Our Values
We seek to be a sign that love and community are possible between all people; to awaken and inspire the imagination in others for shared life with the stranger; to nurture and tend intentional communities to be spaces of belonging where friendships extending acceptance, listening and grace may be built.
Welcome
With an open heart we embrace our differences, intentionally creating spaces where all of us can contribute and learn from one another.
Solidarity
We companion one another, nudging each other toward greater trust and openness. With open eyes we see and celebrate the good in each other.
Belonging
We cultivate community life in which every person feels important and accepted and can grow in their own gifts.
Stewardship
We give thoughtful care to our buildings, our spaces, and each other, honouring the fragility and resilience of one another and our environment.
Grace
We offer one another forgiveness knowing that we sometimes love poorly, acts of restoration knowing that we are all in this together, and laughter knowing that it is the best medicine.
Our Staff :
Our People
Like our logo, Salsbury Community Society is made up of many dots: staff and board members, the individuals we welcome and serve, and those who volunteer and partner with us.
We are group of learners and co-creators at Co:Here. In all that we do, we try and nurture a sense of connection and community building - whether it's in sharing the work (Tidy Tuesdays!), co-writing policies (Community Handbook), or meeting with Tenants 1:1. The Salsbury Team is a dynamic and skilled group of folks that have a heart for neighbouring, learning, and working together.
Aubree provides overall leadership, strategic direction and management to the Co:Here building and community. As well as communication, fundraising and human resources, Aubree is passionate about community well-being, environmental sustainability and systems change work. She is excited to support the growth of SCS and expand our model in new buildings.
Aubree McAtee
Executive Director
Annelise manages the Co:Here building including unit repairs, preventative maintenance & property management. Annelise was on the very first SCS Community Formation Committee and has over 25 years of experience in housing and program management at L'Arche. When she's not at work, she's likely working on a home-project or spending time in nature with friends.
Annelise Jacky
Building Manager
Esther manages the administrative tasks and office space at Co:Here. She works closely with the Board's Finance Committee on the annual operating and reserve budgets, and with residents on room bookings, rent, and other administrative tasks. Esther has a background in not-for-profit work, and experience facilitating community development and organizing in the DTES.
Esther Nam
Admin & Hospitality Manager
Our Community :
The Co:Here community brings together people from different economic backgrounds in a mutually transformative, supportive and nurturing environment that allows all people to flourish. Because of this, Co:Here is a building full of community meals, friendships with neighbours, and shared responsibility.
The Community Builders Group (2 tenants from each floor, and a SCS staff person) meets regularly to equip tenants and staff to deepen Co:Here’s shared life and growing community by coordinating decisions, support and education.
How long have you lived at Co:Here?
Coming September 2022 will be two years
What do you like about living here?
I love the community & the support that I get from my neighbors and the staff. Ever since I moved here I have never felt safer! If I don't have to, I will never move.
What’s one thing you’ would change about it?
I wouldn't change a thing!!
Ghoncheh
How long have you lived at Co:Here?
Four and a half years
What do you like about living here?
My own space & privacy
What’s one thing you’d change about it?
Make it bigger for more people
Alice
How long have you lived at Co:Here?
4 years - since it opened
What do you like about living here?
I love the sense of community and knowing all of my neighbours
What’s one thing you’d change about it?
If I were to build co-here again I would add bigger suites (like a 3 bedroom) but the community aspect I would keep as is
Craig, Melia, Tessa (& Mocca the dog)
How long did you live at Co:Here?
4 years
What did you like about living here?
I loved getting to do day to day living - having real life moments with people in the building (grocery runs, I'm bored, let's hang out, etc.)
What’s one thing you’d change about it?
I'd like to see more Co:Heres in Vancouver - more housing of a similar nature
Nozomi
Our Board :
The SCS Board of Directors is comprised of volunteers who are passionate and curious about neighbouring and housing justice. Our board members come from a range of professional and lived experience backgrounds including non-profit finance, academics, social work, policy development, and community building. Together, we bring a range of perspectives and skillsets to bear on the policy and work of Salsbury Community Society.
Ericka Stephens-Rennie
Co-chair
Tim Roulson
Secretary
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Steve Screpnek
Vice Chair
Crystal Chu
Treasurer
Steve Kim
Co-chair
Eanimi Agube
Board Member
Nozomi Imanishi
Board Member
Janet Pel
Board Member
We are always looking for volunteers who can join us in our work. If you are interested in volunteering on-site (e.g. maintenance), on a committee, or on our board please reach out to Tim Roulson. Note that, for board members, we have a specific need for new members with experience in building maintenance, fundraising and donor development, law, and anti-oppressive practices.
Our Village:
There are many organizations that support our work of nurturing neighbourliness.
In some cases we communicate with them regularly, and others’ it’s more organic and
as needed. Some of our community partners include:
Just Work, SOCIALS (Stroke Recovery Club), Kinbrace, Reach Medical Clinic &
Robert & Lily Lee Community Health, Grandview Church, The Kettle Society,
Grandview Woodlands Food Connection & Quest, Hey Neighbour Collective, Aunt Leah’s
And these organizations support our work through providing resources,
information, encouragement and/or training:
Co:here Foundation, Healing at the Wounding Place, Rivendell Retreat Center, Just Outcomes, Vantage Point, Vancity, BC Not-For-Profit Housing Association, Landlord BC, Hawthorne Foundation, Seacliff Foundation, Tenth Ave Church, Arocha Canada
Salsbury Community Society extends a special thank you to:
Hawthorne Foundation, Seacliff Foundation, Vancity, Grandview Church, Co:Here Foundation, and Dragon Fire Foundation for their partnership and support.