Spirit at Work presents

Thursday, June 18th, 2009             12:00 - 1:30 p.m. Spirituality and Homelessness with Judy Graves, Coordinator, Tenant Assistance Program, City of Vancouver Does your spiritual heart reach out to people of all income levels? Many people view development projects as a valued sign of a city’s progress, revitalization and economic growth. But few consider the impact that such change and expansion can have on the homeless and low-income tenants. Who considers the needs of these urban-dwellers when slick architectural plans are unveiled? And what does a city’s treatment of the homeless reveal about its spiritual health and well-being? Judy Graves has worked with Vancouver’s homeless for more than 30 years. Her official city hall mandate is “to mitigate the impact of development on low-income tenants and the homeless." Yet her personal, lifetime goal is that all people in Canada have access to clean water, nutritious food, and a safe, private home.  Judy also sees her position as a spiritual calling. “Working for a secular employer in a wealthy democracy, my loyalties to country, employer and Christ come together,” she says. “I have found Christ present in the people of the street, and I am moved forward always by Jesus’ words: ‘As you do for the least of these...'”  Join us to hear a passionate woman who works hard and cares deeply for people 'on the street' in Vancouver.                click here to RSVP   -or-  phone: 604.685-6560 DATE:           Thursday, June 18, 2009  –  12:00 - 1:30 pm LOCATION:   Main Floor, Conference Rooms, Terasen Building,                      1111 W. Georgia St. (at Thurlow), Vancouver Cost:             Without lunch: $10                      With lunch:  non-members - $20;  members - $15 Lunch:          Catered sandwiches, salad, tea and coffee                         ____________________________ About Our Speaker: Judy Graves received an honourary Doctorate of Laws from the University of British Columbia in May 2009. This summer, she will act as an expert witness regarding the homeless in a court challenge to the Election Act. In 2008, she received the Reg Robson Award from the BC Civil Liberties Association and an honourary Doctorate of Sacred Letters from Corpus Christi College. She was also the featured speaker (in May 2008) at the national Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast in Ottawa. Judy has worked with Vancouver's homeless since 1974, and in the Downtown East Side since 1979. She coordinates City Hall's Tenant Assistance Program, where her assigned mandate is to mitigate the impact of development on low-income tenants and the homeless. She says, "I feel honoured to be able to do God's work in a secular setting." Judy is mother of journalist Pieta Woolley and “Grandmomma” of Baby David Woolley. Her second grandchild is due in early August.               click here to RSVP   or phone: 604-685-6560