Issue 84 March 2006 Subscription: a donation towards our work

Dr. Donna Ward -Care Giver

••••• 19th Annual Mayors’ Dinner -Dr. Donna Ward

••••• A Portrait of Jim Loney••••• Ugunja Community Resource

Centre••••• Learning at the Working

Centre••••• CTx GreEn Tech Award••••• Worth a Second Look Now

Open••••• Construction Update

By Kara Peters UnrauGood Work is compassionate, dedi-

cated, and makes a difference onwhatever level it can, according toDr. Donna Ward, this years Mayors’Dinner Guest of Honour. For Donna,working in the area of Pain and Symp-tom Management and Palliative Careoffers her the privilege of participat-ing in good work. Through covenantrelationships which move beyond thesocial contract of physician and pa-tient, she is often drawn into the sa-cred space of life’s end. Although shestruggles with making sure she findsbalance, Donna also finds rejuvena-tion at the bedside of her patients.She often witnesses the healing in thedying as individuals make time to ex-press themselves to their loved ones.She also experiences the challenge ofdifficult deaths and broken relation-ships. However, Donna is quick tohighlight the supportive environmentof colleagues, chaplains, social work-ers, nurses, and many others who arecommitted to walking with a patientand their family.

Dr. Donna Ward began exploringthe area of palliative care in the early1980s. She met the young mother ofone of her children’s schoolmates, whowas dying of cancer. This woman wasa mirror of Dr. Ward, of similar age,and also a mother of three young chil-dren. Faced with terminal cancer, thisyoung mother came to Donna for care.Donna soon realized that neither hertraining nor her experience as a familyphysician were adequate to prepareher to provide the care this womanneeded to die at home. Without sig-nificant home care supports and withminimum pain management tools, Dr.Ward invested herself to find the re-

sources necessary outside of medicalinstitutions. Donna was able to set upa network with a pharmacist whocould help her find options for painmanagement, and then worked per-sonally to support this woman to diewith dignity in her own home.

Palliative care is ultimately aboutensuring and sustaining the dignity ofindividuals who are reaching the endof life. This goal is embedded in thebelief that life is meaningful and thatall people have value, even when theyare dying. Dr. Donna Ward uses thisphilosophy to guide her work as a phy-sician caring for palliative patients. In-fluenced by writers such as MargaretSomerville, Cecily Saunders, VictorFrankl and Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, Dr.Ward brings her own compassion, em-pathy and search for meaning to hervocation.

Jean Vanier joins Victor Frankl,Margaret Somerville and others, inchallenging human communities tomove beyond the fear that limits us toliving an anaesthetic life. This fearleads us to suspend ourselves over thereal experiences of human living andhuman dying. Vanier challenges us torecognize that if we are working to-wards a vision of society in which hu-man rights are respected and promotedwe can not “systematically excludesegments of our population”(Vanier:1998,45). Caring for peoplewho are dying with the belief that theirlives have meaning and purpose, evenas they are suffering and dying, is aninherent challenge to the medical sys-tem to move beyond the limits of sci-ence and procedure. Acknowledgingdeath as an unavoidable right of pas-

Continued on pg.2

By Andy Macpherson

The above text usually accompa-nies the illustration “Good Work”which first appeared in The MustardSeed, a publication of the CatholicWorker Community in Toronto in 1998and later in Good Work News in 2000.The illustration was a collaboration of Continued on pg.3

mine with Jim Loney when he wasliving at Zacchaeus House, a CatholicWorker house of hospitality in Toronto.I have been revisiting this illustrationlately as I reflect on Jim’s present de-tention in Iraq, the good and impor-tant work of Christian Peacemaker

“On May 1, 1933, Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin printed the first editionof The Catholic Worker newspaper, distributing it for a penny a copy toworkers in New York’s Union Square. That act sparked a movement whichtoday encompasses over 150 communities in 8 countries. The aim of theCatholic Worker is to create a new society in the shell of the old where it iseasier for people to be good through the Gospel practices of voluntary poverty,active non-violence, manual labour, personal responsibility for the works ofmercy, communal prayer and living. Ultimately the Catholic Worker envi-sions the achievement of a green revolution, a decentralized society wherepeople from all walks of life return to the land to create and share sustainablecommunities rooted in the earth, the seasons, and common good work freelyoffered for the common good. In accordance with the principals of anarchismand personal responsibility, there is no one to ask permission for beginning tolive the Catholic Worker: the important thing is to get started.” (James Loney)

A Gift Given Freely to theCommon Good

March 2006 Good Work News Page 2

Twenty First Year Issue 84 March 2006

Good Work NewsGood Work News was first produced in September 1984. It ispublished four times a year by The Working Centre and St.John’s Kitchen as a forum of opinions and ideas on work andunemployment. There is a circulation of 10, 000 copies.

T

Mayor Carl J. Zehr &Mayor Herb Epp

cordially invite you to attend the

Nineteenth Annual Mayors’ Dinnerin honour of

DrDrDrDrDr. Donna W. Donna W. Donna W. Donna W. Donna WardardardardardSaturday, April 1st, 2006

Marshall Hall, Bingemans, Kitchener

For more details call 743-1151 x119

T

The Mayors’ Dinner is an evening that celebrates outstandingcontributions to our community. It is also an important fundraising

event for The Working Centre and St. John’s Kitchen.

Cocktails and Auction Preview: 5:30 pmDinner: 6:45 pm

I would like to purchase:

Individual tickets @ $70.00, including tax receipt for $35.00

Community Group package @ $520 includes 8 tickets, tax receipt for $240.00 (one tax receipt only) and recognition in dinner program

Visa Mastercard

Amount: $

Card #:

Expires:

Signed:

Name:

Address

City:

Editors: Joe Mancini, Stephanie Mancini,Jennifer Mains, John R. Smith

Contributors: Dwyer Sullivan, Kara Peters Unrau, KarinKliewer, Joe Johnson, Andy Macpherson, Ken Williamsen,Margaret Motz, Charles Ogada, Tech Award Website, and

Rebecca Mancini.

Editorial comments, changes of address and new subscriptionsshould be directed to:

The Working Centre58 Queen Street South

Kitchener, OntarioN2G 1V6

Phone: (519) 743-1151, Fax: (519) 743-3840e-mail: genmail@theworkingcentre.org

www.theworkingcentre.orgCanada Post Bulk #05306256

Charitable Registration #13092 9607 RR0001

sage and not hiding from its reality,forces our communities to bring dyingindividuals out of the corner shadowsand back into community life. Indi-viduals who are dying have “profoundlessons to teach us. When we do in-clude them, they add richly to our livesand add immensely to our world.”(Ibid).

One of the individuals who nomi-nated Dr. Donna Ward for the May-ors’ Dinner Guest of Honour said thisof Dr. Ward:

“While the accomplishments onher resume are impressive, much moreimpressive is her overwhelming dedi-cation to her patients, their familiesand the health care system…I see andhear first hand from many families whohave experienced Dr. Ward’s care,and how caring and sensitive she hasbeen to the person who died and hercounsel to the survivors. Her care isnot only medical, but includes thewhole person from a spiritual and ho-listic perspective.”

This holistic approach to medicalcare begins right when Dr. Ward firstmeets a patient. She deliberatelyspends time getting to know the indi-vidual personally, asking them to tellher, in their own words, a history oftheir experience with this illness. Thisexpectation that the individual bringstheir own knowledge and insight into

the sphere of medical response is at theheart of recognizing that the patientplays a pivotal role in managing theirown illness. Being a member of this teamof patient, medical practitioners andfamily members is an honour, accord-ing to Donna. Reflecting on Dr. Ward’scare for a dying friend, one individualexplained that Donna’s belief in thefamily role as caregiver was significantin empowering them to let their motherdie at home.

By challenging the medical systemand our communities as a whole to ac-knowledge the importance of ensur-ing a place within our communities forhuman beings who are dying, Dr.Ward moves beyond the lines of sci-ence and medicine to force the sys-tem to recognize humanity at the cen-tre of its purpose. This work lives withinthe tension of the dual realities ofpower to cure disease and extend life,and the inevitability of death as a partof life. Many local physicians, nurses,and volunteers share this vision forpalliative care, working hard to createa network of medical, social and psy-chological supports to carry individu-als and their families as they enter intothis last stage of life.

Significant changes have occurredin the field of palliative care since Dr.Ward began her work. Palliative careis now being promoted as a vital part of

Dr. Donna Ward -Care Giver

Continued on pg.3

Continued from pg.1

“...to know love and peace to the last,to live until you die.”

-Dame Cecily SaundersFounder of the Modern Hospice Movement

Palliative care is an aspect of the health service that many people areunaware of and yet it is an area that could provide us all with the mostimportant healthcare we might ever receive.

It relates to the treatment of patients who are not expected to recoverfrom their condition. For those of us who will die as a result of a longillness, palliation is the system of care in place to help make the finalchapter of life less difficult and painful than it otherwise might be.

Originally, palliative care developed as a model for caring for termi-nally ill patients, but now it is increasingly being expanded to includeother patients who are facing the reality of their own imminent death.

Page 3 Good Work News March 2006

A Portrait of Jim Loney

health care delivery and communityinfrastructure. At all levels of govern-ment there is increasing recognitionthat how we help individuals die issignificant in reflecting how we val-ued them in life. Considerable devel-opments have been underway interms of the acceptance of HospicePalliative Care Norms of Practice, andCancer Care Ontario’s choice of pal-liative care as one of their priorities.Dr. Ward herself has participated inintegrating palliative care into under-graduate medical curricula, creatingan environment in which young doc-tors are introduced to the field of pal-liative care.

Dr. Donna Ward is being hon-oured as the 2006 Mayors’ DinnerGuest of Honour. She is being high-lighted as a leader in palliative carein our community. Donna embodiesthe values of community commit-ment and dedication as she brings herpersonal compassion to the art of car-ing for individuals who are facing theend of life. Dr. Ward reflects the com-mitment to working for a communitywhere all are valued and consideredmeaningful members of society. Mayall our work reflect a dedication tothe good of our community and thebelief in the dignity and worth of eachcitizen.

Mayors’Dinner

Continued from pg.2

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This article appears courtesy of

By Dwyer Sullivan from theToronto Star, Dec 11, 2005

Imagine this challenge. You're ca-noeing the Mississagi River betweenElliot Lake and the Soo, and yourfriend Jim announces he urgentlyneeds an "appropriate" photo to accom-pany some soon-to-be- published arti-cles. That night, we brainstorm aroundour campfire, trying to envision whatimage might be best to show who Jimis and what his interests are.

We chose the photo at right. Jim iskneeling by the water, central but notdomineering. His pose is humble, open,welcoming and respectful. He bringsthis attitude to his interactions withpeople.

I have seen it on canoe trips - indeciding menus, organizing transpor-tation, determining the route andchoosing campsites. I have also workedwith Jim for several Septembers as wehelped prepare young adults to expe-rience living cross-class and cross-cul-turally for six months as part of theOne World Global Education Pro-gram.

That is why I have no doubt Jim'sopenness and respect for each per-son is occurring presently with hisabductors.

In the photo, his face conveys sin-cerity, honesty and directness. Thereis no lie in Jim. He has the gift of stat-ing very clearly what he sees the prob-lem to be and what the possible solu-tions are. He is trained to help arrive ata solution through conflict-resolutionsskills. I value his input and knowledgeat meetings, along with his facilitationskills.

What the photo cannot show is Jim'sheart and mind, which have beencommitted to living a life focused onjustice.

I first met Jim when he was a highschool counsellor at Columbus BoysCamp, near Orillia, which welcomesunderprivileged boys from downtownToronto.

During his university years in Wind-sor, I know he was volunteering athomes for delinquent youth. Afteruniversity, he co-founded the Toronto

Catholic Worker, which is committedto providing homes for homeless peo-ple and standing up against the causesof injustice (militarism, racism, dis-crimination, etc.). After several moves,the Catholic Worker community is sol-idly entrenched in Parkdale, living ina half-dozen houses in close proximity.

The river in the photo is constantlychanging but always flowing in thesame direction. This parallels my grow-ing interaction with Jim--always evolv-ing but always focused on working forpeace and justice.

My wife, Sheila, and I have workedclosely with Jim at the Boys Camp,through involvements with the Catho-lic Worker, One World and the On-tario Catholic Youth Leadership Camp.All of these have been meaningful for

us, supportive of others, and led to avery deep appreciation of each other.

Jim cannot be separated from theoutdoors. Sheila and I have arrangedour last seven summers so we couldjoin Jim and others climbing MountRobson and the White Mountains ofNew Hampshire, canoeing the FrenchRiver, hiking and canoeing inAlgonquin Park and Georgian Bay.

We've planned another WhiteMountain trip for this coming Jan. 2.

Note Jim's clothing always simple,

only what is needed. The CatholicWorkers are committed to voluntarypoverty and live simply so others cansimply live. The community also triedto manage a farm for several years, andJim was a part of that project. It was aneffort to harm the environment less bygrowing one's own food and makingexcess available for others.

Jim has also been associated with asmall logging operation and bakery, inboth cases to provide essentials to thosewho cannot afford the market price.

Showing Jim surrounded by natureallows us to recognize that he is con-cerned about and has stood up for thehuman rights of many peoples.

Sheila and I joined him for twoweeks last year at Grassy Narrows Re-serve to be in solidarity with theAnishinaabe who were blockadingtheir Treaty 3 land from clear-cutting.

Jim had been to Iraq before, to docu-ment detainee abuse, and to Hebronin the occupied West Bank, to standup for Palestinian human rights.

He also has protested against thesecurity certificates that are holdingfour Muslim men in Canadian jails withno charges brought against them.These men have pleaded to their Iraqibrothers for the release of the fourChristian Peacemaker Teams hostageson humanitarian grounds.

To know Jim is to appreciate hishumanness, his passion for justice, hisconcern for others, his clarity ofthought, his willingness to do physicalwork, his delightful sense of humour,his faith as a Christian in a compas-sionate revolutionary who stood upagainst unjust political and religiousauthorities, and his inclusiveness of allpeople regardless of economic or eth-nic background which is truly small 'c'catholic, meaning universal.

This is Jim, living what he believes.The Catholic Worker Movement, ofwhich there are now more than 150communities in North America, iscommitted to non-violence, living theacts of mercy that are the cornerstoneof the Gospels, voluntary poverty,manual labour, an ecological greenrevolution and personalism - whichmeans each person working to helpevery other person.

This brief photo-glimpse of Jim mayhelp portray the depth from which hisactions flow and why his present in-volvement with the Christian Peace-maker Teams trying to reduce violenceby "getting in the way" is integrallylinked to his life journey.

Dwyer Sullivan, D.Min, lives inKitchener and is the former Director ofthe Toronto Archdiocesan Youth Corps,and administrator of the One World Glo-bal Education Programs. He recently re-tired from teaching at St. Michael HighSchool in Stratford.

Continued from pg.1

GoodWork

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Teams worldwide, and my own explo-ration in doing “good work” as ateacher and illustrator.

The Working Centre continues toinspire me. The good work of theWorking Centre and the “GoodWork News” reads just like DorothyDay’s and Peter Maurin’s vision fora society rebuilt in the shell of theold where it is easier for people to begood. The illustration continues tobe sold at 43 Queen Street where100% of the proceeds are given tothe Toronto Catholic Worker Com-munity.

Advent was a time of waiting andLent is a time of purification for Chris-tians. As Jim Loney and three otherChristian Peacemaker Team memberscontinue to be held in Iraq, and ascountless others are held in captivityall around the world, we continue towait, pray, reflect, hope and purify our

hearts in order thatthese captives beset free. Publicprayer vigils con-tinue at St. Mary’sHigh School onTuesday eveningsin the chapel, 7:30pm. All are wel-

come.

A very deep Thank You to all thosewho contributed so generously to The

Working Centre and St. John’s Kitchenduring the Christmas Season

So many donations werereceived, both large and small

that help make possible allthe projects of The Working

Centre. We appreciate all thesupport you provide to make

this work possible. In theJune issue of Good WorkNews, we look forward tothanking the many who

genenerously support thiswork.

March 2006 Good Work News Page 4

By Sarah AndersonA group of mothers, grandmothers

and a few men, all farmers, are seatedbeside me at the Ugunja CommunityResource Centre's Technical Institute.These 40 community members, knownas the Change Team, have been at-tending trainings in participatory com-munity twice a month for two years.My partner Julian and I arrived in west-ern Kenya to spend five months volun-teering, learning and developing thepartnership between UCRC and TheWorking Centre. Today we are attend-ing the Change Team graduation.

After a morning review session, thesmallest woman stands up to lead thegroup in a song:

Kawuoth nono kang'ato.Wach puonj ema okela dalaniI don't go to your home just for the

sake of going.I go with skills and information to

share.It feels good to sing with them, try-

ing to follow the dancers' rhythm asthey move in a circle.

The tin roof is heating the room inthe mid-day heat, but during this sea-son of almost daily short rains, I knowthat rain will fall on Ugunja; coolingme and watering the maize, skuma(kale), sweet potatoes, oganda (beans),bananas, sugar cane, and cassava andfruit and firewood trees growing in thehilly family farms all around us.

When I sing the words of the songlater that day, my friend says "Yes, thatis the Change Team song. They liketo sing that one." Following the song'smessage, the Change Team will sharetheir knowledge and skills with mem-bers of their groups, neighbours, friendsand family to pass on practical ideas:how to build sanitary latrines; commu-nity mobilization tools; and – impor-tant for a district where livelihoods arebased in large part on subsistence farm-ing – the latest sustainable agricultureapproach.

Christine, a Change Team memberhas offered some of her cassava to agroup of farmers as part of UCRC's cas-sava multiplication initiative. Situatedoff a narrow red dirt road, Christine'sfarm brimmed with life: fruit trees,hanging birds' nests, flowers, chickens,cattle and skuma - a mixture of heragricultural skill and the new ideas shehad gained through training.

Though less nutritious than maizeand millet, cassava is important for localfood security because of its ability to re-sist drought and pests. For several yearslocal cassava production was stoppedbecause of diseases affecting the cropand a general decrease in local soil fer-tility. To address the loss of this crop,UCRC sustainable agriculture exten-sion workers researched disease resist-ant varieties of cassava and began intro-ducing them to local farmers.

As part of the cassava multiplicationinitiative, farmers like Christine whoreceived initial cassava cuttings fromUCRC have grown them out, savingsome for their own use. The majorityof the crop is used to create morecuttings for other farmers who work

Learning at Working Centre

together using opangas to harvest andcut the cassava stalks into 4 inchcuttings. These farmers will next yearoffer part of their cassava crop for fur-ther multiplication.

UCRC applies this multiplicationmodel in all of its programs: sustain-able agriculture, women's empower-ment, communication technology,health & disability, and education.Working within Siaya District wherethe impact of HIV/AIDS and soil in-fertility causes extreme poverty, UCRCsupports people to identify and access-ing local resources to address the needsof communities, improve livelihoods,and share experiences so that otherscan do the same.

Since Julian and I arrived here inUgunja UCRC staff Charles Ogada hasleft to volunteer at The Working Cen-tre for three months. Just like in theChange Team song, we visit each oth-er's homes with skills and knowledgeto share, and an openness to learning.

Tech Award Given to CTx GreEn’sInnovative Biodiesel Project

Congratualtions to GeetaVaidyanathan and RamaniSankaranayanan for the recognitionthey have received from the TechAwards for their wotk developing bio-diesel technology in Orissa Inda. Be-fore Geeta and Ramani left for Indiathey developed their first batch of bio-diesel at The Working Centre

The Tech Awards program(www.techawards.org) inspires globalengagement in applying technologyto humanity's most pressing problemsby recognizing the best of those whoare utilizing innovative technology so-lutions to address the most urgent criti-cal issues facing our planet.

Project OverviewCTx GreEn is an abbreviation for

“Community-basedTechnologies Ex-change – fosteringGreen Energy Part-nerships.” CTxGreEn is a small vol-untary sector organiza-tion that promotes green energy tech-nologies and partnerships within thecontext of sustainable livelihoods.Their mission is to research, assess,facilitate and implement community-

based renewable (green) energyprojects in a manner that improves thetotal quality of life in the communityand the environment.

Problem AddressedAbsence of electric grid connection

in 90% of rural tribal villages in Orissa.These tribal regions are in desperateneed for infrastructure infusion andecosystem regeneration to reverselarge-scale deforestation in the after-math of large scale illicit timber log-ging and prevalent shifting agriculturepractices. Being remote there is novalue addition to forest produce or ag-riculture produce.

Technology SolutionA small-scale renewable energy sys-

tem in Orissa, India based on the uti-lization of local biomass. The sys-

tem is being implemented in 4 vil-lages, using indigenous oil seedsfor extracting oil, and wastefruits for absolute ethanol. A

pedal-driven oil seed grinder, oilseed press, and biodiesel reactor

generate biodiesel to pump water forconsumption and for irrigation. Small,remote villages using this applicationare unlikely to get an electric gridconnection in the next 15 years.

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By Charles OgadaThis article by Charles is written to

those he works with at UCRC. The part-nership between UCRC and TWC isevolving around learning and sharingsmall practical projects that build com-munity and relieve poverty. Charles re-turned to Kenya in mid February, but notbefore many people gathered to wish himwell.We will miss his knowledge and broadunderstanding of the factors of poverty.More on the partnership in the next issueof Good Work News.

On November 11th, 2005, I arrivedin Kitchener Waterloo at a local NGOknown as The Working Centre(TWC). The organization startedhumbly as is said “a journey of a thou-sand miles starts with a step” and assuch the organization began with thesimple thinking of giving the commu-nity an opportunity to create and getemployment. The organization hasgrown up gradually and organicallywith the people at heart, incorporatingdifferent programs as the need arises.Currently this organization is a majorsource of support to the communityhelping hundreds of people accessemployment, access affordable hous-ing, access at least a meal for the day,help the incoming immigrants learnEnglish and helping them find jobs.

When talking to the director, JoeMancini, he simply stated that the aimis to provide “tools for living” especiallyto those who are at the lower status inthe community (the resource poor).

It is at the middle of this challengethat I am working, sharing my experi-ences and learning. During my firstmonth there has been more learningthan contributing to the developmentof this organization. I have really tried

to apply some tools of PRA, staying withthe community, learning why they actin a certain manner and together movewith the community to create change.

Computer RefurbishingTWC has a computer recycling

project, where the community do-nates used computers. The computerrecycling coordinator assesses eachcomputer and enters the informationin a database.

This information helps in buildingup new computers, breaking otherswhich are beyond repairs and recy-cling the usable parts. This work isdone completely by volunteers whocome in a couple of days a week. Therecycled computers are sold cheaplyto the community, especially low in-come earners.

I have mainly participated in break-ing apart the computers for recyclingand selecting the re-usable parts forstorage. In doing so, I contribute mylabour and in return I learn some ba-sic hardware maintenance. I was in-terested in this project because of it’sobjectives of giving people access totechnology through providing alter-native and affordable means. At theUCRC computer lab, the challenge isthe cost of maintaining the computerlab where high maintenance costsleave computers unusable. I have beendeveloping links between computerrecycling and the UCRC computerlab exploring how to establish aninternet based clinic and sharing soft-ware, exchanging computer parts andhow to strengthen UCRC computermaintenance.

Recycle CyclesBicycles are not only affordable

means of transport; they are environ-mentally friendly, remit no carbon thatcontributes to global warming and pro-motes healthy living. Despite all thenoted advantages, many people do nothave a love for bicycle use. At TWC,there is a strong belief that bicycles areappropriate and fits well in the society.

Recycle Cycles promotes the use ofbicycle transport in the community asopposed to over reliance on cars whichis not only beyond reach by the poorbut also is destructive to our environ-ment. The community members aregiven an opportunity to come and learnabout cycling and how to maintain thebicycles. Recycle Cycles gets bicycledonations from the community andlike computer recycling, the bicycledonations are always not in good con-dition. The program coordinatorthereby works with volunteers to buildthe bicycles back to condition by whichthey can be used. Once the bicycleshave been mended, they are sold at alow cost or in exchange with other ac-

Learning atUCRC

Page 5 Good Work News March 2006

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Now Open!

There’s always somethingnew in stock!

We are constantly receiving new inven-tory. Since opening in December, ourinventory has turned over four times!

In December our doors opened with a collection of qualityused items in a beautifully renovated store. We offer goods atvery low prices, with the intent of serving the wide commu-

nity. We are accepting used goods and they can be dropped offat the back of 97 Victoria during regular hours. Pick ups bytruck are still backed up, but will be in full swing by May.

Access toTechnology

Ιntroduction to Computers(Computer Basics)

The 8-week Introduction toComputers course is designed toprovide fundamental knowledge ofcomputers to students who have hadlittle or no computer experience. Thenext session begins Wednesday, March15th, from 4-7pm. For more infor-mation or to register, contact Jess at743-1151 ext. 236.

Computer RecyclingComputer Recycling offers fully

refurbished computers at veryaffordable prices.

Monitors, printers,and other indi-vidualcompo-nents areavailable as well.

Public hours areWednesdays, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.Volunteers to help refurbish computersare also welcomed Wednesdays andFridays from 9:30am to 4pm; this is anexcellent way to learn about the innerworkings of computers. ContactCharles at 749-9177 ext. 225 for moreinformation.

English as aSecond

Language (ESL)English (ESL) Drop-ins

Practice English in an informal setting.Three options to choose from:••••• English Corner: Practice everyday

English in a supportive setting••••• Health Care English: Focus on

medical terminology andpronunciation

••••• Accounting English: Focus onpronunciation of accounting andgeneral business terminology.Held Tuesdays from 4pm-5:30pm at

43 Queen St. South. For moreinformation call Julia at 743-1151 ext. 114.

Speak English CaféPractice speaking

English in an informal,café setting. Held every

Thursday from 6-8pm at 43Queen St. S. Contact Julia at 743-1151 ext. 114.

healthSPEAKAdvanced Workplace English for

Internationally Trained Health CareProfessionals.••••• Monday, March 6th (6pm-9pm, 58

Queen St. S.) GatheringInformation

••••• Monday, March 13th (6pm-9pm,58 Queen St. S.) Small Talk as aTool for Building your Network

••••• Saturday, March 18th (10-1pm, 43Queen St. S.) Verbal and Non-verbal Therapeutic Communication

••••• Monday, March 27th (6pm-9pm,58 Queen St. S.) ExploringCommunication and Elder CareFor more information call Julia at

743-1151 ext. 114.

VolunteersInvited!

Last month, 40 volunteershelped out at WASL. A variety

of volunteer positions areavailable to contribute to thisexciting community venture!

bedscoffee & end tableskitchen furniturecabinetsdressers, magazinessmall appliancesbooks & videosdishes & cutlery

cookwarechairstoys & gamessofasmusic casettesLP recordsart and crafts...and more!

In-stock items include:

Hours:Monday - Friday:

9am - 5pmSaturday:

9am - 4pm

97 Victoria St. N.Kitchener, ON

N2H 5C1569-7566

Location:

Income Tax HelpDo you need assistance completing

your income tax return? Volunteers willbe available Wednesdays from 9am-12pm/1pm-4pm, and Thursdays from1pm to 4pm, to assist in completing taxreturns. To register in advance (re-quired), visit The Working Centre’s 58Queen St. location, or call 743-1151ext. 125 for more information.

Remember to bring all relevantpaperwork to your appointment!

tivities i.e. volunteering at the bike shop.Volunteers come to offer their serv-

ices fixing bikes and there are bicycleclinic days where people can come inwith his/her bicycle to learn how to re-pair it.

I started working at this unit learn-ing how we can extend the same con-cept to UCRC. Bicycles are a majortransport in Ugunja but not much fo-cus is ever given to supporting bicycles.

St John’s KitchenIt is hard to acknowledge and be-

lieve that in a developed economy likeCanada, some people hardly find love,food and space for self fulfilment. Thiscity is faced with many challenges rang-ing from lack of employment amongmany people, influx of immigrants, in-creased number of street families andpeople with mental disabilities. Thesepeople find it hard to access meals, lovefrom business minded community andaccess to medical care.

St. John’s community Kitchen pro-vides meals and a sense of belonging.The Kitchen provides an opportunityfor people to volunteer, get informationand forge linkages with numerousprojects. Many activities are integratedin this kitchen from health care, socialsupport to counselling that leads to trans-formation of life and characters.

I have been working with staff in theKitchen to contribute my time and la-bour to support the manual work re-quired. I have also been spending timewith people who come for the services,to learn and understand the circum-stances in which they live.

The big question occurring in mymind is, “how can we transfer such anactivity to Ugunja and help the manyfamilies who go hungry always, the chil-dren headed household and the eld-

erly?”. I take this opportunity to appre-ciate the sober thinking that led to ini-tiation of this Kitchen. This has beenchallenging especially working with thepeople who have been ejected from theirfamilies due to various pressures such asdrug addiction, war in their countriesof origin, mental disability and economicinstability.

What strikes me and motivates meabout this unit is how the beneficiariestake up leadership and ensuring order.They also offer to contribute their time,energy and participate in the process ofpreparing the meals and clearing thefacilities. Sometimes they organize forentertainments activities such as choir,piano playing and they really enjoy andfeel free from the stresses they face.

Job Search CounsellingCommunity development involves a

lot of counselling work that aims at walk-ing people from situation of crisis to com-fort. TWC reaches out by providingpeople with an opportunity to come andmeet dedicated and experienced coun-sellors. The counsellors help membersof the community to get jobs by work-ing together in developing resumes, setjob expectations, linkages and referralsto possible employment opportunities.People from all walks of life drop at TWCfor these services, the counsellors’ sup-port them towards attaining self actu-alization, the counsellors too feel moti-vated and enjoy giving out the services.

To enhance the quality of work andimprove on skills, the counsellors havedeveloped a tool that guides the processand ensures harmony at TWC. Coun-sellors have a weekly meeting at whichthey share experiences, receive updatesfrom colleagues and spare some mo-ments to improve on their skills learningtogether.

March 2006 Good Work News Page 6

Whole Food BoxCommunity Supported AgricultureBringing the farm to Downtown Kitchener!

Job Search WorkshopsFocus Your Job Search

Now that you have a resume, howdo you use it more effectively? Work-shops are on Wednesday, March 8thand 22nd, from 2-3pm, and are heldat 43 Queen St. S. Contact David Vat 749-9177 ext. 232 for details.

Job Search Support Group

Are you working hard at finding ajob and feeling like you are gettingnowhere? Join others in the same po-sition on Tuesdays from 9:15-10:30amand add structure to your job search.Held at 43 Queen St. S. Everyone wel-come. Contact Karen J. at 749-9177ext. 230 for more information.

Apprenticeship InformationSeries: Construction Trades

Interested in pursuing a trade?Want information about the trades?Explore the possibilities…. Wednes-day, March 8th, from 4-6pm atLutherwood, 165 King St. E. Call Ireneat 749-9177 ext. 237 for information.

Job Interview Workshop -SPARing at Interviews

Learn the formula for success in in-terviews on Wednesday, March 15th,from 2-3:30pm. Held at 43 Queen St.S. Contact Sean at 749-9177 ext. 240for more information.

Job Search PortfoliosLearn how to effectively create and

use a portfolio to prove your knowl-edge, skills and abilities. Monday,March 13th, from 2-3:30 pm at 43Queen St. S. Call Fauzia at 749-9177ext. 239 for details.

The Whole Food Box CSA programis a successful initiative that links 12small local farms in the Waterloo Re-gion with downtown residents. TheCommunity Supported Agriculturemodel means that mem-bers pay for their boxes inadvance of the season,allowing farmers topurchase the seeds,tools and suppliesthat are needed atthe beginning of thegrowing year. Boxes con-tain top quality organically grown pro-duce, as well as fresh herbs, berries,flowers and more. Being a non-profitprogram, the CSA is able to pay fair

prices to the growers, while at the sametime offer affordable prices to members,many of who may not access fresh or-ganic produce otherwise. Members “livealong” with the farm, getting to know

the ups & downs of the grow-ing season through their

weekly boxes, newsletterupdates, and farm tours.The Working Centre’snew commercialkitchen also offers op-portunities to learn

skills for cooking, canningand preserving with contents from thebox. Some CSA shares still available for2006 – to register or find out more con-tact Karin Kliewer at 743-1151 ext. 113.

Volunteer Position:Whole Food Box CSA Driver Needed

Currently the Whole Food Box CSA program is searching for a part-time driver. This driver would be responsible for picking up weekly CSAboxes 1-2 mornings per week from June through December, handlingquality control of produce at the pick-up sites, passing feedback to thegrowers, organizing bulk order pick-ups, and working closely with theCSA coordinator. This position requires reliability, organization, goodcommunication skills, knowledge and/or interest related to organicgrowing, ability to lift heavy bushels of vegetables, a valid driver’s license,and (ideally) access to a van or mini-van. Driver would be paid a monthlystipend, and remunerated for gas and mileage costs. All interestedcandidates please contact Karin Kliewer at 743-1151 ext. 113.

Maurita’sKitchen

VolunteersNeeded!

Maurita’s Kitchen, the new com-mercial kitchen facility at 66

Queen, is ready for production!Kitchen volunteers will be busy

Monday through Friday preparinghealthful meals made with seasonal

ingredients. Foods will includepizzas, dips, wholegrain breads,salads and baked goods. Thekitchen will offer training as

necessary, including food prep andfood handling skills. Interestedvolunteers please contact KarinKliewer at 743-1151 ext. 113.

By Joe ManciniWe continue to be overwhelmed

by the promising, yet large task ofcompletely revitalizing two old ware-house buildings in downtownKitchener. This is truly a projectwhere we repeat the song fromBrother Sun and Sister Moon – “stepby step, stone by stone, take your timego slowly”. This is not because we aredreamily going about the work. Thedetails of these projects, so often in-tersecting with professional rule mak-ing, enforced through the fire andbuilding code, ensures that every de-cision has to be drawn and redrawn,checked and double checked, in-spected and reinspected.

But the frustrations of a commu-nity group trying to navigate the struc-tures of the building industry, is just apiece of the story. What is enliveningis the hard work and effort that is tak-ing place at every level of theseprojects. Our main source of labourhas been through Service Canada’sJob Creation Partnership that allowsus to hire workers with a desire to gainwork experience on a constructionproject. We provide training for a 6month period. Over the last two years,with two different projects, we haveassisted over 30 individuals to eitherlearn about, or relearn, the daily re-alities of a construction site. Our sec-ond main source of labour has beenthrough Job Café, using funds allo-

cated from Trillium and a CanadianCrime Prevention grant. 35 individu-als through Job Café have providedbasic construction labour on jobs suchas moving materials, demolition, sitecleanup, insulating, etc.

What has been accomplished? Theexteriors of 66 Queen and 97 Victoriahave both been transformed. There isstill significant work on both proper-ties to be completed, but at this pointthey have been greatly improved. At97 Victoria, we started the construc-tion work in the late spring and wewere able to gain partial occupancyfrom the building department for themain floor during the first week ofDecember. We opened Worth a Sec-ond Look on Monday December 14th

to a flood of customers waiting for thereopening. Everyone comments on thedramatic improvement in the ambi-ance of the store as a result of therenovation. Currently we are stillworking on the back 2,500 square feetof the main floor. By the next GoodWork News in early June we expectthat St. John’s Kitchen will havemoved onto the second floor. As ofMarch 1st the ceiling has beendrywalled, the walls framed and soonthe walls will be drywalled. We havea large job ahead of us taping,mudding and installing flooring in thenew space for St. John’s Kitchen. Weare hoping to recruit volunteers dedi-cated to helping us mud and paint

Construction Update66 Queen and 97 Victoria

this space over the next two months.At 66 Queen, on Monday March

6th we finally open up the new spaceand received occupancy on the mainfloor and basement. The employmentcounsellors have moved into thespace and soon enough the main floorof 58 Queen and 66 Queen will beone big employment resource spacethat already typically serves up to 200people per day. Slowly the computerrecycling and training project willmove into the basement of 66 Queenand Maurita’s Kitchen is moving intofull production (see recruitment adfor volunteers on this page). As wecomplete the move for St. John’sKitchen all effort will then transferto building the apartments on the sec-ond floor at 66 Queen that are alsotaking shape.

In all, a great deal of activity andvision have been dedicated to thesecommunity revitalization projects.

Recycle CyclesBasic Bicycle Maintenance and

Repair Workshop

A 3-part workshop will introduceyou to the basics of bicycle mainte-nance and repair.Sessions are onWednesdays,March 8th,15th, and 22ndfrom 5:30 - 7:00.The cost is $20 (B$accepted).

Public Hours: Every Tues. 11-4 pm/Wed. 1-4/Sat. 10- 2 pm. Fix your ownbike with volunteer support. Reservea spot in advance. Some extra publictimes are available - call to book.

Volunteer Hours: Thursdays 1-4pm, and Fridays 11-2 pm. Bike Sale:Mar. 25th, 10-2pm.

To register for the workshop, or formore information, contact Kari at 749-9177 ext. 222.

Call Greg at 575-1041

Volunteer Positions:Tapers and Painting

We are in the final stagesof construction to relocate

St. John’s Kitchen at 97Victoria.

Can you help us out withtaping, sanding and

painting?

Page 7 Good Work News March 2006

Alternative Work Calalogue

The New Northern GardenerJennifer BennettOriginally published as The Harrowsmith Northern Gardener, JenniferBennett’s first book was often seen as the only available wisdom onorganic growing in climate-challenged sites. Features an enhancedherb section and updated sources and a new chapter on perennialand annual flowers, including an annotated listing of more than 100hardy species that will flourish in a northern garden. The NewNorthern Gardener is the leading reference for planting and

maintaining vegetable, herb and flower gardens across Canada for years to come.255 pages GM07 $26.70 softcover

Four-Season HarvestOrganic Vegetables from Your Garden All Year LongEliot ColemanEliot Coleman now shows you how to produce fresh, delicious,healthy food from your home garden year-round. He shows you howto harvest organically-grown vegetables throughout the coldestmonths in all climate zones with very little extra time or effort. Hissuccess depends on growing a large variety of vegetables eachsuited to its season, and on simple, inexpensive designs for cold

frames, unheated mobile green houses, and root cellars. 234 pages SU09 $34.95 softcover

FarmageddonFood and Culture of BiotechnologyBrewster KeenBrewster Kneen's powerful book looks at the impact of biotechnology onlocal economies. Biotechnology advances have been shrouded in secrecy,and through careful public relations management by the industry, thegeneral public remains ignorant to the potentially destructive reality ofbiotechnology. Kneen, a former farmer, sheds light on this mysteriousindustry and explains the importance of local community farming and

the integral relationship between land, community and farmer.231 pages GC04 $19.95 softcover

Growing Your Herb BusinessBertha ReppertBertha Reppert shares the story of how she launched The RosemaryHouse, a Pennsylvania herb and spice shop in business for more than 25years. She shares her secrets for developing a broad range of herbalproducts and includes imaginative ideas for effective packaging, hostingspecialseasonal events, wholesaling and mail order catalogue sales.

186 pages GC05 $24.95 softcover

Sharing the HarvestA Guide to Community Supported AgricultureElizabeth Henderson with Robyn Van EnThe premise of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is simple:create a partnership between local farmers and nearby consumerswho become subscribers in support of the farm. CSA members pay inadvance and receive the freshest, healthiest produce throughoutthe season and keep money, jobs and farms local. This is a how-tomanual while placing CSA’s in the broad context of preserving

farmland and growing healthy food.254 pages SU10 $26.95 softcover

The Way of TransitionEmbracing Life’s Most Difficult MomentsWilliam BridgesA memorial to all who have suffered loss and struggled through thetrials of transition, this beautifully written, and uplifting story of theauthor’s journey from darkness to light provides insights into unexpectedpassages that shape our lives.

226 pages RW05 $19.95 softcover

Going LocalCreating Self-Reliant Communities in a Global AgeMichael H. ShumanDetails how dozens of communities are regaining control over theireconomies by employing three new kinds of strategies: investing in locallyowned businesses, focusing on import-replacing rather that export-leddevelopment, and asking the federal government for more power.

318 pages SB14 $26.95 hardcover

Becoming HumanJean VanierJean Vanier, founder of L’Arche, an international network of communitiesfor people with disabilities, shares his profoundly human vision for creatinga common good that radically changes our communities, our relationships,and ourselves. He proposes that by opening ourselves to outsiders, thosewe perceive as weak, different, or inferior, we can achieve true personaland societal freedom. By embracing weakness, we learn new ways ofliving and discover greater compassion, trust, and understanding.

166 pages WC05 $17.95 softcover

Your Money or Your LifeTransforming Your Relationship with Money andAchieving Financial IndependenceJoe Dominguez and Vicki RobinDoes money own you? Do you spend more than you earn? Do you dislikeyour job but can’t afford to leave it? There’s a big difference between“making a living” and making a life. Dominguez and Robin took backtheir lives by gaining control of their money. In this book they explainhow you can do the same.

364 pages PE02 $19.95 softcover

Making a Living While Making a DifferenceThe Expanded Guide to Creating Careers with aConscienceMelissa EverettThis completely revised second edition updates the expanding careeropportunities in socially responsible and green business, industry,commerce, and non-profits. Professional career counsellor Melissa Everettguides the reader through a 10-step program for career developmentthat stresses personal fulfillment, integrity, and contribution using

personal, social, and environmental values as the driving force for career decisions.231 pages BA03 $24.95 softcover

The Community Bake OvenA Community Process for Building a Bread OvenGeeta Vaidyanathan and Karin Kliewer This handbook is intended to be a guide that will facilitatecommunity groups in designing and building a masonry oventhat meets their needs. The Working Centre and the QueenStreet Bake Oven project share the story of how an inexperiencedgroup of volunteers was able to build a beautiful oven, and howa community can come together for a common project. Incorporating journal text, step-by-step practicalinformation, photos, drawings, resources and some necessarymeasurements, this handbook provides the basic information

and encouragement needed for more community bake oven projects to begin. Regardless of the style of community oven you decide to build, you can be assured thatanytime the wood-fire is stoked, the first baking goes in, and the tantalizing smells start towaft through the air, the same magic will happen as diverse people start to gather aroundto share their ingredients, skills and stories.

50 pages GB02 $20.00 softcover

Live Simply GuideA Simplicity Circle Study Guide for the Water-loo RegionEdited by Fiona HeathThis study guide helps a small number of people (6-10) towork and learn together without need of moutside resourcesor leaders. This guide provides all necessary information tostart a circle of your own, including practical organizationaltips, facilitation skills, and healthy conversation habits.It is intended to support people interested in learning moreabout voluntary simplicy and putting it into practice in theirown lives. The texts, from both local and international authors,

illustrate the diverse range of lifestyles and concerns within the simplicy movement.91 pages SL07 $20.00 softcover

The Alternative Work Catalogue is now on-line atwww.theworkingcentre.org and is a great resource for:

♦ supporting small and home business entrepreneurs;♦ helping people through job search and career change

to find their most inspiring and rewarding work;♦ community and spiritual development.

You can place orders by mail, fax or phone - see the back pageorder form. We try to ship all order within a day or two dependingon availability. Feel free to call us about special orders. AWC books are also available at The Front Window - The Work-ing Centre’s gift store at 43 Queen St. S. in Kitchener. All proceedsfrom this catalogue go to Working Centre Projects.

The Working PoorInvisible in AmericaDavid K. ShiplerThe Working Poor looks at the "forgotten America" where "millionslive in the shadow of prosperity, in the twilight between poverty andwell-being." For many, the American Dream lies well out of reach,despite a willingness to work hard. Shipler interviews working peopleto gain an intimate view of a life of constant struggle, dead-end jobs,and social (un)assistance. The author looks too at possible solutions to

mass near-poverty from a governmental, business, community and individual perspective.319 pages AB12 $38.00 hardcover

March 2006 Good Work News Page 8

Alternative Work Catalogue

Flex AppealAn Inspirational to Flexible Work for MothersJacqueline FoleyThis book shows mothers that they can have more time with theirchildren by turning to flexible work. It will show you how to: create apersonal vision of work/family balance; figure out the right flexiblework arrangement; prepare a compelling proposal and pitch it to yourboss and adjusting to taking one foot off the career track.

163 pages SC40 $19.95 softcover

Zen and the Art of Making a LivingA Practical Guide to Creative Career DesignLaurence G. BoldtFor career consultant Laurence Boldt everyone is the artist of hisor her own life. In this comprehensive, useful and potentially life-changing book, he offers a new vision of work. The first part isabout identifying work that is deeply satisfying. The second partprovides practical, active steps to finding or creating that idealwork. With over 500 quotations from sages of every stripe, and

120 easy-to-use worksheets, this book goes far beyond other career guides in helping youwiden the horizons of what is possible - then focus in to make the ideal real.

367 pages PE01 $25.99 softcover

Outwitting the Job MarketEverything You Need to Know to Locate and Land aGreat PositionChandra PrasadYou’ll learn the basics on resume and cover letter construction, how andwhen to network, tricks to winning over an interviewer, and tactics forenhancing your marketability. You will find advice from human resourcespersonnel, career counselors, recruiters, and hiring managers fromcompanies large and small. You’ll also learn from other people’s

mistakes—what not to do along the path to your dream job.245 pages JH46 $19.95 softcover

How to Start a Home-based Craft BusinessKenn OberrechtSuccessful home-based woodworker, Kenn Oberrecht, shares hisexperiences and advice to help you estimate your start-up costs,manage your cash flow, and stay profitable once in business. Frompainless record keeping to finding craft supplies on the Internet, hisstep-by-step methods are practical and undestandalble. Includeshandy worksheets, quizzes, and checklists. Learn how to earn aliving or just make extra money from crafts like jewelry making, folk

art, silk-screening, pottery, etc.247 pages CI02 $29.95 softcover

The Everything Resume BookGreat Resumes for Everyone from Student toExecutiveSteven GraberWhether you’re writing your first resume, or are an old prolooking for new insights, this book has what you are looking for.Topics include: resume basics; the do’s and don’ts; resumemakeovers; electronic resumes; plus additional job search infoand over 200 sample resumes.

301 pages JH40 $22.95 softcover

The Job Hunter’s Word FinderThe Complete Guide to Key Words and Phrases forResumes, Cover Letters, Interviews, and Job DescriptionsJames BluemondThis is a guide to key words and phrases for resumes, cover letters,interviews and job descriptions. Includes the latest “buzzwords” andindustry-specific terms for more than 100 careers. Thousands ofsynonyms for overused words. Handy reference for career counsellorsand anyone writing resumes.

217 pages JH13 $21.95 softcover

Job Hunting for the So-Called HandicappedOr People Who Have DisabilitiesRichard Nelson Bolles and Dale Susan BrownGuides readers through the often frustrating, but ultimately rewardingprocess of securing independence in their lives and careers. Theauthors begin with job-hunting strategies tailored specifically to peoplewith disabilities. Thoroughly revised and expanded to reflect thecontemporary job market, this is an indispensable resource for the nextgeneration of job-hunters with disabilities.

159 pages AB09 $20.95 softcover

The Interview KitThird EditionRichard H. BeattyThe best sales people find out first what their prospects need, thenadapt their product to satisfy those needs. This classic sales strategyis at the heart of this approach to interviewing. This book shows howto take control of the interview by encouraging the interviewer todiscuss their criteria before you concentrate on your skills. Beattyoffers invaluable insight on how to handle the 50 toughest questions

anyone will ever face in an interview.248 pages WI09 $22.95 softcover

Starting Out, Starting OverFinding the Work that’s Waiting for YouLinda PetersonPeterson helps you address the most important issue in everycareer decision - understanding who you are and what motivatesyou. Identify your personal style and transferable skills, recognizethe core dynamic impulses that drive your interests andmotivation, and pinpoint areas to enhance your personal andprofessional effectiveness.

208 Pages CP20 $23.95 softcover

When You Lose Your JobLaid Off - Fired - Early Retired - Relocated - Demoted -UnchallengedCliff HakimWhen You Lose Your Job is a creative guide to overcoming job loss -or preparing for a future job change. It provides detailed guidanceon what to do - emotionally and practically - when you are laid off,fired, retired early, dissatified, or searching for a new career path.Unlike other career books it is written as a story, providing a

personal, revealing account of an individual's shock, fears, struggles, and eventualsuccesses over the months following job loss.

254 pages WI13 $23.95 softcover