Seniors Coalition
The North Shore Services to Seniors Coalition has been operating since 1992 and is the planning table for issues facing seniors and services to seniors on the North Shore. There are currently over 50 member organizations that come together as the Coalition to meet, share ideas and inform each other on on-going projects and events.
The Services to Seniors Coalition meets at noon on the 3rd Tuesday of every month from September to June
A meeting was held Tuesday, May 21 at Capilano Mall – Family Services Space
Presentation
Julia – intro, partnerships, and overview Michele and Robin spoke about programs and services. Two senior volunteers talked about their experiences as volunteers.
A meeting was held Tuesday, March 19th
- Zoe MacMillan: Overview of the Ombudsmen Office.
- Becky White: Star Institute – broad overview and approach of the research at the STAR Institute
A meeting was held Tuesday, February 20
- Presentation on the Canadian Dental Program, specifically for seniors
- Presentation from CMHC on new community Mental Health program – North Shore Peer Assisted Care Team (PACT)
A meeting was held Tuesday, Jan 16
- Presentation
Zahra from Vantage Point reported on the 2023 State of BC’s Non-Profit Sector Report. This annual report surveys hundreds of non-profits across the province to identify key opportunities and challenges facing local non-profits, and to advocate for the sector. Zahra also talked about a feasibility study carried out by Vantage Point on the potential for a provincial network for non-profits. The two relevant reports can be found on Vantage Point’s website: Safety Net report: https://thevantagepoint.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Safety-Net-2023-State-of-BCs-Non-Profit-Sector.pdfStronger Together report: https://thevantagepoint.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/2023-Vantage-Point-Feasibility-Study-Report.pdf
A meeting was held Tuesday November 17
BC Seniors Advocate Isobel Mackenzie spoke at Silver Harbour Centre
Notes Coalition November 21 23
Notes Coalition November 21 23
A meeting was held Tuesday, October 17, 12 Noon
Presentations
- Andrea Wadman and Anthony Kupferschmidt on a recent SFU study “Independent Senior Centres: Connecting and Supporting Older Adults in Metro Vancouver.”
- Re: Allies in Health – Health and Adult Development lab UBC
A meeting was held held Tuesday, September 19, 2023
This was an in-person meeting held at Amica Edgemont Village.
Presentation: Amelia Gillis – Alzheimer’s month
A meeting was held Tuesday, June 20, 2023
Presentation by Penny MacCourt ARRC BC Lionnsview June 2023
Speakers from North Shore Community Services discussed Emergency Preparedness programs for Extreme Heat Events Prepare for Extreme Heat
A meeting was held Tuesday, May 16, 2023
- Presentations
A meeting was held Tuesday, April 18, 2023
- Presentations
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- Molly Rose – Resilient Neighbourhoods (10-15minutes)
- Leanne Sawatzky – SFU Housing Lab (30-40 minutes)
A meeting was held Tuesday, March 21, 2023
- Presentations
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- 12:05-12:30 North Shore Solutions Navigators… Speakers: Rebecca and MeganNorth Shore Solutions Navigator poster FINAL
- Solutions Navigators powerpoint
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- 12:30-1pm Older Adult Mental Health Team… Speaker: Kathryn Green OT OAMHT
- Mental Health after the pandemic presentation
- Notes Coalition March 2023
A meeting was held Tuesday, February 21, 2023
Topic: Food Security, Food Insecurity
Coalition Notes February 21 2023
A meeting was held Tuesday, January 17th, 2023
Topic: Seniors Transportation Challenges and Possible Solutions
A meeting was held Tuesday, November 15th, 2022
An in-person meeting at the new Lions Gate Community Recreation Centre
Notes Coalition November 15, 2022_
A Zoom meeting was held Tuesday, October 18, Noon.
Notes Coalition October 18 2022
A Zoom meeting was held Tuesday, September 20
Presentations for this meeting:
- Gaps in Services recap and moving forward – Sue, Margaret and Annwen
- Overview of Emergency Preparedness – John Hawkes from NSEM
- Results of Survey of Coalition – Margaret
A Zoom meeting was held Tuesday, June 21
A Zoom meeting was held Tuesday, Tuesday, May 17, Noon
Presentations
- Exploring Programs and Services on the North Shore: Gaps, duplications, needs – Margaret, Annwen and Sue
- Elders Program, Engagement Project: Lucie Neliba
A Zoom meeting was held Tuesday, Tuesday, April 19, Noon
- Met with two North Shore MLA’s Bowinn Ma and Susie Chant
- Notes Coalition April 19 2022
A Zoom meeting was held Tuesday, Tuesday, March 15, Noon
Presentations March 15
- Jocelyn Hewson, from North Shore Emergency Management, spoke on Emergency Preparedness
- Home Page | NSEM
A Zoom meeting was held Tuesday, Tuesday, February 15, Noon
Presentations February 15
- Decolonizing Workshop Series, Silver Harbour Seniors Centre, presented by Logan Thackray
- Seniors: Emergency Preparedness and Community Wellbeing Kendra Taylor and Renee de St. Croix, Planning and Development, North Vancouver City.
- Coalition Notes Feb 15 2022
A Zoom meeting was held Tuesday, Tuesday, January 18, Noon
Presentations:
a. Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail! A cautionary taleabout estate planning: Lesley Mizdain – Lawyer on
the North Shore
b. Volunteers North Shore: Website Launch: Sue Carabetta – NSCR
c. NSEM John Hawkes: Emergency Preparedness update
Meeting notes :Coalition January 18 2022
A Zoom meeting was held Tuesday, Tuesday, November 16, Noon
Presentations:
1 .North Shore Emergency Management: John Hawkes and Jocelyn Hewson – a brief overview of NSEM and “flyover” of Disaster Preparedness
2. Hollyburn Family Services of the North Shore: Susan Solomon and Chrissa Rassias will be speaking to us about the work that Hollyburn Family Services is doing to serve our seniors at risk.
Meeting Notes Coalition Nov 16 2021
A Zoom meeting was held Tuesday, September 21 at 12 Noon
Cherian Itty from Comfort Keepers – North & West Vancouver discussed the role of private care providers in supporting the needs of older persons.
His presentation is here: Private Services in Senior Care
Margaret Coates presented the results of the survey of Seniors Coalition members conducted this summer:
Seniors Coalition Members Survey Summer 2021
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A Zoom meeting was held Tuesday, October 18
A Zoom meeting was held Tuesday, May 1
A Zoom meeting was held Tuesday, April 20
A Zoom meeting was held Tuesday February 16
Peri Mainwaring, Sergeant – Community Response Sergeant, RCMP – NV Detachment talked about fraud activity related to the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID Fraud and Mail Theft
Elizabeth Bishop – Caregiver Support Program Coordinator for NSCR presented an introduction to a new support program for caregivers.
Caregiver Coach & Peer Facilitator Program
A Zoom meeting was held Tuesday January 19
A Zoom meeting was held Tuesday December 15
Ginny Cathcart presented a report from the North Shore Elder College Society inviting us to be part of a group that values staying intellectually active and involved in community through education. North Shore Elder College Presentation
A Zoom meeting was held Tuesday November17
Tracey Lundell presented a report “Key Financial Considerations for Seniors” Financial Considerations for BC Seniors – Lions View
Terry Hood, Director, Friends of the NVMA (North Vancouver Museum Association) Terry shared information about this exciting new community development project.
Meeting Tuesday October 20
Lionsview agreed to give up the time slot for the Coalition meeting on October 20th in order to actively support the Community Based Seniors Regional Consultation and also give people on the North Shore the chance to participate in this important consultation.
Zoom meeting Tuesday September 15
Cindy Bouvet from the North Shore Older Adult Mental Health Team led a discussion on challenges posed for Seniors during the Covid_19 pandemic and community responses to this.
Margaret Coates reported on the Summer 2020 survey of coalition members. Pdf report: Services to Seniors Coalition Survey results
Zoom meeting Tuesday Aug 25. The agenda had four main topics: burnout, what worked and what did not for reopening, funding and leadership.
Summary report Seniors Coalition Meeting August 25 Summary
Zoom meeting Tuesday July 28 2020 as part of a multicultural project:
Meeting Presentation:Seniors Forum July 28 2020 PPT
Workshop:Workshop Notes – Multicultural Seniors’ Forum
Zoom meeting June 23.
Speakers led a discussion on re-opening programming for North Shore Seniors.
Read a report on Programming COVID Confab #3: Creating Safe Return for Seniors by Lionsview summer student Kate Eldred Report
A further webinar on Re-opening for Non-Profits,June 17 is summarized here Summary
The Webex forum Integrating multicultural seniors in age-friendly North Shore communities was held Tuesday, May 19.
A pdf version of the forum is posted here: Seniors Forum.
A stand-alone version of Sharon Koehn’s report is posted here; Between Loneliness and Belonging
The demographics report is here North Shore Demographics
Zoom meeting Tuesday April 21
Heather Evans, Community and Social Planner, City of North Vancouver, presented a summary of the COVID 19 Response Survey of North Shore Community Agencies by social and community planners.
The North Shore Emergency Operations Centre has created a website Connect North Shore at https://www.nsem.info/connect.
The meeting concluded with a round table discussion.
A teleconference for Coalition participants was held March 17.
Hosted by the City of North Vancouver and organized by Heather Evans, Community Planner. The community response to the COVID-19 virus was discussed. A summary of the discussion is available here: Coalition teleconferencee March 2020
Meeting February 18, 2020
Laurie Khol and Robin Rivers from Family Services of the North Shore introduced the Caregivers Connect program that will provide support to individuals caring for a senior on the North Shore. Read more here: FSNS_Caregivers Connect Presentation
Meeting January 21, 2020
- Elder Dogs Society: Members of this group talked about their services as a non-profit organization that works to keep seniors and their canine companions together for as long as possible
- Better Balance with Surefeet: a presentation by Annie Hall Simmons
Meeting November 19, 2019
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- Craig Faris, Program Lead, Technology – CNIB and his colleague Alfredo provided info about their workshops and how any venue can have them come to present a tech session for sight impaired seniors.
- Annwen Loverin and Margaret Coates will reported on the results of a Multicultural Project: a partnership of Silver Harbour, Lionsview and the City of North Vancouver.
Meeting October 15, 2019
Lin Chen from the Seniors Service Society spoke about The Housing Navigator Training program.
Three speakers from the Christmas Bureau talked about a fast growing demand for assistance for seniors on the North Shore and introduced a plan to reach out to seniors in need.
Meeting September 17, 2019.
There were two presentations from Heather Cowie from the Alzheimer’s Society and Katy Couvell from Amica Lionsgate .
Meeting June 18 2019
Margarete Wiedmann from North Vancouver City Library presented an overview of the library and its programs including services for seniors and for those living with disabilities.
A pdf version of her presentation is available here: 2019 North Vancouver City Library presentation
Meeting May 21 2019
Cherian Itty from Comfort Keepers gave a very informative talk on using social media in the workplace.
Meeting March 19 2019
Bowinn Ma, MLA for North Vancouver-Lonsdale spoke about the provincial budget and other government initiatives affecting the seniors community.
Meeting Tuesday, Feb 19, 2019
Pam Haven, My Parkgate Break Coordinator – Latest news on program
Linnea Strom, Better at Homes – latest news on the program
Victoriya Litargne, Living Well – Navigation of Health Care Systems
January 15 2019
What might a new system of Information & Referral Services for Seniors in B.C. look like? Bev Pitman, from United Way, discussed the creation of a provincial Community of Practice (CoP) on Information and Referral and personal advocacy.
IR presentation by Bev Pitman to Lionsview Seniors January 2019
November 2018
Peter Kvarnstrom, Publisher of the North Shore News discussed the role of community newspapers in both print and digital media, emphasizing the continuing importance and the vitality of community based journalism.
October, 2018
Karen Tyrell and Elroy Jesperson discussed The Village, a dementia-friendly community being built in Langley. Residents will live in small households in a village like setting with a central community centre.
Jill Lawlor from West Vancouver Seniors’ Activity Centre presented an update on Dementia Friendly North Shore.
30 Tips of the Day from Dementia Friendly North Shore
September 2018
Cristina Rucci and Heather Evans reported on the community consultation carried out by the City and District social planners this past summer.
June 2018
Sgt. Peri Mainwaring, Community Policy Unit, RCMP North Vancouver Detachment, spoke about financial fraud directed towards seniors on the North Shore, including response measures available to seniors, families and local businesses. Sgt. Mainwaring discussed financial abuse in connection with increased domestic violence and homeless among seniors from the perspective of community policing.
May 2018
Barbara McMillian (Community & Sector Development Coordinator, Healthy Aging, United Way of the Lower Mainland) and Annwen Loverin (Executive Director, Silver Harbour Seniors’ Activity Centre) shared their knowledge gained from the BC Summit on Aging and asked for input on building capacity amongst community-based senior serving organizations. Information was presented about the seven core seniors services identified by the Raising the Profile Project as needed in every community throughout the province as well as the systemic issues and gaps facing the seniors sector identified at the Summit on Aging. Coalition members provided input into a capacity-building knowledge hub planned to roll out this fall and heard how individuals and local organizations can sign on to the Declaration of the BC Community-Based Seniors’ Services Sector.
April 2018
Joy Haydon from Hollyburn Family Services spoke about the Seniors Registry – a new housing initiative on the North Shore
Don Peters gave an overview of CHAC – Community Housing Action Committee, an initiative sponsored by North Shore Community Resources Society
March 2018
Cindy Bouvet discussed the mandate and services of the North Shore Older Adult Mental Health Team. Using a fictional but representative case study, Cindy explained how an older adult might come to the attention of the team and showed how various resources could be brought together to support someone suffering from mental health issues related to aging.
Farimah Shakeri Shemirani discussed her role and responsibilities as the Adult Protection Consultant/Lead for North Shore. She discussed the Adult Guardianship Act and ways in which someone could report a situation of abuse, neglect, or self-neglect where adults are unable to seek support and assistance on their own. Vancouver Coastal Health, as a designated agency, will follow up on each report through its re:act program which can be reached at 604-904-6173 or 1-877-732-2899.
January 2018
Cherian Itty, from Comfort Keepers, presented an informative overview of the impact technology is having, and will have, on seniors and their families. As he said “With the number of seniors needing care on the rise, combined with the increasing cost of care services and the ever-worsening shortage of caregivers, we have to look at cost-effective solutions for the future, not as an alternative to replace traditional caregiving, but as an add-on that can make traditional caregiving more efficient.”
November 2017
Pathways (formerly North Shore Schizophrenia Society), Nancy Ford, ED
Nancy spoke about the organization’s history and illustrated how the change of name reflects current programs and services provided. Her personal involvement sparked similar stories from the coalition, which also contributed suggestions and potential community links.
Care BC Respite Centre, Delbrook Lands, Inge Schamborski, ED
Inge gave the welcome news that an Adult Day & Respite centre, and non-market housing is being built on the Delbrook lands. Her talk included a brief history of adult day services and an overview of the planning process leading to partnerships with Catalyst Housing, VCH and DNV.
North Shore Stroke Recovery, Lynn Fraser and Lynda Shaw, Board members, Gail Snelling, Principal Coordinator
Lynn and Gail spoke about NSSR’s history on the North Shore and the services and programs provided.
October 2017
Presentation: Mariam Larson, Dementia Friendly North Shore
Information about developing a dementia-friendly action plan for three municipalities, with a focus on strengthening city staff capacity to understand and support community members who are living with dementia to remain active and engaged for as long as possible.
There was representation at the Coalition from Cristina Rucci, DNV, Heather Evans, CNV, Jill Lawlor, DWV, Erin Black, VCH, Heather Cowie, Alzheimer Society. Project funding came from UBCM and BC Healthy Communities.
- Lonsdale walk demonstrated how the built environment affects people with dementia.
- Focus groups – emergency responders, caregivers and companions.
- Working towards dementia literacy.
- Increase capacity at City levels.
- Materials prepared, focus group summary, forum summary, plans and local community toolkits for New Westminster, Burnaby, City Vancouver.
September 2017
Towards A Dementia Friendly North Shore
a report from the North Shore Dementia Friendly working group
Lionsview’s Coalition 2017 Survey
The survey results generated much constructive discussion which will contribute to the overall improvement of services to the Coalition.
The link to the survey is here.
Seniors’ programs at Delbrook Recreation Centre.
North Shore Recreation and Culture Commission’s presentation on seniors’ programming concluded with an invitation to hear suggestions and comments from the Coalition. The Coalition obliged with a range of comments reflecting members’ exposure to services and developments in the ‘seniors’ industry’.
The link to the presentation is here.
June 2017
The final coalition meeting of the 2016 – 2017 year was held in the new Delbrook recreation centre. Thanks to our coalition members, this was our largest turnout to date: 34 people attended.
Margaret Coates and Joanne Franko, sitting in for co-chair Tricia Andrew, moderated the gathering and Lionsview’s summer student Ian Pryzdial looked after the tech side of the program.
Presentations:
Kiwanis North Shore Housing Society presented the welcome news that a new addition to the seniors housing complex in Lynn Valley is in the works, and the existing building, Kiwanis Manor, will get an upgrade. The Manor’s exterior will be renovated and all doors and windows will be replaced during a one-day blitz. Trudy Hubbard suggested inviting friends who live in the Manor on an outing on that day.
Trudy Hubbard from the society, Joffre Pomerleau, Innovative Housing Consultants and Bob Heaslip, Development Planning Strategies, talked us through the process, still in the concept stage.
The new building is planned as a 6 storey wood frame construction, with entry linked to Kiwanis Manor. 106 units will be added to Kiwanis Housing’s 650 seniors rental accommodation across the North Shore. Completion is planned for 2020.
Age Friendly on the North Shore. Steering committee members Margaret Coates and Annwen Loverin reported on activities resulting from the 3 North Shore municipalities’ commitment to the Age Friendly Priorities for Meaningful Change cited by the World Health Organization. Read the Age Friendly presentation (PDF).
Look for Progress to Date and Promising Activities in these areas: outdoor spaces and public buildings, public transportation, housing, social participation, respect and inclusion, employment and volunteerism, Age Friendly communication and information, community support and health services. The report also addresses additional gaps and issues compromising seniors’ quality of life identified by the steering committee during this process.
May 2017
B.C. Seniors’ Advocate Isobel Mackenzie spoke at the May Coalition meeting.
One attendee described the talk as “riveting”. Others in the capacity audience at Silver Harbour Seniors’ Centre appreciated the reversal of commonly held misconceptions about seniors.
Ms Mackenzie spoke about the recently completed survey of seniors in B.C. long-term care residences, discussed options available to homeowners who may be in housing transition and cited the influx of federal funding which is directed to improving the quality of home care services in BC.
Here is a link to the B.C. Seniors’ Advocate’s presentation (pptx).
April, 2017
There were two presentations at the April Coalition meeting.
The first was an update on Delbrook Lands site by Suzy Lunn and Christina Rucci, planners with the District of North Vancouver.
The District of North Vancouver and the SFU Centre for Dialogue conducted an innovative, open and transparent public process to find options for the Delbrook Lands site at 600 West Queens Road. The community recommended that the District retain ownership of the lands and facilitate the creation of a multi-use site that includes neighbourhood parkland, community services, and non-market housing for the 4.3 acres site. In January, 2017 Council directed staff to explore funding and partnerships for these site uses. District staff are currently in discussion with partners and will report to Council in the fall. Here is a link to this presentation.
Next, a presentation on the WalkCNV Pedestrian Plan (PDF) by Daniel Watson and Brandon Green from the City of North Vancouver.
The City of North Vancouver is collecting information from residents about pedestrian usage and preferences. A public presentation is planned for the fall.
March, 2017
Presentations at the March 21 Coalition meeting focused on community supports in place and in progress for North Shore seniors with dementia.
Planners Heather Evans, City of North Vancouver, and Cristina Rucci, District of North Vancouver talked about creating a dementia-friendly North Shore. Here is a link to an outline of work to date:
March 21 Dementia Friendly presentation (PDF)
First Link North Shore, an arm of the Alzheimer Society of BC, connects individuals diagnosed with dementia, and their families, with resources and support.
Coordinator Bronwyn James presented an overview of First Link’s services and role on the North Shore.
Vivian Tsai has replaced Kerri Sutherland as Support & Education Coordinator at First Link North Shore, working alongside Bronwyn.
Kerri retired in January after 15 years with the Alzheimer Society of BC on the North Shore.
Download and view the First-Link Presentation here (PPTX).
January, 2017
Meals on Wheels
A selection of food provided by North Shore Meals on Wheels was a tasty start to the first Coalition meeting of 2017. Board members Betsy MacDonald and Debbie Maclean brought the meals directly from The Pantry kitchen and Maureen Lougheed, the society’s past president, spoke about Meals on Wheels’ work in the community.
Coalition members: your feedback from the tasting would be welcome, as MOW’s goal is to provide quality food as well as good service. Get in touch with MOW North Shore with your comments: 604-922 3414, northshoremow@telus.net and www.northshoremealsonwheels.org
Hollyburn Family Services
Hollyburn Family Services’s presentation, Seniors at Housing Risk, 2016 Program Update, was an illuminating and unsettling look at homeless seniors and seniors at risk of homelessness on the North Shore. Director of Services Leya Eguchi cited some alarming statistics reflecting the rise of this sector of our seniors population. Programs noted in the presentation have been developed to respond as the result of recommendations of the Seniors at Housing Risk Participatory Research Project (2013), a collaboration between Hollyburn Family Services and Lionsview Seniors Planning Society. Here is the link to the Hollyburn Family Services presentation
November 2016
A Basic Plan for our Future
At the November 15, 2016 Coalition meeting, Joanne Taylor, Executive Director of NIDUS Personal Planning Resource Centre and Registry, presented The Essentials of a Plan for Your Future. This comprehensive presentation…
• outlined personal planning resources available from NIDUS, including a Personal Planning Registry
• recorded the evolution of personal planning legislation in B.C., culminating in the Representation Agreement Act of 2011
• reviewed the current state of personal planning resources in the community
View the presentation here (PDF) and bookmark the website.
In Lionsview’s Older and Wiser column of November 26, titled Plan Ahead for Peace of Mind, Margaret Coates writes about using the Nidus resources for her own personal planning, confirming that legal and personal planning for end of life is “the right thing to do.” Nidus makes the process easy and accessible. (You can find Lionsview’s Older and Wiser columns here.)
October, 2016
Metro Vancouver Seniors’ Intentional Connection Project
At the October 18th Coalition meeting, Janet Quenneville, from Family Services of the North Shore, presented an overview of the Metro Vancouver Seniors’ Intentional Connection Project.
Reducing isolation for seniors 75+ is the project’s goal, with 20+ agencies participating in four components: Volunteer Navigators, Welcoming Spaces, Seniors on the Move & Seniors Hubs. Family Services of the North Shore leads the impact plan, evaluation & the Volunteer Navigators project.
March, 2016
Age Friendly Assessment and Action Plan
At the March, 2016 Coalition meeting, the Age Friendly Team who have been meeting about the Priorities for Meaningful Change which came out of the Age Friendly Assessment and Action Plan created when the District and City of North Vancouver applied for an Age Friendly designation in the two municipalities, presented the following.
• a quick history and overview of the Age Friendly process
• a quick overview of the Age Friendly Assessment and Action Plan with the Priorities for Meaningful Change
• an overview of the Age Friendly Teams process to date
• sheets which captured the eight priority areas. These sheets were used to hold an interactive session in order to prioritize the items and list what people felt was missing.
Next steps include collating the information and getting the report back to members at the May Coalition meeting for discussion about possible actions.
January, 2016
Highlights of the Services to Seniors January meeting
Our January Services to Seniors meeting agenda was jam packed with three presentations:
Renee Strong The first presenter, Renee Strong from Capilano Services Societies spoke about the Delbrook Lands Community Dialogue meeting to discuss the future of Delbrook. The potential use of the lands is of interest to Capilano Services and the 8 organizations who reside at Delbrook. They could potentially be moved to another site before relocating to their future permanent home at the new Lionsgate Community Centre in the Lower Capilano area. For continuing information about the consultation go to www.dnv.org/delbrooklands.
Kate Weiss
The second presenter was Kate Weiss from the newly formed Elder College Society. She spoke about the formation of the new Society, the courses being offered and the creation of a number of partner organizations who will host the classes. Click here to see her power point presentation.
Nancy Hollstedt
The third presenter was Nancy Hollstedt from North Shore Community Services Society. She presented statistics on the One Stop program run out of the North Shore Community Resources Society. Click here to see her power point presentation.