we’re celebrating
take a look at our special events, people, and partners in the spotlight!
Welcoming Our New Team Member!
Meet Melissa Viktora
Melissa Viktora: Compassionate Care at Pioneer House
PCLA offers housing and support for individuals navigating the complex terrain of mental illness. Within its folds, Pioneer House, under the stewardship of Melissa Viktora, nurtures individuals toward independent community living.
Unveiling Melissa's Path
Melissa's journey into nursing was unconventional, sparked by a personality quiz. "I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do… when I saw ‘nursing’ as a recommended career on the quiz, I thought, let’s try it!" said Melissa. “It was unorthodox, but that’s how I found my dream job!”
During her nursing education at Douglas College, Melissa's encounter with the Community Response Emergency Short Stay Treatment (CRESST) Program at PCLA proved transformative. "Two days at CRESST were all it took for me to fall in love with PCLA and community mental health care," Melissa recalled. Her nine-year career at PCLA, transitioning from a Crisis Program Worker at CRESST to the Manager of Care at Pioneer House underscores her commitment to compassionate care.
When the Manager of Care at Pioneer House became available last year, Melissa knew it was the right fit for her. Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Melissa shared, "I was six months into maternity leave when the Manager of Care position opened up. I knew I wanted to return to PCLA, but I needed a role aligned with my family’s needs. It felt like fate."
A Glimpse into Pioneer House
Melissa's dedication to her role at Pioneer House stems from a profound sense of purpose and commitment to community well-being. "Beyond administration, which I actually like, I get to chat with the residents, be involved with the doctor’s interviews, involved with the admissions and it allows me to get to know the residents and develop relationships with them," Melissa shared.
Witnessing residents' journeys toward recovery is Melissa's greatest reward. "At Pioneer House, we emphasize a recovery-based approach, witnessing residents' growth and transformation into greater aspirations," Melissa expressed with pride. "Community mental health keeps me here," Melissa emphasized. "Being a part of the resident’s journey to recovery and seeing them achieve their goals and set new ones… it’s inspirational."
Beyond the Professional Realm
Melissa's weekends are a blend of chaos and tranquillity—a reflection of her roles as a dedicated professional and a loving parent. "My weekends involve a lot of cleaning up toys. I live a chaotic life with two little kids, and I thoroughly enjoy it," she says. Amidst the hustle of parenthood, Melissa finds joy in music, walks, and quality time with her family.
In closing, Melissa states, “PCLA is special because most of the staff are long-term team members. We know about each other’s lives and care for one another." For Melissa, it's more than just a workplace.
Let's applaud Melissa and the remarkable work she does every day!
#PioneerHouse #CompassionateCare#MentalHealthAwareness
2023 Untapped Awards Winner!
Celebrating Faranak Sajed Nia
Pioneer Community Living Association is thrilled to spotlight the incredible achievements of Faranak Sajed Nia, winner of the "Diverse & Inclusive Champion Award” at the 10th annual Untapped Workplace Inclusion Awards 2023!
About Untapped Workplace Inclusion Awards
The Untapped Awards recognize and celebrate individuals and organizations leading the way in diversity, inclusion, and accessibility to ensure that everyone can thrive and succeed in the workplace.
This year's event, held on October 13th at PARQ Vancouver, gathered 300 guests from across Canada, including business leaders, service providers, government representatives, industry experts, and advocates who united to celebrate the remarkable progress in advancing disability inclusion in workplaces.
Award Recipient: Faranak!
The Untapped Awards recognize inclusivity advocates in several categories. One of these categories is the individual Workplace Inclusion Champion. This year, PCLA's own Faranak Sajed Nia was the recipient of this award.
Faranak, a Manager of Care at PCLA, stands out as a true Workplace Inclusion Champion, redefining leadership through her commitment to cultural diversity, disability inclusion, and accessibility. At Adrian House and Dominion House Faranak prioritizes inclusivity, comfort, and autonomy for her residents. As an immigrant and woman of colour with a medical background, she brings invaluable richness to her role, infusing daily practices with cultural sensitivity.
Thank you Untapped Awards
A heartfelt thank you to the #Untapped Workplace Inclusion Awards for making inclusion a priority. Your platform not only recognizes achievements but fuels the collective mission toward a more inclusive and diverse future. We look forward to celebrating further Inclusivity Champions at the 2024 awards.
To nominate an individual or organization for an Untapped Award, visit the website here: https://lnkd.in/g_E5A_Hu
#UntappedAwards #Untapped2023 #WorkplaceInclusion#DiverseLeadership #InclusiveWorkspaces #ChampioningInclusion
Special Event & Resident Spotlight
The INCLUSION Art Show
Mollie displays her art at the INCLUSION Art Show
PCLA staff and residents are grateful to posAbilities for hosting the INCLUSION Art Show & Sale. With the participation of 200 artists of diverse abilities, including those with disabilities, the exhibition showcased an incredible range of original artworks - from paintings to pottery, photography to jewelry, and much more. Each piece was a testament to the unique perspectives and talents that thrive within our community.
The event's success exceeded all expectations, with over 900 guests immersing themselves in the vibrant atmosphere. Paintings found new homes, and connections were forged through a shared appreciation for creativity. Two of our residents were featured at the INCLUSION Art Show – Doug and Molly. Please see the images below for a glimpse at their artwork.
A special highlight of the day was the series of art demonstrations. We at Pioneer Community Living Association are particularly proud of one presentation by our resident, Molly. Molly's live drawing demonstration was nothing short of inspiring. Her skill and talent shone through, leaving the audience in awe!
This event, coinciding with Community Inclusion Month in BC, was a celebration of commitment to fostering an inclusive arts community. It showcased that every artist, regardless of their abilities, can shine.
Thank you to posAbilities for allowing us to be part of this incredible journey!
To learn more, please visit:
https://www.posabilities.ca/a-day-of-art-inclusion-and-community-the-inclusion-art-show-2023/
Special Event
with UBC’s Dental Hygiene Students
This year’s UBC Dental hygiene students held a special event at Pioneer House on September 20, 2023. Their dedication and passion for oral health care shone through as they met with our residents and employees, discussing the invaluable support they'll be providing this year.
For the past 13 years, UBC Dentistry has collaborated with Pioneer Community Living Association (PCLA) to offer the Oral Health Preventative Program. This initiative has seen approximately 120 fourth-year students providing care to about 300 patients at various PCLA locations, with approximately $7,000 worth of care provided each year.
The program, co-developed by Dr. Leeann Donnelly and PCLA's Carol Anne Russell aims not only to enhance oral hygiene but also to break the stigma surrounding mental health. Through on-site care, the students create a comfortable environment, fostering community engagement and understanding.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the UBC dental hygiene students for their unwavering dedication and passion. The impact they've made our residents is immeasurable.
#OralHealth #CommunityImpact #UBCPCLAInitiative
Partnership Spotlight
Thank you to UBC Faculty of Dentistry
Program Overview
UBC Dentistry partners with Pioneer Community Living Association (PCLA) to offer the Oral Health Preventative Program where UBC dental hygiene students provide care to residents of PCLA. This program has seen approximately 120 fourth-year students provide care to about 300 patients at various PCLA locations with approximately $7,000 of care provided each year for the past 13 years.
“It was a good experience; not painful or uncomfortable. It got everything done and I didn’t need any further dental work. They [the dental hygienist students] gave a lot of good advice about flossing, Toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes, and mouthwash.”
– Rick, PCLA Resident
(depicted in the photograph)
Interview with Dr. Leeann Donnelly
Dr. Leeann Donnelly developed this program alongside PCLA’s Carol Anne Russell in hopes of mitigating the stigma around mental health whilst increasing oral hygiene amongst residents. When interviewed in 2014, Leeann spoke passionately about the program saying:
“I think one of the biggest successes we have
with this partnership is the experience
that our students get in working with people
with mental illness and breaking the stigma
and stereotypes and societies held beliefs
around what the mental illness is…. It also
helps us understand (as scholars,
researchers, students, and faculty members)
some of the issues that go on in the
community and understand better people
with mental illness.”
When we spoke with Leeann in 2023, her ongoing passion was clear. When asked what some of the biggest learnings from the program have been, Leeann discussed the nuances of working with individuals living with mental illness.
“When we first started the program, we decided we would come on-site and conduct the dental exams, but that we would have the residents go to Douglas College for the full clinic portion. We quickly realized this would not work. The first six residents did not show up at Douglas College for the clinic. We realized we were taking residents out of their comfort zone. It was an important learning for us. We then shifted to providing care onsite which worked wonderfully.”
“We do get some fear from residents with every new batch of students, but within two-three weeks they are comfortable and no longer afraid of the students. The students spend a lot of time interacting. The purpose of this course is community engagement and understanding mental illness.”
In addition to key learnings, Leeann spoke about the many successes the students and residents have gained from this program. One that particularly stood out for her was the following:
“One that comes to mind is of a student who left PCLA one day feeling incredibly disheartened. This student learnt that many PCLA residents do not attend their off-site dental appointments because they feel judged and uncomfortable. They learnt that some dental offices discriminate against disability insurance and do not always accept it. This declining of insurance left individuals feeling embarrassed and reluctant to return. This student committed that they would advocate for disability insurance at any office they worked at in the future. They also said they would reach out to organizations like PCLA and provide information about their inclusive approach and invite them to come to their clinic.”
This story of advocacy is one of many. The UBC and PCLA partnership has had a real and lasting impact on students for over a decade. Leann and the PCLA team are hopeful that the next generation of dental professionals are better equipped to support those living with mental illness. The program has been equally impactful for PCLA residents. Not only has hygiene been prioritized on site, but residents are also increasingly comfortable with medical practitioners.
Thank you, UBC!
UBC Dentistry students
PCLA Resident receives care from UBC dental hygiene student
Dentistry students reviewing materials
Partnership Spotlight
Thank you to the BCIT Nursing Program
Program Overview
BCIT’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program is a three-year program exposing students to the latest technology and practice-based experiences. PCLA has been partnered with BCIT for over ten years to provide an alternate clinical experience for students interested in psychiatry. Through this partnership, students supplement their experience on the psychiatric ward with the community, residential services provided by PCLA at Miller’s Way.
Interview with Antonella Jones:
Antonella (Toni) Jones is a Nursing Instructor at BCIT and an integral part of the PCLA-BCIT partnership. As the course lead for the last ten years, Toni has connected over 400 nursing students with Miller’s Way. When asked what motivated this relationship, Toni said:
“The program at BCIT is a three-year accelerated program. Students go through 9 terms, 3 terms a year. In second year, term 4, students are exposed to six weeks of psychiatry… Unfortunately, we have eight students in a clinical group, and the psych ward only permits six students at a time. Historically, this meant that 2 students would have to stay home. The course leader at the time was seeking out alternate clinical experiences for students and they found Miller’s Way about ten years ago. Because of Miller’s Way, students not only see the psychiatric ward, but they also see how people [with mental illnesses] can live in community with the right supports.”
Toni’s commitment to this program was obvious. She acknowledged the need for this relationship as well as the benefits:
According to Toni, there have been many success stories from this partnership. One that was particularly emotional was the following:
This emotional story is an example of the successes at Miller’s Way. These residents are incredible people with impactful stories, goals, and ambitions. The relationship with the BCIT Nursing program exposes future nurses to what successful in-community supports can look like for people living with mental illness. We hope to continue this relationship for decades to come.
Thank you, BCIT!
BCIT Nurses distributing food and clothing on the Downtown Eastside alongside PCLA residents.
“…there is often a fear and nervousness amongst students when they start at Miller’s Way. They don’t know what mental illness looks like; they don’t realize that individuals can live successfully with the right support. They come away feeling informed, confident, and emotional.”
“Our students develop relationships with the residents. They sit and talk with them, scrapbook, carry out crafts and other activities. One of our students was speaking to a resident at Miller’s Way and learnt that they had been homeless at one point and was a regular at the food bank and benefited from sandwich programs. When they arrived at Miller’s Way, this individual decided that they wanted to give back and make sandwiches and feed the homeless once a month. This became a group initiative at Miller’s Way. By chance, the student’s mum happened to be part of the committee for the Courage to Come Back Awards. And the student nominated this individual for an Award. This resident came to the awards gala and was celebrated.”
Giving Back to the Community
PCLA at Oppenheimer Park
On Friday, February 24th, 2023, a group of dedicated residents and staff from Pioneer Community Living Association (PCLA) came together to distribute food and clothing to those who are precariously housed around Oppenheimer Park. The aim of this initiative was to extend a helping hand to individuals who are often marginalized and overlooked in our society.
What makes this effort particularly special is that PCLA residents themselves live with mental illness. They understand the challenges associated with accessing healthcare, housing, and other basic needs. They also realize that mental illness is prevalent among those who are homeless or precariously housed in Vancouver. All too familiar with these challenges, the residents decided they wanted to give back and make a positive impact in their community.
With snow predicted for Saturday, staff and residents knew they had to act fast to ensure that those in need had access to warm clothing and nourishing food. It was heartening to see our volunteers and staff come together to make this happen. Residents of Lina’s Place and Miller’s Way came together to bake cookies, chop vegetables for soup, collect clothing, and serve meals at Oppenheimer Park.
At PCLA, we believe that everyone deserves a chance to live a life of dignity and respect. We're proud to be able to contribute to the well-being of our community in this way. We hope that our small act of kindness will inspire others to do the same. Together, we can make a difference!
To support us in our mission of mental health wellness, please donate today.
Residents distributing meals
PCLA at Oppenheimer Park
Clothing for the community