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With the goal of helping under-served communities in India, Nepal, and Tibet receive the vital services they need, Karuna-Shechen was founded in 2000 by Matthieu Ricard (www.matthieuricard.org), renown TED speaker, author, and humanitarian. We strive to reduce inequalities and work toward a fairer and more compassionate world. We trust that communities can be lifted out of poverty, that change is possible, and that the well-being of every individual, regardless of race, gender, class, or caste, is essential. We believe that building on local strengths and knowledge is the most efficient way to respond to the specific needs and aspirations of our beneficiaries. Rooted in the ideal of "compassion in action", we serve others with joy and determination by cultivating altruism in our hearts and actions. We provide vulnerable and disadvantaged populations access to health care, education and vocational training, clean water, solar electricity, and other sustainable solutions that offer options to find a livelihood and a better life. We work with a grassroots network of local partners, and give special attention to the education and empowerment of girls and women. Karuna-Shechen's name expresses its mission while paying homage to its roots: Karuna means "compassion" in Sanskrit, and Shechen is the name of a major monastery in Tibet.

North Shore Crisis Services Society (NSCSS) is a registered not for profit charity that is dedicated to promoting a secure and abuse-free environment for women and children. We are committed to non-discrimination and our program locations are accessible. NSCSS was incorporated in 1979 and has been providing free services to women and children fleeing abuse since that time. Free services provided by North Shore Crisis Services Society include: Women's 24-hour Support Line (604.987.3374), SAGE Transition House, Adolescent & Children's Empowerment (ACE) Program, Outreach Services Program (OSP), Multicultural Outreach Services Program (MOS), Bowen Island Home Safe Program, New Beginnings Second Stage Housing Program, The Good Stuff Connection Clothing Program & Thrift Shop and a volunteer program. For more information, please contact our administration office at 604.987.0366. Office hours are Monday thru Thursday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

OPAL Family Services provides respite and support along with 9 core programs to over 160 families in the Fredericton and surrounding area who have dependants with intellectual disabilities. The programs include respite and support through our volunteer and private worker services in our apartment. In partnership with the UNB Nursing Program, St. Thomas Best Buddies Program and Compu-College Child and Youth Care Worker Program, OPAL is also able to provide our families with extra support, expertise and education within their own home for free. We also provide a Summer Recreation Program, for the children, a Weekly Social Group Program for the young adults and a Seniors Network program for our more mature members. The parents also receive Family networking activities to socialize and connect with other parents. OPAL has been in operation for over 26 years and last year provided local families with over 50,000 hours of support and care.

Burnaby Community Connections assists people in accessing community resources, provides support to families with low income and helps seniors maintain a healthier and more independent lifestyle. INFORMATION SERVICES - Providing referrals to community services in person, over the phone and by email. Additionally, we publish the Community Resource Guide and various other publications for families, seniors and the marginalized. FAMILY SERVICES – Offering programs for families with low income, including the Burnaby Christmas Bureau, which provides gifts and food gift-cards during the holidays, and the Burnaby Camping Bureau to help send kids to camp. We administer Burnaby Recreation Credit helping families access Burnaby Parks, Rec. & Cultural Services. SENIOR SERVICES - Helping seniors with access to medical services through Burnaby Seniors Transportation and celebrate the holidays with a Seniors Christmas Hamper. We also administer Burnaby Recreation Credit for seniors.

The Comox Valley Community Arts Council works to facilitate, activate and advocate on behalf of arts and culture in our community. Through our involvement in a wide variety of activities, we pro-actively support the cultural creators and workers of the Comox Valley. CVCAC is a registered charitable non-profit organization that receives public & private funding to sustain and grow its programs, and for general operating costs. Additionally, we raise revenue through memberships, fundraising events and art sales. We co-ordinate and co-sponsor art shows and workshops, literary projects, public art, performing arts events and children’s programs including the Youth Mural Mentorship Project. We also take every opportunity to promote our member groups. Going forward we are working to enlivening the cultural fabric of the entire Comox Valley with new programs & projects, professional development for artists, public arts connections and more!

Families First Society helps build family strengths by connecting parents to other parents and resources in the community through a variety of programs and services. Our programs are offered in a friendly, welcoming environment where families can feel comfortable in sharing their challenges, issues and/or concerns while at the same time gaining social benefits for both the parent and child. Our goal is to provide support as early as possible to families who face everyday challenges and stressors that often arise in our efforts to raise a healthy family. Our programs and services include: -Information, Referral and Community Outreach -Parent Education Programs -ParentLink Centre -Postpartum Depression Support -Angel Whispers Baby Loss and Subsequent Pregnancy Support -Collective Kitchens -New Moms Network -Toy Lending and Resource Lending Library -ADHD Support -CHIPS (Children's Indoor Play Space) Please visit our website at www.familiesfirstsociety.ca for more information.

The Eldercare Foundation directly supports Aberdeen, Mt. Tolmie, Glengarry, Priory, Heritage Woods and Oak Bay Lodge. There are over 700 residents who call one of these care facilities 'home'. The Foundation also supports community programs for seniors such as Adult Day Programs, Community Bathing Programs, the Piercy Respite Hotel and the Yakimovich Wellness Centre which provides free education to seniors and their families to help them navigate the journey of aging. Through our Education Endowment Program, we provide funding to help professional caregivers upgrade their skills and knowledge to better care for our valued elders. Through our Embrace Aging initiative, we are reaching further into the community to promote and inspire positive aging and raise awareness about the many resources, educational opportunities and activities available to seniors and their family caregivers to help them Be Well; Be Secure; Be Connected and Be Enriched ~ our four pillars of positive aging.

We provide Emergency Food Baskets twice a month to people who have less than an adequate amount of income. We have come to see our mission of providing food as a unique opportunity to connect people to a variety of resources and information that they are often not aware of. The Good Food Box has made it easier for people with low incomes to access fresh produce at lower prices and our Cooking Programs bring people together to learn how to prepare healthy inexpensive meals and create supportive social networks. Many people who walk through our doors, despite their challenges, have a variety of talents to share. Our skill sharing and pre-employability projects help prepare people for their next steps in life. The NDG Food Depot is a Community Hub where people can find meaningful ways to engage and forge new solutions to hunger, poverty and social isolation.

Heartspeak provides a platform to share your story & connect with others. Heartspeakers from all walks of life contribute and share stories that inspire (spanning ability, race, culture, socio-economic status, faith, age) and lessons learned. Heartspeak integrates topics confronting youth today—relationships, mental health, school life, transitions, mental health, addictions, safety, equity/inclusion, social justice (rights of children and youth), finding purpose, and navigating career paths. Heartspeak themes address Aboriginal issues, disabilities, homelessness, gender/sexual minorities (LGBTQI), racism, bullying/violence. Heartspeak learning resources/services bring greater understanding of the issues confronting youth today and provides a vehicle for educators/school staff (teachers, principals, superintendents); children & youth (grades 4-12/post-secondary);parents/families/siblings; community youth organizations’ to spark dialogue and share solutions.

The Children's Book Bank provides free books and literacy support to low- income children in the greater Toronto area from its storefront location in Regent Park. The Children’s Book Bank is like a magical children’s bookstore, except that books are given free of charge to children and their families. We believe that book ownership is essential to early literacy and a life-long love of reading. Unfortunately, studies show that many low-income families cannot afford to purchase books. At the same time, many families and organizations have quality children’s books that they no longer need. Our organization connects demand and supply to ensure that all children can experience the joy, dignity and enrichment associated with book ownership. Since opening in May 2008, we have provided over 450 000 free books to children in low-income Toronto neighborhoods. For more information, please visit our website at www.childrensbookbank.com.

CompassioNet Impact Development Canada collaborates with partners in Puerto Vallarta, to mitigate poverty and its effects in the communities in and around the city of Puerto Vallarta. Winter 2014: 2 homes built and purchased materials for 2 more, plus paid for land for a family to build, ESL classes and tutoring, and micro-enterprise loans given. In 2013 4 homes built, ESL classes and tutoring, library continues to grow. In 2012, built one home, grew the library and gave ESL classes. In 2011, financially supported two families to build their own homes. In 2010 CIDC paid to connect sewer services for 15 homes on Madre Selva. Ongoing activities include: - Home construction for the poor; - Supporting education and training opportunities; - Books and materials for small neighbourhood libraries; - Interest-free micro-enterprise loans for small business start-ups; - Interest-free loans to buy materials to improve, purchase or build homes for families.

Services We are committed to your success in becoming a fully engaged and integrated member of the Peel community. We do this by providing high quality, innovative educational programs and settlement support services. Our learning Centre transcends beyond individual growth to form a unique and enhanced culture of collaboration within the Peel community. Counseling We provide settlement information and referrals. Community Connections Immigrants(youth,adults and seniors)are assisted in establishing professional and social networks and engaging in their local community. English Language Training provides English language instruction to adult immigrants. Start a Business Develop and start your own business in Canada with our help. Look for Employment Understand Canada’s workplace environment and find a job. Co-op and Volunteering Gain Canadian work experience and volunteer hours. Child Care While in our classes, know that your child is safe and happy.