COVID 19 Update September 14, 2020

Little Mountain Neighbourhood House is gearing up for the expansion of in person programming this week after spending the summer piloting programs, planning and implementing health and safety protocols and continuing with education and training for staff, volunteers and participants.

For the Settlement Department, students in our Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) will return to the classroom in our revised hybrid program. The program will involve small, physically-distanced in classroom learning supplemented with homework. Childminding for LINC student's children will also resume. Settlement and Employment Workshops will be offered, some in-person and online sessions. One - one in-person meeting with our settlement workers will be by appointment only, as LMNH manages occupancy capacity in the building.

With the support of United Way of the Lower Mainland and the Vancouver Food Bank, LMNH will be providing weekly emergency food baskets every Friday to a limited number of vulnerable individuals and families that require support due to the pandemic. Beginning September 18, referred participants will pick up a mix of fresh produce and non- perishable items from the neighbourhood house. Some delivery service will be provided for those unable to pick up their food baskets.

Child care programs that operated safely and successfully in the summer will expand capacity, returning to regular or near regular levels this Fall. The enhanced staffing, cleaning and health and safety protocols are in place in order to provide a safe, fun and stimulating environment for the children in the program.

The Family Resource Program will be offering family programs, both indoor and outdoor weekly sessions starting this week. Following up from the successful family program at Riley Park this summer, weekly registration-only sessions at the Riley Park Community Garden will provide opportunities to learn more about gardening with a variety of guest facilitators. Details about the indoor registration-only program are still being finalized, but will consider offering additional shorter while smaller-group sessions for families to reduce contact while still providing access to as many families as we feel is safe in our confined space.

LMNH will be monitoring the situation closely, ready to modify protocols and practices as needed to create a safe and healthy environment for everyone. We look forward to welcoming you back to the neighbourhood house and encourage your feedback as we adjust to the 'new normal'.