Pearl What are the main services of- fered by North Shore Community Services? ‘‘The agency has four main functions: to eccruit and co- ordinate voluntects; to provide legal information for low income residents; to give legai and finan- cial assistance by providing legal information, information about income tax, and doing advocacy work with elder abuse; providing community information and refer- rals.*” How does North Shere Communi- ty Services decide ox what services to offer? ‘‘The board allows the staff te be flexible in our inter- pretation of what the community needs. We work closely with members cf the community and because of that, we’ve been able to keep our programs really ac- countable to the community.” What’s the agency’s main pur- pose? ‘*To link residents with ser- vices. We want to make sure that the most vulnerable adults in the community live successfully and independently. We want to create opportunities for them to remain active in the community.”’ What kind of geople are most often subjected to abuse? ‘‘People who are isolated. For example, when I was a mother at home, things would loom out of propor- tion — if { had a dentist ap- psintment two weeks away I'd fuss over it. 1 was most vulnerable then. I didn’t have a iot of sup- port. Our goal isto reach out to single moms, the disabled, elderly people and people with mental handicaps.’’ So ia aif the time you’ve worked for North Shore Community Ser- vices, am: abusive man has never called the agency for heip? ‘No. We have a tot of men who are angry call us, but it’s usually because their wife has taken their child and gone to a_ transition house. Some men think that if their marriage breaks down, they deserve a fresh start and don’t * ESTATE JEWELLERY * Ladies’ 18kt Diamond : Rolex Watch Always purchasing * Consignment welcome 1730 MARINE DR., WEST VANCOUVER HIGH PROF! Sunday, December 15, 1991 - North Shore News - 25 McKenzie - in her own words ATS WEEK 2D. YOUR EVERY MC PEARL MCKENZIE looks over a letter with North Shore Community Services receptionist Suli Jamal. have any responsibility to their families.”” How do you like working with oider women? ‘‘They’re wonderful to work with because they actually make decisions to change abusive situations more readily than younger women. It’s probably because they do treasure their lives more. If they’re offered sood, practical advice, they'll usually act on it.”” Are mast elders who call North ANN & ROBERT a Professional Team. We know how to get your home SUTTON GROUP WEST COAST REALTY Call 966-9321 or 888-2186 Complete your list with our Stocking Stuffers Sunglass Sale Gift Certificates See us for ideas! Have a Wonderful Holiday Season Phil, Mary, Paul, Nina 1685 Marine Drive, West Vancouver, B.C. V7V 1J2 Telephone (604) 925-2110 Shore Community Services candid about what is happening to them? “*They never come right out and say they’re being abused. So, we have to look behind their ques- tions and try to work with them to find out the real problem.’’ What changes have you brought to the agency? ‘In management NEWS photo Miks Waketieid style, we now have more of a feminist model. 1 share more of the decision-making. It’s more of a team approach to running the agency.”’ Let Us Make You Look Good |f Under the Tree FREE, Well be wrapping your Capilano Mall purchases FREE OF CHARGE Now until Dec 24th. Visit our Free Gift Wrapping Centre located in the North East Wing next to the Capilano Mall ..More Ch, Information Booth. $i.“ ey ristmas For Your Green. 935 MARINE DRIVE., (NEXT TO DAVE BUCK FORD) NORTH VANCOUVER. MONDAY-FRIDAY 10-9, SATURDAY 9:30-5:30, SUNDAY NOON-5.