Rae-Anne Guenther, Author at The Discourse.

A computer displays a draft document with text blurred out and the words "What's happening at Haven?"

Reporter’s Notebook: Why The Discourse investigated the workplace environment at Haven Society

By Rae-Anne Guenther ● Nanaimo ● May 12, 2023

When community members asked The Discourse to look into alleged workplace toxicity at Haven, ethical considerations were top of mind.

The front entrance of Haven Society framed in shadow by two trees.

Former and current staff at Haven Society allege ‘toxic environment’ breaks from the nonprofit’s feminist values

By Rae-Anne Guenther ● Nanaimo ● May 12, 2023

For 45 years, Haven Society has served as a safe harbour for women and children fleeing abuse. Now current and past employees say it’s time for healing from within the organization.

A Black woman standing combs hair away from another Black woman who is sitting.

Nanaimo business braids connection for Black community

By Rae-Anne Guenther ● Nanaimo ● March 1, 2023

Ophélie Kacoutié’s business Braids Nanaimo connects people with African roots through the art of braiding.

Downtown Nanaimo street shows Literacy Central Vancouver Island.

Explainer: How to get non-profit governance back on track

By Rae-Anne Guenther ● Vancouver Island ● November 24, 2022

When local non-profits fall apart, the whole community suffers. Executive directors and board members share how to support non-profit governance long term.

The tip of a kayak is shown with a full kayak to the left of frame on the ocean with a forested island in background.

Against the current: This kayaking filmmaker captures community-led solutions for the environment

By Rae-Anne Guenther ● Nanaimo ● October 20, 2022

The ocean paddling expedition to remote island communities like Lasqueti and Gabriola centers local sustainability knowledge.

Nanaimo women organize to deliver low-barrier support for women in need

By Rae-Anne Guenther ● Nanaimo ● September 15, 2022

Nanaimo Women Helping Women and Mamas for Mamas group members say these online communities help fill gaps in local services.

VIU student Brant Cartwright, left, stands beside his brother Riley with a white backdrop smiling in Inclusive Clothing T shirts

Nanaimo student stitches inclusion into new clothing company

By Rae-Anne Guenther ● Nanaimo ● April 28, 2022

Inclusive Clothing offers sensory friendly garments in a wide range of sizes while celebrating the strengths and diversity of people living with disabilities.

The proposed location for Lost Lake Cohousing features an ocean view.

Looking for a new kind of community living? Nanaimo’s second cohousing project lifts off to meet growing demand.

By Rae-Anne Guenther ● Nanaimo ● April 7, 2022

The newly formed Lost Lake Cohousing is looking for members to create an intentional community in the north end of Nanaimo.

Cold water swimmers join hands before they brave the plunge at Departure Bay on Jan. 9.

In photos: Locals find strength and community in cold water dips at Departure Bay

By Rae-Anne Guenther ● Nanaimo ● January 20, 2022

On a frosty Sunday morning, cold water swimmers explain how overcoming frigid temperatures can become a source of well-being.

Matt and his son Benny are photographed on a blue sports car.

This hip-hop artist is transforming the lives of youth touched by trauma

By Rae-Anne Guenther ● Nanaimo ● October 14, 2021

Matt Dunae, known as Sirreal, shares how his own healing informs his advocacy on intergenerational violence, mental health and suicide.

Rae-Anne Guenther

Reporter’s Notebook: Why The Discourse investigated the workplace environment at Haven Society

Former and current staff at Haven Society allege ‘toxic environment’ breaks from the nonprofit’s feminist values

Explainer: How to get non-profit governance back on track

Against the current: This kayaking filmmaker captures community-led solutions for the environment

Nanaimo women organize to deliver low-barrier support for women in need

Nanaimo student stitches inclusion into new clothing company

Looking for a new kind of community living? Nanaimo’s second cohousing project lifts off to meet growing demand.

In photos: Locals find strength and community in cold water dips at Departure Bay

This hip-hop artist is transforming the lives of youth touched by trauma

Nanaimo Affordable Housing Society name change to Ballenas ‘in discussion’ for years,’ says CEO

10 ways to better support tenants with vulnerabilities due to income, age or disabilities

‘I want it to stop’: Tenants and advocates allege bullying by non-profit housing provider

Q and A: What are vulnerable tenants rights in non-profit housing?

Who will protect low-income seniors from dying in extreme heat?

Seniors left in distress — or dead — for days in Nanaimo Affordable Housing Society units

Rae-Anne Guenther

Rae-Anne's Latest Articles