[News] Free publications help seniors, families and vulnerable connect with essential services

Are you someone who typically says, "Hey, Siri or "Alexa, I have a question," or merely type your query into Google?

For many, these go-to search engine tools are everyday practices to gather information, but are not necessarily right for everybody or everything. And they're not always accessible or convenient, or even the quickest source to find exactly what you need, especially hyper local information.

Burnaby Neighbourhood House (BNH), the umbrella organization of Burnaby Community

Services, Burnaby Meals on Wheels, and Burnaby Seniors Outreach, has created a free and simple solution to access important essential services and resources at your fingertips.

The 2024 editions of the Community Resource Guide and As We Age publications, are available in both print and online, and provide vital, up-to-date community information for a wide range of residents, including families, seniors, newcomers and vulnerable groups.

"By offering accurate, easy-to-use resources, we empower individuals to access essential programs and services that meet their needs," says Antonia Beck, CEO, Burnaby Neighbourhood House.

The Community Resource Guide covers such categories as: education, seniors, families and youth, food, health & wellness, housing, legal & advocacy, recreation and community, and much more.

As We Age provides a list of services for seniors 55-plus and their families, along with engaging articles, community contacts, a directory of local organizations and resources. Its purpose is to shed light on ways for those at or nearing retirement age to achieve and maintain good health and community connection, further their education and gain awareness.

"These publications are significant in terms of providing updated listings of selected programs and services available in Burnaby and New Westminster to ensure people get connected to the support they require for their families, or if they're a senior or caregiver, that these guides become reliable go-to resources," Beck says.

Distribution: Where to get your guides

You can pick up either guide at any BNH's three locations: BNH South House, #100 - 4460 Beresford Street, Burnaby; BNH North House, 4908 Hastings Street, Burnaby or BNH Brentwood House, 2055 Rosser Avenue, Burnaby.

"We also make sure we're very connected with the interagency committees and the other not for profits," says Beck. "Plus, we ensure copies are at our meetings and we dispense them through those partners, such as community schools, who would then distribute the guides."

"We're also involved collaboratively with other senior serving organizations who can get copies to their seniors, but often it's us supporting seniors who are navigating really complex systems," explains Beck.

The community guides are made possible through collective efforts of local service providers to ensure that the resources are accurate and relevant.

Staff and volunteers provide essential support

Individuals or families who come by or phone any of the BNH’s three location in Burnaby can speak directly to a trained volunteer or staff, who are ready to assist them in finding and accessing programs and services tailored to their needs. This one-on-one approach allows volunteers and staff members to make intentional connections, either onsite or by referring individuals to a staff member at another local agency. The Community Resource Guide is frequently used by volunteers as a tool to assist in these personal consultations.

In addition, each Neighbourhood House location benefits from multi-lingual volunteers who assist newcomers by providing information in a variety of first languages. These volunteers play a vital role by translating important print materials and ensuring that information is effectively communicated. Once connected to the appropriate staff member of agency, individuals gain access to a wider range of community resources. For example, a newcomer might be referred to BNH by the Burnaby Public Library for the weekly computer drop-in sessions. When the newcomer arrives, they are welcomed by a trained volunteer who provides more detailed information about our programs and services, such as English Conversation Classes or Employment Workshops hosted by other local agencies, that may be beneficial.

The Community Resource Guide is not only a directory for specific programs but also serves as a gateway to a variety of additional services, helping residents build connections within their community. 

For more information, visit burnabynh.ca.



Burnaby Neighbourhood House is a community-driven and community-funded agency that enables people to enhance their lives and strengthen their community. With three Burnaby locations, they work with their communities to develop innovative programs and services that meet the changing needs of a diverse population.