shiatsu and Reiki sessions are available for a fee and vary by centre. Some centres offer an information and referral service and provide workshops on various health and wellness topics. More information: call your local community centre, or contact Senior Services at seniors@richmond.ca or phone 604-238-8450.

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Women’s ServicesRichmond Women’s Resource Centre110-7000 Minoru Boulevard

This organization helps link women to support groups, workshops, projects, programs and volunteering opportunities. More information: 604-279-7060 or http://richmondwomenscentre.bc.ca.

Chimo–Nova Transition HouseChimo provides temporary accommodation in a safe and secure environment for women and children who are experiencing violence or are at risk of violence. It’s a free and confi dential service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with trained staff speaking more than 10 different languages. Women and children can stay up to 30 days while accessing emotional support and available resources. More information: 604-279-7077 or www.chimoservices.com.

Income AssistanceBC Ministry of Social Development–Employment and Income Assistance100-5760 Minoru Boulevard

This department of the Provincial Government provides income assistance to those in need, helps individuals move from income assistance to employment and provides information about child care subsidies. More information: 604-660-9284 or www2.gov.bc.ca/.

Employment ServicesAvia Employment Services290-3631 No. 3 Road and 110-6651 Elmbridge Way

Funded by the Provincial Government’s WorkBC initiative, this organization helps Richmond residents fi nd employment. More information: 778-732-0290 (Elmbridge Way offi ce) or 778-732-0285 (No. 3 Road offi ce) or www.aviaemployment.ca.

HousingTenant Rights and AdvocacyThe rules and laws for landlords and renters in British Columbia can be found in the Government of British Columbia’s Residential Tenancy Act. For information, contact the British Columbia Residential Tenancy Offi ce at 604-660-1020 orwww.rto.gov.bc.ca.

Tenant’s Resource and Advisory Centre (TRAC) If you are a renting and have issues as a tenant, TRAC provides information and referral services, advice and representation to tenants. More information: 604-255-0546 or visit www.tenants.bc.ca.

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Non-Market HousingNon-market housing is affordable rental housing that is managed by BC Housing or non-profi t organizations. A directory of non-market housing available in Richmond can be found at www.richmond.ca/affordablehousing in the Housing & Care Guide. This guide provides housing information for eligible seniors, families and individuals, and persons experiencing homelessness, addictions, mental health challenges, or disabilities. Eligible individuals can apply for non-market housing through BC Housing at 604-433-2218 or www.bchousing.org, or Metro Vancouver Housing Corporation at 604-432-6300 or www.metrovancouver.org.

Rent SubsidiesSeniors and families with low to moderate incomes may also be eligible for rent supplements for use in the private rental market through BC Housing. Information about these programs and eligibility requirements can be found at www.bchousing.org/initiatives/providing/RAP for families, or www.bchousing.org/initiatives/providing/SAFER for seniors.

Emergency Food and ShelterRichmond Food Bank100-5800 Cedarbridge Way

The Food Bank is a dynamic hub that connects people, food, and services that are essential to health and well-being. Free, healthy food is provided each week to those in need. More information: 604-271-5609 or www.richmondfoodbank.org.

Community MealsInformation about free or low cost community meals, community kitchens and cooking clubs across the city is available on the Richmond Food Security Society’s website. More information: 604-244-7377 or www.richmondfoodsecurity.org/hungry.

Richmond Drop-in Centre8280 Gilbert Road

This is a central resource hub for homeless individuals in Richmond and provides lunch, access to the internet, counselling and other supports. Operated by Turning Point Recovery Society, the Drop-in Centre is open Monday to Thursday 10:00am to 2:00pm at the Salvation Army Community Church. More information: contact James Caspersen, 604-277-2424 or jcaspersen@turningpointrecovery.com.

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Extreme Weather Shelter7260 St. Albans Road

The Extreme Weather Shelter is currently located at St. Alban’s Church (7260 St. Albans Road) and is operated by Chimo Community Services. The shelter is open from November through March during extreme winter cold or prolonged periods of rain. The program is run in partnership with BC Housing and the Greater Vancouver Shelter Strategy. The location of the program for the 2017/2018 Winter season is to be determined. More information: Chimo Community Services at 604-279-7077 or the Salvation Army Richmond House at 604-276-2490.

Salvation Army–Richmond House Emergency ShelterThis year-round, 24 hour and temporary 10-bed emergency shelter is provided for men 19 years and older. More information: 604-277-2424 or www.salvationarmyrichmond.org.

Mental Health and AddictionsThere are a number of Richmond based services that provide assistance to individuals living with mental health and/or addictions issues. Additional services can be found by viewing the Richmond Low Income Directory: www.rcrg.org.

Chimo Community Services120-7000 Minoru Boulevard

Chimo provides diverse services from community building to individual crisis support; prevention and advocacy; peer support and education; and engages in collaborative community planning to address emerging needs. More information: 604-279-7077 or www.chimoservices.com.

Community Mental Wellness Association of Canada250–5726 Minoru Boulevard

This organization supports the recovery and self-reliance for individuals with mental health issues and aims to reduce the social stigma against mental illness. Support services are provided in English, Mandarin and Cantonese. More information: 604-273-1791 or www.cmwac.ca.

Pathways Clubhouse Society of Richmond7351 Elmbridge Way

For individuals whose lives have been affected by mental illness, this organization provides support to return to school, gain employment, fi nd a place to live, connect with family members, and make new friends. Public education is also provided to increase awareness and understanding of mental health issues and concerns. More information: 604-276-8834 or www.pathwaysclubhouse.com.

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Richmond Addiction Services Society (RASS)200-7900 Alderbridge Way

This society offers counselling and support for youth, families and seniors in Richmond affected by substance use or other behavioral addictions. RASS also provides prevention programs in the community. Services are confi dential and free. More information: 604-270-9220 or www.richmondaddictions.ca.

Richmond Mental Health Consumer and Friends Society150-5811 Cedarbridge Way

This organization plans and oversees programs developed by mental health consumers and friends. Recreational activities, volunteering opportunities, a coffee house and peer support for people dealing with a mental illness are offered. More information: 604-675-3977 or www.rcfc-society.org.

Vancouver Coastal Health–Richmond Mental Health and AddictionsThis program of the Richmond Health Department offers numerous programs to the public, including primary care, community-based residential and home health care, mental health, addiction services, public health, hospital care, and research. More information: 604-244-5562 or www.vch.ca.

Turning Point Recovery SocietyA safe, supportive abstinence-based environment is provided to help individuals wanting to stop using drugs and alcohol. This is one of BC’s leading non-profi t providers of residential addictions recovery support located in the Lower Mainland. More information: 604-303-6844 or www.turningpointrecovery.com.

For more information:Accessibility Coordinator: Donna LeePhone: 604-276-4390Email: donna.lee2@richmond.caTelephone Device for the deaf (TDD): 604-276-4311Community Social Development Department

City of Richmond6911 No. 3 Road, Richmond, BC V6Y 2C1Telephone: 604-276-4000www.richmond.ca