Blog Posts

IMAGINATE Voices: Arlene Howells

3/9/2018

IMAGINATE presenter speaks her truth for first time

When Arlene Howells, the sole local presenter, mounts the stage at IMAGINATE, she’ll talk about hope when all the odds are stacked against you.

Howells, an independent communications and change consultant, has lived in Port Hope for over 20 years. She volunteers for countless charities, serves on boards – including Green Wood Coalition – and works tirelessly to make life better for those who struggle among us. That’s what most people know about her.

But there’s a lot they don’t know.

This Friday, for the first time, she will tell her personal story of trauma and triumph. “In coming to terms with giving this talk, I’ve had to come to terms with fears that have followed me my entire life.”

She will share her thoughts on how to move from trauma to hope and live life on your own terms.

We Are Witnesses

2/28/2018

It is never too late to tend to deeply buried seeds.
To chase the hardened shadow to the source of light.
To redeem a sense of loss through an unexpected gift.
It does help of course if the conditions are propitious.

HOW I FOUND THE COLUMN AT GREEN WOOD

By Judita Pamfil

During the years of the communist dictatorship in Romania all aspects of culture were subordinate to the Communist Party’s ideology. The censorship apparatus worked day and night, and overtime into a time and space where arrests, institutional purges, terror, corruption were the norm. Private and public reunions were severely restricted and controlled. Few were the adults who had the energy and/or temerity to risk their livelihood or their lives in order to oppose a system that posited the indisputable equation 2+2=5.

But WE were not adults yet. WE did not wake at 4 AM to spend hours before work, queuing in darkness and frigid temperatures to ‘receive’ perchance a bag of flour, a few eggs... WE were the insubordinate, the valiant, foolhardy teenagers! WE did not consider the risks as much as we envisioned the gain. WE were not paralyzed by the terror as much as emboldened by the dream.

Unceremoniously and tenaciously, undaunted by nagging admonitions we proceeded to found our radical group called The Column. We were ‘radical’ in opposition to a tyrannical regime. From within the core of our group the natural flow of our curious spirits appeared ever so ‘normal’ to us.

One of the members had a kitchen large enough to accommodate fifteen adventurous, driven teenagers. This kitchen was to become for some six months the undercover headquarter of our alchemical experiments. I say ’alchemical’ because the brief period that saw our risky venture unfold was indeed trans formative.

From the dross of lies and dread to the gold of creative power. The school days had us in tight ideological straight jackets from Monday to Saturday. Sunday was our day of exemption, our day of electric freedom! Chaperoned parties? They could wait! Homework? Who would bother when a much more significant task consumed our time?

The Column became our safe hub, our dependable stronghold. Fifteen teenagers assuming each a guiding role in a field of choice, an area of uncensored passion. Art History, Physics, Religion, Ballet, Theatre, Gardening, Poetry, Photography, Philosophy... So self taught and self teaching we explored anything and everything from trying to focus our single pointed attention on the cherry-pattern on the cheap plastic table cover to UFO’s and back...

We were witnesses to each others’ quest for understanding, for learning, for sharing. But above all, witnesses for each other in-being, in a dialogical relationship, uncensored, present and grateful.
The Column survived the prying eyes of the neighbours and the grim censorship of the Secret Police for nearly half a year.

We were found out, summoned to the principal’s office, “commended” on our “scholarly initiative”, rebuked for our recklessness and defiance and given an ultimatum. We could indeed pursue our worthy interests should we agree to hold our meetings at school under adult supervision and electronic surveillance.

And so The Column came tumbling down. Like the fallen trunk of a beloved tree. But the roots sustained us for the rest of our formative years. Not long after, we all left our motherland behind and made our way to other lands, more hospitable, our adoptive countries, our other lives.

Fast forward some 40 years to a small town called Port Hope in a vast country called Canada. When I was serendipitously directed towards Ontario Street number 18 I knew nothing about Green Wood’s philosophy and/or social mandate. Tables, chairs, exposed brick walls, coffee brewing,
art work all around, and a welcoming man, generous with his time and speech. An image of a long forgotten ‘kitchen’ was activated from the recesses of my mind.

It’s been now three years since I crossed the threshold into that welcoming space. My ‘membership’ at Green Wood does not entail the risk of radical resistance as did my involvement with The Column.
We are now operating within a democratic system, much flawed yet rarely domineering through terror.

And although one does not often feel that the supreme power is vested in the people who attend our meetings, we know that the best we give and receive can be sustained through a hopeful action and a non-judgmental togetherness.

And, yes, there is always a delicious bowl of soup! I believe it better than the one in the Column Kitchen!

Judita Pamfil is an artist, poet, teacher, survivor, friend and inspiration to our weekly art gatherings at Green Wood.

What a Generous Community!

2/26/2018

Saturday's Coldest Night of the Year walk, through beautiful Port Hope, was a winner in every way. Thanks to everyone who helped us raise over $50,000 to support our local outreach work.

Congratulations to the top walkers who each brought in more than $1000: Randall Arsenault, Les Robling, Jenn McGuire, Kaye Torrie, Jack Russell, and Walter Hillman.

We couldn't make this work without sponsors like Lauria Auto Group, Emulate Global Printing and our generous suppliers, Basil's Market & Deli, Olympus Burger, Millstone Bread, LA Signs, The Mill Restaurant & Pub, Table & Loft, and Summerhill Manor.

Thanks to UCB Radio and 89.7 Radio for getting the word out. Amazing work everyone!
(Photo cred: Lee Higginson)

Coming Up at Green Wood

1/28/2018

Feb. 1:
Tickets go on sale for IMAGINATE: We All Have a Story! Visit www.greenwoodcoalition.com
February:
Date TBA for Community 101’s 2018 season opening.
Watch the website and Facebook page for date, time and place.
Feb. 24:
Coldest Night of the Year! Fundraising Walk.
Visit www.cnoy.org/location/porthope to register and for local event details.
March 23:
IMAGINATE: We All Have a Story, one-day conference and Evening of Possibility. Early Bird ticket sale from Feb. 1-16 at www.greenwoodcoalition.com.

Countdown on for Coldest Night of the Year

1/22/2018

Whether you plan to walk solo, form a team, pledge or volunteer, the fourth annual Coldest Night of the Year in support of Green Wood Coalition is just around the corner.

The February 24th walk in Port Hope is part of a nation-wide movement to raise awareness and money in support of the hungry, homeless and hurting. Port Hope’s walk joins 120 other locations that, since 2011, have raised over $16.5 million nationally for street-level charities. Last year, over 200 people walked the 2.5 or 5 km distance locally, raising over $48,000 for Green Wood.

Event co-director Judy Hone says the event is as much about coming together as a community as it is about raising awareness of homelessness and fundraising. “People have a lot of fun, but it’s also meant to be a bit reflective,” she says. “February 24 is chosen because it’s statistically the coldest night of the year. While we go out in the cold for an hour or whatever it takes to do the walk, this is the reality for very many people. The cold is where they spend most their time.”

As of mid January, the event was on track with this time last year for attracting teams and raising money. Green Wood’s 2018 goal has been set at $42,000. The walk starts and finishes at Port Hope High School, beginning at 4:00 p.m. with registration and check-in and culminating in a chili dinner, courtesy of community donors, from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

For event details and to register to walk, fundraise, volunteer or pledge, visit: www.cnoy.org/location/porthope

Ready to WrapAround

1/19/2018

WrapAround Ready to Launch

Five WrapAround facilitators have been trained, participants have been selected, and, this February, Green Wood’s WrapAround Program will get underway.

Funded by Northumberland United Way with coaches from WrapAround Northumberland, the program is reaching out to a small group of individuals with complex needs. Multi-sector teams composed of friends and professionals that the participant trusts will wrap around the person to seek solutions to his or her full spectrum of needs – from addiction, mental illness or physical or emotional challenges to poverty, homelessness and social isolation.

The effectiveness of WrapAround’s innovative, person-centred approach lies in giving people some control back in their life while building on their strengths, not their deficits. Within a year to 18 months, as new resources and practices are put in place, individuals can expect to transition out of the program.

Why we can't look away

12/14/2017

On a Saturday morning a few weeks ago, I found myself sharing coffee with a middle-aged couple in the tent where they had been living for a couple of months. We traded stories and talked about dogs and children, but the fact of their homelessness was weighing on them and they feared the coming cold weather. In spite of having decent, seasonal employment and making some good life choices, they had nowhere to live. They had called us for help because they were stuck.

Sometimes things get stuck. Sometimes you have nowhere to turn when your worst fears drop in your lap. Sometimes you feel like you’re alone with it all. Imagine how that feels.

At Green Wood Coalition we do more than imagine. We walk shoulder-to-shoulder with those who are hungry, homeless and hurting. We focus on the person, not their problems, and work together to find solutions to daily challenges.

Across our county, in large cities and small towns, we are failing the most vulnerable. The current crisis of affordable housing is increasing the pressure on a growing number of families and individuals living at or below the poverty line. They are falling into the gaps between formal services and feel abandoned. Many are forced to choose between food and other necessities in order to pay the rent. They rely on food banks and agency handouts to feed and clothe themselves and their kids. Christmas makes these choices – or lack of choices – worse.

This is why we need your help. Green Wood Coalition is entirely local and relies on community donations. While we are not alone in working to make a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable members of our community, we are different than traditional agencies. Green Wood’s outreach model is designed around building relationships, making deep, human connections and allowing people to reach their potential in an atmosphere of trust and respect.

This is an especially hard time of year for those struggling on the margins, those living with poverty, mental illness, addiction, housing and hunger. They feel socially isolated and stigmatized and, because of this, often remain hidden in communities like ours. But when your eyes are open – when you don’t look away – the need is not hard to see.

I’m asking you to consider making a one-time donation at this time or a series of monthly contributions that will help people who are stuck and have nowhere else to turn. With low overhead, Green Wood’s small staff, supported by skilled volunteers, provides street-level outreach, addiction recovery, healing through art, and community awareness and advocacy.

If you would like to have a conversation about donating or supporting our work in another way, please contact me by email at [email protected] or by phone at 905-269-7610.

Warm regards,
David Sheffield
Community Director, Green Wood Coalition

*Illustration, "Building Community," by Shelby McQuilkin

Casting a Spotlight on Homelessness

11/29/2017

National Housing Day on November 22 has raised public consciousness about homelessness, but the issue for organizations like Green Wood Coalition remains – how do we sustain and leverage this awareness into a movement for greater change?

On November 15th, almost a year to the day after the 20,000 Homes Campaign surveyed Northumberland County’s homeless and risk of homeless population, County Council reviewed a “one year later” report. It showed the steps being taken to coordinate faster and more integrated planning, housing placement and critical response among support agencies. Through a real-time “by name” registry that tracks those in need of housing, it shone a clearer light on the problem.

What we know is that 58 individuals and 17 families (including 26 children) were identified a year ago as homeless; another 179 individuals and 49 families (including 65 more children) were at risk of homelessness. Between January and June 2017, 36 individuals and 13 families had been found housing, although 17 per cent were placed in temporary settings at best. But by July of this year, most of the gains had been lost: 31 more individuals and 11 families were placed on the homeless registry

David Sheffield, Green Wood’s Community Director, says the survey helped to clarify and quantify the problem, “but with clarity comes recognition that we don’t have the services or the physical housing spaces to adequately serve the people who are most risk.

“The unfortunate reality is that for every one of the success stories, their spot on the list of people who are homeless has been filled by one or two other names.”

On November 22, the federal government released Canada’s first National Housing Strategy, which promises more affordable housing over the next decade. In Northumberland, a second homelessness survey will be conducted in April 2018, greater engagement with Indigenous organizations will try to address disproportionate homelessness among the county’s First Nations, and new housing support programs are in the works. Enhanced agency and county partnerships could help to remind local political leaders there’s still a lot of work to do.

For now, Northumberland’s homeless are still sleeping rough on the street, in cars or hunting for a last-minute couch to crash. The area’s shelters remain full most nights, and the Cobourg Police Service’s warming room offers a last, albeit safe, resort.

Coming up at Green Wood

11/26/2017

Nov. 27: Community 101
Green Wood staff, David, Jenn and Nicole will share current thinking on a compassionate approach toward addiction after recent training with renowned Canadian addiction expert Dr. Gabor Maté. Dr. Mate’s latest book is In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts. The evening will include conversation, and film clips of Dr. Mate.
Time: 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Location: Green Wood Coalition, 18 Ontario Street, Port Hope

Nov. 28: Giving Tuesday
Northumberland County is joining this global celebration of the hard work charities and non-profits do to make life better in our communities. Here at Green Wood, we have launched our seasonal appeal. Please support our programs in addiction recovery, healing through art, street-level outreach and community awareness and advocacy because, together, we can change lives.

Dec. 2: Little Goose Handmade Market
Drop by our table for handmade greeting cards and more, made by Green Wood artists. Our yearly fundraising appeal is underway in support of the most vulnerable members of our community. Please remember to bring a non-perishable food item as an admission fee.
Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Beatrice Strong Public School, 90 Rose Glen Road, Port Hope

SAVE THE DATE: Feb. 24, 2018: Coldest Night of the Year
Watch for the website launch on Dec.1 for more details about walking with Green Wood.

Reconciling Through Our Stories

11/24/2017

Who is Julie Bothwell? What is her story?

The Alderville First Nation band councillor, social worker, daughter, granddaughter, mother guided a room full of people at October’s Community 101 along some of the paths her life’s journey has taken, the First Nation teachings that inspire her and the lessons she continues to learn.

“I share my life so you can take a piece of this and understand our ways... What I’ve been taught is that what I am sharing is because these are the things that helped me on my healing journey. I have to be able to say, ‘I try hard to walk this way, to remind myself of who I am.’ I try to remember where I come from.”

As a young girl, her life was thrown into chaos by her mother’s loss of status on marriage to a non-Aboriginal man and her family’s forced removal from the First Nation, their extended family and home.

As a teenager who was keenly aware that her half Ojibwa, half Scottish skin tone allowed her to pass in and out of a native/non native identity, she heard “all the comments” and questioned where she was accepted, where she fit in.

As a mother and wife, she has confronted the trauma of residential schools that her partner’s parents attended, and how that legacy infiltrated their family’s and children’s lives.

And as a social worker and band councillor, she feels compelled to wrap herself tightly in her community, “eating, drinking and sleeping” its all-too-frequent pain.

In spite of all of this, or possibly because of it, Julie Bothwell, in Anishinaabe, is “Strong Buffalo Woman.”

As she spoke of the healing properties of the Four Sacred Medicines – tobacco, cedar, sweet grass and sage – to unite mind, body and spirit and their teachings to direct people toward goodness, away from destructive forces like substance abuse; as she described the actions of Alderville First Nation to address past injustices including defining who will be considered a member of their community in cases of intermarriage and how their children will be taught in the public school system; and as each person in the room rolled a handful of dry tobacco leaves in their palm, trying to connect with the meaning of this first Sacred Medicine as an offering or prayer for help and guidance, the glimmer of a new understanding of reconciliation seemed to emerge.

“When we share, we find connections, common ground,” she said. “It is these connections we need to make with one another.”

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