Our Team
Jonathan Bird, Executive Director
cell 778 881 2137 email
Prior to founding City Gate in 2004, Jonathan helped establish Crossroads Community Project out of Grandview Calvary Baptist Church in east Vancouver, as their Program Coordinator and Chaplain.
Before entering the nonprofit sector, Jonathan taught at the university level. When not in ministry or academia, Jonathan has enjoyed working with his hands as a self-employed home renovator, an installer of high-end custom cabinetry for a Beachy Amish shop, a maintenance man for a social housing complex, and a crew member for a custom homebuilder.
Jonathan holds a MA in Old Testament Studies from Regent College (Vancouver) where he paid particular attention to the ethical thrust of Torah and the Prophets and to the implications of ancient Israel's story - from Exodus to Exile - for Christian mission in the postmodern era. He also took a MA in Literature from Miami University (Ohio), where he studied critical theory and the aspirations of Avant-Garde artists to become the prime force for social justice and harmony after the "death of God."
Doug Peat, Capacity Building Programs
cell 778 242 1227 email
Doug brings strategic analysis, organizational development, business planning and communication skills to benefit client growth.
As Executive Director of The Salvation Army Dunsmuir Facilities, the predecessor of Belkin House, Doug's skills in human resources, team development, program development, and management were key to his effectiveness. During his tenure, Doug set up a self-sustaining ¾-way house for people in recovery as well as established a chefs' training program and a construction crew. Dunsmuir House was also a hotel residence for 166 people and a federal half-way house for ex-offenders. As Corporate Relations officer for Union Gospel Mission, Doug was able to double corporate and foundation donations, and increase corporate involvement. Representing UGM within the corporate community, Doug was very active on policy issues at the Vancouver Board of Trade. Just prior to joining City Gate, Doug completed a one year contract with JustWork Economic Initiative, a Vancouver-based social enterprise, to provide leadership as interim Executive Director for restructuring.
In his present role, Doug works with various non-profits on:
• Strategic planning using the Appreciative Inquiry model,
• Board development,
• Organizational structure
• Program assessment and structure,
• Fund development including proposal writing.
In addition, Doug organizes workshops and forums which draw people together for learning and collaboration.
Karen Giesbrecht,
Community Manager, Christian Community Food Network
cell 778 840 4775 email
Karen is a registered dietitian with a particular interest in mental health and nutrition, having worked with people with mental health challenges in both Vancouver and Jamaica. She recently completed a master’s degree in healthcare leadership from Royal Roads University (RRU), studying collaboration and engagement with people from diverse healthcare disciplines. The focus of her research at RRU was the relationships between the youth, staff, and volunteers in a mentorship program for at-risk youth.
In her role at City Gate, Karen cultivates collaboration among faith-based food programs involving our more vulnerable neighbours in Metro Vancouver. Our aim is to create a community of practice that shares ideas and resources, inspiring each other to deeper hospitality that increases access to nutritious food, builds resilient residents and neighbourhoods, and prompts a cultural shift in the Christian commuinty away from random charity toward sustainable and equitable local food systems.
Outside her role with City Gate, Karen runs a community kitchen in Vancouver's downtown eastside and is regularly involved with several other community meal programs. She is on the Board of Inner Hope Youth Ministries, a local housing and support program for at-risk youth. Karen takes great delight in sharing good meals with her family, friends, and those in her community who are hungry.