The impact of Emmanuel Pentecostal Church in New Westminster

Emmanuel Pentecostal Church (EPC) is the oldest church in New Westminster, and provides a number of community programs with an emphasis on the inclusion of new immigrants. In addition to clothing and food drives for the homeless, this intercultural church conducts community outreach programs and works with other community groups. With a young working congregation, EPC meets a much-needed “niche” service for its community. It provides an annual daycare service for up to 65 children, which allows their parents to stay employed and remain financially sustainable.

EPC relies on its congregation, donations and Vancity for the financing of its operating costs. The annual cost of the daycare program alone is $400,000. Vancity’s support of EPC includes a longstanding relationship and various loans totalling nearly $2 million to date.