Executive Director

Marcia Nozick is the founder of EMBERS, a lecturer in Community Economic Development at Simon Fraser University and the author of No Place Like Home: Sustainable Communities and well known in CED in Canada.

"Miracles happen when people are given skills, tools and opportunities to start a new life. Confidence grows, people change and the world is a better place for all of us.

EMBERS has a mission to create economic and employment opportunities for marginalized and disadvantaged people in the Downtown Eastside and inner-city of Vancouver. Our clients include immigrants, First Nations, single parents, recovering addicts and people with disabilities. Many of our clients are rebuilding their lives.

We have served over 500 people since 2004. This past year alone, we worked with 75 individiuals on developing and growing their businesses. Over this time, I saw ideas shaped into plans, plans blossom into businesses and businesses grow to provide a source of income for individuals and families.

Our EMBERS Staffing Solutions Program helps graduates of drug and alcohol recovery programs to transition into the workforce and reintegrate into society. This year, we hired 65 individuals and supported them in the process of getting back to work clean and sober.

Please help EMBERS in its efforts to make change possible for those in need."