Our history
The Kettle Society began in 1976, and is the cumulative result of the contributions of hundreds of clients, tenants, members, board directors, staff, volunteers and community services.
When the Riverview Hospital downsized in 1970, it left many people living with mild to severe mental health issues without resources and support in the community. In response, a group of 20 individuals prepared a brief addressing the need to develop a support service for people who were, or had been, receiving psychiatric treatment in the community.
The mandate of this group was to provide support as a complement to existing treatment facilities by attempting to enrich lives, broaden personal and social horizons, and encourage participation in community life.
“Through The Kettle’s development, its core principles and philosophy haven’t changed. They’ve kept an ongoing commitment to the clients and the community it stands for.”
SEED worker
Why “The Kettle”?
In a culture where so much revolves around socializing over a cup of coffee or tea, our name represented exactly what we hoped to infuse into an organization: friendship, caring, family, belonging, and sharing.
While tea was being prepared, the newly formed group of volunteers/members brainstormed what our name should be, shouting out ideas. “Kettle!” Someone yelled, to indicate that the water was boiling on the stove. After the ideas were gathered, the suggestions were read back. And much to everyone’s amusement, “Kettle” made the list. Upon further reflection, the volunteers realized that a kettle was the perfect symbol.
“Most people wanted to kick me to the curb, and at The Kettle Society they accept me as a human being.”
Kettle member
Our timeline
1976 - The Kettle Society is formed
1977 - First centre opened at 944 Commercial Drive
1988 - Centre moved to 1993 Commercial Drive
1989 - The Kettle Society acquired four unstaffed homes to offer supportive housing
1994 - Purchased a building for the new centre (an old egg factory)
1996 - The new drop-in centre opened at 1725 Venables Street
1997 - Opened Peggy’s Place, Canada’s first 10-bed transition home for women
2000 - Homeless Outreach Program (HOP) is created
2001 - Supported Employment Program (SEED) is created
2003 - Inaugural Art Against Stigma Art Show
2008 - Inaugural Kettle camping trip
2014 - Kettle on Burrard opens
2016 - The Kettle Society celebrates 40th anniversary
2017 - ID bank opens
2018 - Kettle choir performs in first ever professional opera piece, Requiem for a Lost Girl
