CEO Covenant House Vancouver. Adjunct Professor UBC. Global Health/Mum/Proud Canadian🇨🇦 I believe that access to health & social services is a human right.
Victoria/Vancouver BC/Seattle
Joined April 2013
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Deborah(Deb)Lester retweeted
On Christmas morning in 2013 I was asleep in a cold doorway in the Downtown Eastside.
A woman I didn’t know woke me up, gave me a coffee, a hug, 50 dollars, wished me a "Merry Christmas" and walked away. I was shocked to say the least, and I have never seen her again.
I’ve never forgotten that kind stranger — I think about her all the time, especially during the holidays. I’ve put out numerous calls on social media but no response, yet. If I could meet her again I’d tell her that she gave me hope in a very dark time, and that I try to pay that kindness forward everyday.
This year through friends, family, and @AToddlegacy I've collected over $2,000 and it's all going to the youth at Covenant House. Today I’m bringing my kids and we’re giving $20 dollars to each young person there to make Christmas a little easier.
Merry Christmas everyone. When you’re celebrating with family and friends please spare a thought for those who are less fortunate. My wish for next year is that we can all try for a little more compassion. #MerryChristmas #WeDoRecover #KindnessMatters
Deborah(Deb)Lester retweeted
Two of my favorite people! Covenant House has been addressing all social determinants of health and providing human connection to our most vulnerable youth who struggle with homelessness and social isolation. I am a HUGE supporter of their services. #HumanConnection
We always look forward to our time with @guyfelicella 🙏 We are so grateful for your unwavering support of those in our community and beyond. Here’s to locking arms united in our mission. #Gratitude
Deborah(Deb)Lester retweeted
Harm reduction 101.
Do bike helmets and seatbelts stop car crashes from happening? NO! But, they definitely reduce the harms that are caused by crashing.
Does harm reduction change the unregulated toxic drug supply ? NO! But, it definitely reduces the harms, brain injuries, and deaths that are caused by it.
Harm reduction doesn't eliminate harm, it reduces harm! #harmreductionsavelives #bcpoli
Deborah(Deb)Lester retweeted
Holidays can be a difficult time for those who are struggling.
Celebrate #GivingTuesday by supporting youth who are experiencing homelessness.
Learn more about how you can get involved and make a difference, during our Hope for the Holidays campaign: covenanthousebc.org/?p=16808.
Deborah(Deb)Lester retweeted
Addiction is not a result of poor choices; it is often the result of untreated trauma and using substances is an effort to distract from the pain that's living within.
A "rock bottom" isn't necessary for change; human connection, opportunity, patience, and readily available resources are! #Wedorecover #connection
Deborah(Deb)Lester retweeted
Thrilled to have 1700+ healthcare workers from 119 countries around the world tune in for the 1st session of our new tele-mentoring program, "Foundations of Critical Care"! If you missed it, slides and recording of the session are available 👉buff.ly/498mIya. See details of Session 2 on Hypovolemic Shock⬇️ and register today! buff.ly/3ZnoYOK @stanesglobal
Deborah(Deb)Lester retweeted
Check out this clip of @DebALester @RBC talking to @simisara980 from @CKNW, about #CHSleepOut and how much was raised.
We are #grateful for everyone's support of vulnerable youth in the community.
Deborah(Deb)Lester retweeted
Scenes from an incredible evening at Sleep Out, where local business leaders are giving up their beds for a night to raise funds and awareness for homeless youth. 💙
We’ll look forward to hearing their reflections tomorrow morning!
#CHSleepOut
Deborah(Deb)Lester retweeted
Tonight, we are sharing our newly renovated Rights of Passage building with our donors.
You can learn more about this program here: covenanthousebc.org/programs….
#CHVROP
Deborah(Deb)Lester retweeted
While in Rights of Passage, youth live in their own studio-style apartments.
#CHVROP
Deborah(Deb)Lester retweeted
Research has shown that physical activity is highly beneficial for our mental health, in addition to providing many physiological benefits.
Among its amenities, the renovated Rights of Passage building has a fitness room.
#CHVROP
Deborah(Deb)Lester retweeted
Howard Grant, father of CHV Board member Wade Grant, spoke about the shift in homelessness in Vancouver since the 50s.
“They [youth] don't know who to talk to, who is a friend. And now Covenant House has established that sense of family.”
#CHVROP
Deborah(Deb)Lester retweeted
@DebALester, CEO of CHV, said: “This is a shared dream with you, our incredible community, who locked arms with us united in a vision to bring the very best to youth on their journey towards health and well being.”
Thank you for joining us this evening!
#CHVROP
Deborah(Deb)Lester retweeted
Today is #WorldMentalHealthDay2024.
This week, CHV’s CEO, @DebALester, was in Geneva, at the @WHO Mental Health Forum in Geneva.
Learn more about this day on our latest blog post: covenanthousebc.org/?p=16650.
Deborah(Deb)Lester retweeted
Mental health impacts everyone, and it’s perfectly okay to ask for help when you need it. Whether that means talking to a friend, reaching out to a professional, or taking a little time for yourself, every action helps.
Deborah(Deb)Lester retweeted
August 19 is #WorldHumanitarianDay, a reminder to advocate for those who are in crisis and for the safety and security of aid workers. Read more about #WorldHumanitarianDay in our latest blog post covenanthousebc.org/2024/08/… #ActForHumanity
Deborah(Deb)Lester retweeted
👏 Congratulations to CHV Board member @terryyungyvr, recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal! 🏅
Terry received this honour for his dedicated service as an Honorary Aide-de-Camp since 2021.
Learn more about Terry and this award here 👉: ltgov.bc.ca/king-charles-iii….
Deborah(Deb)Lester retweeted
Our CEO, @DebALester, attended the @WHO’s World Health Assembly, whose focus this year was on adolescent and youth health.
In a letter to CHV, Deb shares her experiences and the importance of working together as a global community.
Read more: covenanthousebc.org/?p=16355.
Deborah(Deb)Lester retweeted
Young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Vancouver can now access 44 new homes. 🏡
@CovenantHouseBC gives young people hope, a safe place to sleep, access to services, and clinical supports to help set them up for a successful future. 🙌🏾
👉🏾news.gov.bc.ca/31325
Deborah(Deb)Lester retweeted
Applications for the 2025 North America Leadership Journey are now open!
This fully funded 12-month program offers mid-career women in global health a space to explore authentic leadership.
If you value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and want to expand your influence while paying it forward, apply by July 31: bit.ly/NAJourney2025
