ANKORS Blog

Hi friends!!

It’s true.  ANKORS has a Drop-In!  Perhaps you have already been to our West Kootenay office and had coffee with us … or perhaps you didn’t know that you could.  Here are some things we’d like you to know about our Drop-in:

What is the ANKORS “Drop-In”?

A small, safe and welcoming space, for anyone to come for a coffee, a chat, or just to rest their feet for a little while.  It’s a place where you are likely to be greeted with a warm smile and a genuine “Hello; how are you?”.  Karen really wants to hear the answer!

When is the Drop-In open?

Mon 10-12, 2-4

Tue 10-12, 2-4

Wed ONLY 2-4

Thu 10-12, 2-4

Why does ANKORS have a Drop-In?

We see Drop-In as ‘Harm Reduction in practice’.  Building relationships makes an immeasurable positive difference in people’s lives!  Many people living outside the margins of the dominant culture or with chronic illness (including addiction) experience stigma and the disintegration of their social support network.   We provide a safe, low barrier space for people to connect, share, talk, listen, and to get a hot beverage on a cold day or a cold one on a hot day.  

~Karen Newmoon, ANKORS Drop-In Coordinator

Who can come to ANKORS Drop-In?

Everyone!  We said “low barrier”, right?

As a practicum student, I have very much enjoyed being part of the Drop-In.  I have noticed that people feel comfortable here.  Often times, folks come in with an issue and leave with a wide range of ideas on how to deal with it, coming from staff and peers, alike.  People also come in with personal news to share or an idea to discuss.  Sometimes guests are quiet and just want to relax or use the computer.

The Drop-In can be seen as a gateway to other supports and services.  When you come in, you are likely to be greeted with a warm smile and welcoming attitude.  The next time that you are near 101 Baker Street during Drop-In hours, please come in and say “Hello!”.  We are happy to see you!

Do have questions about our Drop-In or other services at ANKORS?  If so, feel free to come in and ask, call us at 250-505-5506, email Karen at information@ankors.bc.ca, or leave a comment here on our blog!

We look forward to seeing you!

COMMUNITY CONNECT DAY 2011:

A UNIQUE COMMUNITY APPROACH TO WELL BEING

ANKORS invites you to join us on Saturday, November 26, 10 am – 2 pm for the 4^th annual Community Connect in Nelson. Given the community support that is building, it is sure to be a great day.

Community Connect Day is a free & inclusive event that provides easy access to a wide range of services and supports, all under one roof! The array of activities on-site will include dentist appointments, haircuts, massage, art workshops, housing support, employment counselling, winter blankets, health appointments, a BBQ lunch and so much more! This year there will also be some wellness resources, including yoga, as well as a kid zone for children and families. The multiple barriers that result from poverty make access to these resources very difficult for many in our community. This unique event is barrier-free and open to anyone struggling to make ends meet.

“The powerful and exciting aspect of Connect is that it acknowledges that we can take a community approach to taking care of each other” says Katie Tabor, Community Coordinator with the Nelson Committee on Homelessness. She notes, “Connect is a really active demonstration of people coming together, from different sectors and walks of life, to support the common purpose community well being”.

Community Connect Day 2011 takes place Saturday November 26^th, 10am to 2pm at Central School Gymnasium, 811 Stanley Street between Carbonate and Mill Streets. 

photo by Dan Deluca via flickr CC

Cave Man

(for daughter J.)

I live in a cave here in the mountains

built from the green grass underfoot

out of cardboard and 2 ply lumber tarp

underneath a 45 foot trailer

out in the parking lot with all the 18 wheelers

down next to the CPR yard near the airport

with only Canada Geese and osprey

to keep me company after the sun sets

and the noise of the town subsides.

always alert they roust the homeless

when you have nothing left they insist

on chasing you off even here

in the backwash of Cottonwood Creek

We need to write songs for the homeless

for people struggling to keep warm

when all has been taken from us

even shelter from the storm

at night i breathe frosty

i hear music even here

struggling thru the plastic

to see if nighttime has turned clear.

R. Loewen

Nelson BC

May 2, 2011