We help communities meet and work together

Our Mission: To create a network among organizations who support CAF veterans, Emergency Responders and their families in meeting the array of challenges, such as: transition, mental health, and housing instability, by promoting collaboration that improves the delivery of services.

Speakers

Mike Jennings, Men’s Sheds

Mike Jennings sold his small business and retired at 71, worried about living alone. He discovered Men’s Sheds and founded the first Shed in the Lower Mainland. Mike became the first president of the Men’s Shed Association of BC and served for seven years. Today, he is no longer concerned about his future.

Men’s Sheds focus on men’s health. They are open to all men, low-pressure, and easy to join—a welcoming place to make friends. There is no formal therapy, but working shoulder to shoulder on meaningful projects is therapeutic. The only membership requirement is respect.

Ivona Kutle, Family Peer Support Coordinator, OSISS

Ivona Kutle is a Family Peer Support Coordinator with the OSISS program, based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Her focus is supporting families, including RCMP spouses, across BC. The program is self-referral and available for as long as it is helpful.

The Operational Stress Injury Social Support (OSISS) program is a national, non-clinical, peer support program for Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans, and their families. RCMP spouses are also supported. OSISS complements other mental health and family services and includes Peer Support Coordinators, Family Peer Support Coordinators, and volunteers. The only requirement is that the person seeks support.