Employee Spotlight: Shaista
A mother of one, Shaista first became involved at the Neighbourhood House when she heard about our Family Drop-In program. After moving into the Downtown Eastside neighbourhood in 2019, she learned of the program after searching for resources around her. She noticed the space on the corner of Hastings and Princess serving oatmeal, and decided to step in to learn more about the services being offered.
Shaista quickly began to love the Family Drop-In program. The staff welcomed her and the Neighbourhood House started to feel like her second home. She was able to form connections with other families through collectively making and sharing a meal twice a week. Her child was also able to build friendships with other children in the space. Shaista was thankful for all of the work the Neighbourhood House did for their community and she decided she wanted to be a part of it.
After asking to volunteer at the Neighbourhood House, Shaista learned of a position opening with our peer-worker program. This program provides those living in the community with employment opportunities at the Neighbourhood House. She then began working on Monday mornings to assist with our breakfast service. Shaista took initiative to organize a weekly community kitchen through funding from a Neighbourhood Small Grant where families came together to cook and enjoy a meal. She also put together a clothing swap for community members. As she continued to work and show her strong dedication to supporting her neighbours, more opportunities rose to develop her leadership skills.
Most recently, Shaista has taken on the role of facilitating multiple programs at the Neighbourhood House. She currently runs the Kids Kitchen program where children are taught the basics of cooking and nutrition. Additionally, she facilitates the CUBS Tutoring program where children receive homework help from University of British Columbia students. Shaista also coordinates the meals we make for the SRO Collaborative once a week.
Shaista’s favourite part of being involved in the Neighbourhood House is the supporting staff and the strong sense of community. She enjoys coming to work and being able to help her neighbours in the process. Outside of work, Shaista continues to give back to the neighbourhood through volunteer roles at various other organizations, such as at YWCA Crabtree Corner and the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.