It was a happy coincidence on March 8th, International Women’s Day, 2012, that the Anglican Diocese of New Westminster moved into the final stages of a definitive agreement with Atira Women’s Society of Vancouver. Atira will operate a women’s secure residence in the facility formerly operated as an Abbeyfield House on the grounds of St. Margaret of Scotland in Burnaby. The lease agreement was completed on April 10th, 2012.
Ian Robertson, Treasurer of the Diocese, said the diocese welcomes Atira Women’s Society and their program and was delighted to officially announce the completion of the agreement at the monthly Diocesan Council meeting, the evening of April 10th. Ian also led Council in a sustained ovation, praising the efforts of Diocesan Legal Registrar, Don Paul who had done an incredible amount of detailed work to make this happen.
Bishop Michael Ingham welcomed the announcement of the program as it is consistent with diocesan social outreach and compassionate service goals.
Atira’s mission is to assist those in society who find themselves vulnerable.
Atira Women’s Resource Society, is a Vancouver based organization. It operates facilities and programs for women, particularly in the east end of Vancouver. Atira provides housing, advocacy and support to any woman who lives full time and identifies as a woman and meets the organizations mandate. They strive to make their services accessible to all women including: lesbian, transgendered, two-spirit, intersexed, as well as women struggling with substance and /or mental health issues. Atira recognizes the barriers, stigmatization and oppression faced by all women who encounter poverty and discrimination as a result of their experience with violence.Atira provides a range of services not only in the Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES) but also in Surrey and White Rock. Services offered in the DTES include numerous housing and shelter programs, Legal Advocacy, Stopping the Violence counseling, homelessness outreach support, self-employment initiatives (Enterprising Women Making Art, Painter Sisters Painting Company)
The facility which they are leasing was until recently operated as Abbeyfield House Burnaby, and served the community for 16 years. Abbeyfield Houses, (residences for seniors) are to be found elsewhere in the lower mainland, Victoria and in Eastern Canada, as well as in the United Kingdom. To be named Elspeth’s Place for Elspeth Alley a former priest of the diocese and one of the first women to be ordained as a priest in the Anglican Church of Canada, the home comprises 20 individual rooms, two kitchens and large living and activity rooms. The home is located on the grounds of St. Margaret of Scotland parish at 1030 Sperling Ave, Burnaby, BC. The agreement is by way of a lease for 44 years at nominal rent.
Ian Robertson, Treasurer of the Diocese, said the diocese welcomes Atira Women’s Society and their program and was delighted to officially announce the completion of the agreement at the monthly Diocesan Council meeting, the evening of April 10th. Ian also led Council in a sustained ovation, praising the efforts of Diocesan Legal Registrar, Don Paul who had done an incredible amount of detailed work to make this happen.
Bishop Michael Ingham welcomed the announcement of the program as it is consistent with diocesan social outreach and compassionate service goals.
Atira’s mission is to assist those in society who find themselves vulnerable.
Atira Women’s Resource Society, is a Vancouver based organization. It operates facilities and programs for women, particularly in the east end of Vancouver. Atira provides housing, advocacy and support to any woman who lives full time and identifies as a woman and meets the organizations mandate. They strive to make their services accessible to all women including: lesbian, transgendered, two-spirit, intersexed, as well as women struggling with substance and /or mental health issues. Atira recognizes the barriers, stigmatization and oppression faced by all women who encounter poverty and discrimination as a result of their experience with violence.Atira provides a range of services not only in the Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES) but also in Surrey and White Rock. Services offered in the DTES include numerous housing and shelter programs, Legal Advocacy, Stopping the Violence counseling, homelessness outreach support, self-employment initiatives (Enterprising Women Making Art, Painter Sisters Painting Company)
The facility which they are leasing was until recently operated as Abbeyfield House Burnaby, and served the community for 16 years. Abbeyfield Houses, (residences for seniors) are to be found elsewhere in the lower mainland, Victoria and in Eastern Canada, as well as in the United Kingdom. To be named Elspeth’s Place for Elspeth Alley a former priest of the diocese and one of the first women to be ordained as a priest in the Anglican Church of Canada, the home comprises 20 individual rooms, two kitchens and large living and activity rooms. The home is located on the grounds of St. Margaret of Scotland parish at 1030 Sperling Ave, Burnaby, BC. The agreement is by way of a lease for 44 years at nominal rent.
Image on right: The Reverend Elspeth Alley on the day of her ordination, November 30th, 1976.