[Viva] Fwd: Read Vancouver Friends for Life Society's latest newsletter!

Wed Apr 22 19:45:00 PDT 2020

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Friends for Life <info at vancouverfriendsforlife.ca>
Date: Wed, 22 Apr 2020, 3:49 pm
Subject: Read Vancouver Friends for Life Society's latest newsletter!
To: <deniseswozniak at gmail.com>

A Message from Jesse Brown, Friends for Life Executive Director

*A message from Jesse Brown, FFL Executive Director*

Dear Friends for Life Members,

It’s hard to believe over a month has gone by since the temporary closure
of our beloved Diamond Centre for Living, “the House”. In light of
COVID-19, we continue to do our best to serve our members. We realize that
this situation makes for an anxious time for many of you and, as time goes
by, it is abundantly clear the important role that Vancouver Friends for
Life Society plays in our lives; one of friendship, joy, and much needed
care and compassion.

I want to thank everyone who took the time to fill out the member survey.
We really appreciated the comments and kind words shared with us. The
survey gave us an opportunity to better focus our efforts during this
difficult time. We are reaching out to all the volunteers and VFFL members,
who indicated they want to be part of our newly created buddy system, with
more details in the coming days. If you didn’t have an opportunity to
complete the survey but would like to participate in the buddy system by
making phone calls to members or simply receiving a check-in phone call,
please write to info at vancouverfriendsforlife.ca.

This week is volunteer appreciation week so we especially want to thank our
dedicated volunteers from the bottom of our hearts for their love and
compassion. We are deeply appreciative. I also want to express how thankful
we are for the wonderful counselors who volunteer their precious time and
continue to counsel members by telephone and through online sessions. If
you need to talk to someone, please remember that this can be done through
our booking system or by writing to info at vancouverfriendsforlife.ca. You
are not alone.

Please know that we are closely monitoring the situation and will continue
to provide updates every other week as additional information becomes
available. Rest assured that this is temporary and we will resume our
regular schedule as soon as it is safe to do so. We’re in this together and
we will pull through!

If you have any questions, concerns, comments or suggestions, please email
us at info at vancouverfriendsforlife.ca. We will get back to you as soon as
possible.

In solidarity,
Jesse Brown
*Thanks to everyone who reached out to share information, interesting
articles and recipes. Keep it coming! We're sharing it all below.*

*We Are Seeing Few Cases of HIV-Positive People With Severe COVID-19 *
As a result, researchers in Spain are testing whether HIV med Truvada,
often used as PrEP, can also prevent COVID-19. Read more...
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=6d8a66b5f6&e=94d2de1a0e>

*When it comes to fighting epidemics – first HIV, now COVID-19 – the war is
personal *
Being a gay man in the 1980s was terrifying enough. Homophobia was
pervasive at the time, and coming out came with substantial risks –
including the threat of rejection and violence. This was a time before
human-rights protections for gays. Many lived silently in shame. Read
more...
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=ad6f312141&e=94d2de1a0e>

*Funerals in the Time of Coronavirus: Thoughts for Families *
Needless to say, the coronavirus pandemic of 2020 is a challenging time for
everyone. But if someone you love has died, it is likely that the current
social distancing orders and travel restrictions are making funeral
planning especially difficult for your family. Read more...
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=5343dcce86&e=94d2de1a0e>

*Processing Grief During a Pandemic, When Nothing is Normal *
For those losing loved ones to COVID-19 — and those who lost friends and
family in the months before the pandemic — mourning has become a whole new
kind of challenge. Read more...
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=da4ab6ee25&e=94d2de1a0e>

*How to Talk to Children About the Coronavirus Pandemic*
As the coronavirus spreads across North America and our daily lives are
transformed, we all must be aware of the need for good mental-health care. Read
more...
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=78b57ad3e2&e=94d2de1a0e>
*Thank you Jane Gray for sharing this delicious recipe with us!*

*Tex-Mex Chowder*

2 Tbsp. olive oil or vegetable oil

1 small onion, chopped
3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 large (or 2 med.) potatoes, peeled and diced
1 red pepper, diced
1 rib celery, sliced
2 cups fresh or frozen corn
2 cups 2% or whole milk
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. chili powder or ½ tsp.cayenne or hot sauce
1 cup canned black beans, rinsed

*Garnishes*:
1/3 cup chopped cilantro
1 cup grated cheddar cheese

Sauté onions in oil until tender, about 5 min. Stir in broth, water,
potatoes, peppers, celery and corn.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat
and simmer about 5 minutes, until potatoes are tender. Remove 2 cups of
soup and purée in a  blender (to thicken soup, if desired). Return to pot
and stir in milk, seasonings and beans. Simmer 10 minutes. Garnish with
chopped cilantro and grated cheddar. Serves 6.
*Below is a list of resources that will be included in every newsletter and
updated as the information is brought to our attention.*

* BC Ministry of Health  *
The Ministry of Health has launched a COVID-19 symptom self-assessment tool
to help people determine whether they need a test for the coronavirus. The
online tool at https://covid19.thrive.health
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=1b21cefc5e&e=94d2de1a0e>
poses
a series of questions about symptoms and offers advice about what to do
next including making a call to the 811 health line or continuing to
self-monitor for symptoms.

People in B.C. can now call 1-888-COVID19 (1-888-268-4319) for non-medical
information on the virus covering everything from travel recommendations to
social distancing.

New emergency supports for province’s most vulnerable. Read more here
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=404cdabd05&e=94d2de1a0e>
.
Financial Supports in Response to Covid-19
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=dcd76e5ada&e=94d2de1a0e>

* BCCDC  *
*COVID-19 Care - *BCCDC is working with provincial and federal partners on
surveillance, diagnostic testing and infection control measures for the
COVID-19 outbreak. For more COVID-19 information for the public, please go
to http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=285d2d998f&e=94d2de1a0e>

Information for vulnerable populations can be found at the following link:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/vulnerable-populations
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=1416763c8d&e=94d2de1a0e>

Latest Covid 19 updates
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=1180587250&e=94d2de1a0e>
COVID-19 videos on Vancouver Coastal Health YouTube channel
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=957ba5c163&e=94d2de1a0e>

*BC Cancer Agency*
COVID-19 and Cancer Treatments - Information for Patients
http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/about/news-stories/news/2020/covid-19-and-cancer-treatments
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=5e131bb196&e=94d2de1a0e>

* Government of Canada*
Get the latest information from the Public Health Agency of Canada about
COVID-19 at
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.htm
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=28e42bc2e7&e=94d2de1a0e>

* City of Vancouver*
Review all impacted facilities and services in Vancouver at the following
link:
https://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/covid-19-coronavirus-within-vancouver.aspx
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=c82f36393d&e=94d2de1a0e>

*COVID-19 LGBTQAI2S+ Resource Guide*
The following months will bring hardships for many of us: financial
hardship, social isolation, fear and anxiety, barriers to accessing
services, uncertainty and loss. Yet our communities are resilient,
creative, and have a long history of working together to care for each
other in times of crisis. Read more here
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=d2189d97e0&e=94d2de1a0e>
.

* World Health Organization *
COVID-19 Situation reports
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=05173d296b&e=94d2de1a0e>
Myth Busters
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=a66fee6cf2&e=94d2de1a0e>
WHO recommendations for people with disabilities
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=c6ee128326&e=94d2de1a0e>
during COVID 19.

*AIDS Vancouver*
For those of us living with HIV and seeking additional support during this
time we are happy to share that case managers from AIDS Vancouve
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=c01219e81e&e=94d2de1a0e>r
are still working and can be contacted through telephone or email for
support. Also, the AIDS Vancouver grocery program is still operational. For
general information, members are asked to call (604) 893-2201.

The Food Bank is NOT requiring proof of income at this time; we are 100%
focused on getting healthy food to those in need during the COVID-19
crisis: https://bit.ly/2X0oG0A
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=4ce10b9d1f&e=94d2de1a0e>
.

*Mental Health Commission of Canada Resource Hub*
https://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/English/covid19
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=cedcfbb3d3&e=94d2de1a0e>
Here to Help:
https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/infosheet/covid-19-and-anxiety
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=e505be9779&e=94d2de1a0e>

* Inspire Health*
InspireHealth is here to support cancer patients and their loved ones with
FREE
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=73ac8f2525&e=94d2de1a0e>online
classes and programs. No referral is required. Please note: There are no
classes or programs on Friday, April 10th for Good Friday. Classes and
programs will resume on Monday, April 13th.

*Below are more online resources to pass the time. Feel free to email
info at vancouverfriendsforlife.ca if you would like to share interesting
websites you think FFL members would enjoy.*

<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=b9f4f5c9c8&e=94d2de1a0e>
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUDq1XzCY0NIOYVJvEMQjqw?sub_confirmation=1
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=8521dd6355&e=94d2de1a0e>

<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=0df3bb252f&e=94d2de1a0e>
*10+ Things to do with Nasa at home
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=f33be45453&e=94d2de1a0e>*

*Free museums and gallery tours online*

Enjoy art and culture from the comfort of your home! Over 500 museums and
galleries from around the world are bringing everyone virtual tours and
online exhibits. Enjoy everything at
https://artsandculture.google.com/partner?hl=en
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=923bfcc4d6&e=94d2de1a0e>
.
*Virtual Museum Tours in Vancouver*

   - Vancouver Art Gallery
   <https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=91ec00cde5&e=94d2de1a0e>:
   Browse the works of Emily Carr online
   - Vancouver Archives Online
   <https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=70e0699695&e=94d2de1a0e>:
   Discover where I’ve found inspiration for historic photo features of hats
   <https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=660f3387b8&e=94d2de1a0e>
   , moustaches
   <https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=a36227e533&e=94d2de1a0e>
   , coffee shops
   <https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=f5d9eb113b&e=94d2de1a0e>
   , Lost Lagoon
   <https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=c7093a2119&e=94d2de1a0e>,
   the Seawall
   <https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=9bcfad9970&e=94d2de1a0e>,
   the original Birks building
   <https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=cdee028d41&e=94d2de1a0e>
and
   more.
   - Surrey Art Gallery
   <https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=fddde6d7b5&e=94d2de1a0e>:
   Current and past Digital Art exhibitions online.
   - SFU’s Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology
   <https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=395c730d21&e=94d2de1a0e>:
   Artifacts online.
   - North Vancouver Museum and Archives
   <https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=91b118e834&e=94d2de1a0e>:
   A series of exhibitions and slideshows online.
   - New Westminster Museum and Archives
   <https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=1f334306c7&e=94d2de1a0e>:
   Search the archives online and look up old timey photos of the city.
   - You can browse the Bill Reid Gallery art collection online
   <https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=05da5ccedd&e=94d2de1a0e>
   .
   - Museum of Anthropology
   <https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=b66dc76905&e=94d2de1a0e>:
   A collection of online resources including films, documents, and photos.

Looking for nature? Check out the live Stanley Park Heron Cam
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=67bf82f009&e=94d2de1a0e>
and
the Vancouver Aquarium’s Otter Cam
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=e3c1908e68&e=94d2de1a0e>
.

Looking for learning resources? Scholastic Canada
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=8105e78748&e=94d2de1a0e>
has
free lessons and programs available online for families.

*Free concerts online*
Here
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=a28145ea7a&e=94d2de1a0e>
are
all the live streams and virtual concerts to watch during coronavirus
crisis.

A List Of Live Virtual Concerts To Watch During The Coronavirus Shutdown
https://www.npr.org/2020/03/17/816504058/a-list-of-live-virtual-concerts-to-watch-during-the-coronavirus-shutdown
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=5f769b0d1a&e=94d2de1a0e>

*COVID-19 Daily Podcast*
OUTBREAK: The Facts and Fiction of COVID-19
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/962-covid-19-news-and-updates-59146123/
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=8c6c678c11&e=94d2de1a0e>

*HOUSE SCHEDULE*

*To book an appointment, please go to *
*https://directory.bookedin.com/friends-for-life*
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=93dd5b2aa9&e=94d2de1a0e>

*or write to info at vancouverfriendsforlife.ca
<info at vancouverfriendsforlife.ca>.  Counselling with Katherine Craig (By
telephone only) **Members can book
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=6849e9545d&e=94d2de1a0e>
a maximum of 2 sessions per month with Katherine***
Katherine will call members from a private number so please be aware that
if you receive a call from a blocked number at your scheduled time, it will
be Katherine.

Monday: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Tuesday: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Wednesday: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Thursday: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

*Counselling with Shayna Hornstein (Online and by telephone) **Members can
book
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=6575173ba9&e=94d2de1a0e>
a maximum of 4 sessions per month with Shayna***
Tuesday: 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m.
Wednesday: 1 p.m., 2 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m.

*Reiki with Tim Klanik *
Book a distance Reiki Session with Tim from his home to yours. Please book
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=4f54ef684c&e=94d2de1a0e>
online or email tkanik at gmail.com to schedule an appointment.

*Check out online Yoga with Derek Ralphs*

   - Live at 5 p.m. on Wednesdays on Derek's Facebook
   <https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=f1b7992124&e=94d2de1a0e>
    page.
   - Visit Derek's YouTube channel (Vinyasa Flow Yoga series)
   <https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=3aa2e16d01&e=94d2de1a0e>

*Tarot with Cath Lamond*
If anyone is interested in receiving a tarot e-letter, please email Cath at
cathalamond at gmail.com to include your email address on her mailing list.
*Brunch*
Wednesday brunch has been postponed until further notice due to COVID-19.

*VCMT (Vancouver College of Massage Therapy)*
The Vancouver College of Massage Therapy has canceled all massages at the
Diamond Centre for Living until further notice due to COVID-19.

*Boucher Nathuropathic School*
The Boucher Naturopathic School has canceled all appointments at the
Diamond Centre for Living until further notice due to COVID-19.

*B-I-N-G-O prizes** (B-I-N-G-O has been canceled until further notice due
to COVID-19)*
Bingo for Life helps to support the many programs at VFFL and we are always
looking for bingo prizes. With a diverse and regularly packed audience
every Wednesday at Mary's on Davie, Bingo For Life is a fantastic platform
to promote local businesses and cultivate engagement in the community. If
you know of anyone in the community who would like to donate prizes (value
$10 plus), or if you would like to donate new items as prizes, please let a
staff member know or direct people to info at vancouverfriendsforlife.ca.

*Returning Client-Members** (FFL house is closed due to COVID-19 until
further notice)*
Are you a Client-Member who hasn't been to the house in a while? We would
love to welcome you back and introduce you to some of the newer aspects to
being a client-member at the house, including BookedIn, our current
programming offerings and our partnering services. Contact us at
info at vancouverfriendsforlife.ca or stop by and speak with a client-member!

*Contact the Vancouver Friends for Life Board of Directors*
Do you have any feedback, questions, concerns or suggestions for the VFFL
board? Send you thoughts to  *board at vancouverfriendsforlife.ca
<board at vancouverfriendsforlife.ca?subject=Contact%20the%20VFFL%20Board%20of%20Directors>
*and have your voice heard.

*BINGO FOR LIFE!*

BINGO FOR LIFE HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE DUE TO COVID-19.
<https://friendsforlife.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=21612d99d1f3008d07ea8f1fb&id=7d3f4381ee&e=94d2de1a0e>

The team at Key Dental Clinic is offering free or low-cost dental care for
our clients.
You can choose from:
Complementary comprehensive exam and X-Rays

   1. Oral cancer screening.
   2. 50% discount on all preventative services such as cleaning and
   Flouride treatment.
   3. 50% discount on minor restorative treatment, including white fillings.

*This is an exclusive offer to clients of Friends for Life Society*. If you
are interested please email info at vancouverfriendsforlife.ca
<info at vancouverfriendsforlife.ca?subject=Key%20Dental%20Clinic> .  We will
verify your association with Friends, so that you can book an
appointment.You will not be able to book an appointment without a
verification from Friends. This offer is available only to those who
receive this email; it is not transferable.
<hr class="mcnDividerContent" style="border-bottom-c
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.resist.ca/pipermail/viva/attachments/20200422/2badb415/attachment-0001.html>