The Federation’s Community Chronicles: April 30, 2024 🌍

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SOCIAL SERVICES NEWS

News, updates, and stories about social care in BC

April 30, 2024

Subscribe HERE

APPLICATIONS EXTENDED

The Youth Education Bursary assists young people who are, or have been, in care and want to pursue a career in the field of Human Social Services. Since 2009, we’ve awarded $296,925 in bursaries to 217 recipients to help students with the financial costs of tuition, books, and supplies for post-secondary study. Donations from FCSSBC members and the public are welcome! Bursary applications are open until May 31, 2024.

The FCSSBC Youth Education Bursary

Table of contents

  • Toxic drugs
  • Current & Emerging Issues Conference and AGM
  • Mental health
  • Update session
  • Disability
  • Webinar
  • Communities
  • Workshops
  • Social services
  • Job opportunity
  • Health
  • Non-Profit North
  • Senior
  • Good news

Toxic drugs

Expert calls for more safe-use spaces as province renews push to restrict public drug use

The province of British Columbia is working with the federal government to restrict drug use in public spaces, including parks and hospitals. However, harm reduction expert Guy Felicella says that more safe supervised spaces are needed to support people who use drugs. He suggests that municipalities should create designated safe-use spaces to prevent people from using drugs out in the open. Felicella has lived the experience of being unhoused and using unregulated drugs, and since his recovery from addiction, he has been helping people fight theirs. The Harm Reduction Nurses Association is challenging the province’s Bill 34, which restricts drug use in public spaces. The group says the province needs more designated safe-use spaces instead of federal intervention. Finally, while the province is renewing its push for public drug use limitations, some city councillors from the Lower Mainland want to focus on treatment and scrap B.C.’s drug decriminalization pilot altogether. | CityNews

Related:

Conference

June 2024: Current & Emerging Issues Conference and AGM

Our June conference is designed to tackle the pressing issues that matter most to our members. Based on feedback from our members, we’ve tailored the agenda to cover current trends and emerging topics. The Federation AGM* on the final morning ensures we discuss these crucial issues and address organizational matters vital to our collective mission.

Thursday, June 13, 2024: Conference & Networking Reception

Friday, June 14, 2024: Federation AGM*

Click here for more info and to register: https://fcssbc.ca/conferences/june-conference-agm/

*AGM is for members only.

Mental health

Understanding treatment and recovery services offered by Interior Health

Mental health and substance use issues can be challenging, but the province of British Columbia has made various recovery and treatment services available through Interior Health. Recovery and treatment are distinct, with recovery being individualized and treatment referring to services an individual needs to recover from substance use problems. A treatment center offers treatment services, while a recovery center is more of a resource center. The two types of centers should be viewed as going hand-in-hand in a way that offers a more holistic approach to recovery. People seeking help will be guided throughout their process, and many different services are available to meet their goals for wellness. Connecting with a Mental Health and Substance Use Center or a family doctor is essential to decide what service will meet individual goals. | INFONews

Related:

Update session

Representative for Children and Youth

Disability

Former Prisoner Turned Advocate: Resident Fights for Disability Rights in Clothing

Chris Duemo, a resident of Prince George, is facing difficulty finding work due to his disability and larger body size. He believes the government needs to change the law to help larger individuals purchase clothing that fits them properly. Chris has tried to secure government funding but has been unsuccessful, so he aims to bring legislative changes to help others in the same situation. Prince George-Mackenzie BC United MLA Mike Morris suggests forming an advocacy group to accelerate the change to legislation. | CKPG Today

Related:

Webinar

How to create a culture of recognition and acknowledge contributions: FCSSBC and CMHA

This is an invitation to a one-hour workshop on “How to Create a Culture of Recognition and Acknowledge Contributions.” The workshop will explore the importance of recognition and rewards in creating a psychologically safe workplace. Attendees will learn about different recognition strategies, both formal and informal, and how to make them more impactful with a personal touch. The workshop will also discuss the role of managers in implementing recognition practices. The workshop is a collaborative environment where attendees can share their experiences and learn from others. It is scheduled for May 14th or May 30th from 12 pm to 1 pm and is brought to you by The Federation of Community Social Services of BC and the Canadian Mental Health Association. | FCSSBC and CMHA

Communities

How B.C. is mobilizing for ‘challenging’ wildfire season

Wildfire season has begun in British Columbia, with dozens of fires already reported and many more expected due to persistent drought conditions. The province has been preparing for months, purchasing new firefighting equipment, recruiting firefighters, and strengthening the application process for wildland firefighters. Training boot camps for new recruits have already started, and the province has upgraded its fleet of planes and helicopters. Fire officials also emphasize the importance of prevention, including the FireSmart program, prescribed burns, and trimming flammable materials away from structures. | CBC

Related:

Workshops

Parenting workshops: Parent Support Services Society of BC

Five free online parenting workshops for parents and kinship caregivers in British Columbia. The workshops cover various topics, including creating and deepening attachment with children, understanding temperament and goodness of fit, creative journaling for self-care, dealing with parenting power struggles, and tuning into temperament. | Parent Support Services Society of BC

Social services

Still going strong at 50: Vernon social agency celebrates milestone

The North Okanagan Youth and Family Services Society (NOYFSS) is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2024. The social agency provides a broad range of social programs to support the needs of children, youth and families. NOYFSS started with one resource, Mara House, and now has nearly 100 employees, serving over 1,200 families annually. The agency has achieved numerous milestones and is seen as a cornerstone agency advocating for and supporting the needs of children, youth and families. The public is invited to join the social agency in celebrating its milestone with events such as a community appreciation BBQ and prize draws for family-friendly activities throughout the summer. | Vernon Matters

Related:

Job opportunity

Prince George Native Friendship Centre – Assistant Executive Director

The Prince George Native Friendship Centre (PGNFC) is looking for an Assistant Executive Director (AED) to support the long-term strategic goals, objectives, plans, and policies of the organization. The successful candidate will be a proven leader with a passion for holistic and culturally based services that support urban Indigenous communities.

Health

B.C. drug policy shift will target vulnerable and houseless, advocates say

Advocates for drug users in British Columbia are concerned about the province’s request for Health Canada to allow police to intervene when they witness illicit drug use in public spaces. Critics argue that this move could worsen the opioid crisis, especially for marginalized individuals. The proposed change contrasts with the three-year decriminalization pilot project enacted in 2023, which exempted individuals possessing small amounts of opioids from criminal charges. The province’s request to empower police has sparked controversy, with opponents arguing it undermines harm reduction efforts and fails to address the root causes of drug use, such as homelessness and poverty. Critics also accuse the government of bypassing transparency and consultation processes. Despite government assurances that police intervention would be limited to exceptional circumstances, concerns persist regarding the impact on individuals and the effectiveness of punitive measures. Meanwhile, harm reduction experts emphasize the importance of comprehensive support services, including supervised consumption sites and housing options, to address the complex needs of drug users. | The Canadian Press

Related:

Event

Register for our Non-Profit North event in May!

We’re excited to be co-hosting the Non-Profit North event with Vantage Point on May 9 at the Courtyard Marriott in Prince George — and we’re looking forward to seeing you there. Register on our website to join us in discussing the unique challenges of community social services in the North.

Senior

Check your policy — some group benefits change, or vanish, when you turn 65

Stephen Booth, a 66-year-old, found himself still working in retail past 65 despite battling paralysis-inducing cataplexy. Losing some of his employee disability benefits exacerbated his struggles, leading to depression. Booth’s situation isn’t unique; many group insurance plans reduce benefits at 65 to maintain financial viability, assuming retirees will rely on other support. However, with more seniors staying in the workforce, this practice is drawing scrutiny, with some seeing it as age discrimination. David Harvey, 70, filed a complaint when his benefits diminished after turning 65, claiming it devalues older workers. While employers and workers can purchase additional coverage, affordability remains a challenge. Effective communication between employers and employees about benefit changes is crucial. | CBC

Related:

Good news

If you have any feel-good, weird, fascinating or amusing stories you’d like to see included in this section, send them our way to giovani@fcssbc.ca!

Note

The articles included in Federation newsletters are for informational purposes and do not relate to the Federation’s advocacy work. We want our membership to stay informed of news that’s relevant to our sector; inclusion of a story is not an endorsement.

Update session: Representative for Children and Youth

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The Office of the Representative for Children and Youth (RCY) invites you to an update session in follow-up to the engagement session that has informed a systemic review of the child welfare system in British Columbia.

Session date:

Monday, May 13, 2024

9 am to 10:30 am PDT via Zoom

Email the RCY at rsvp@rcybc.ca to register!

(A Zoom link and agenda will be sent to registered participants in advance of the session.)

The Federation’s Community Chronicles: April 26, 2024 🌍

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SOCIAL SERVICES NEWS

News, updates, and stories about social care in BC

April 23, 2024

Subscribe HERE

APPLICATIONS EXTENDED

The Youth Education Bursary assists young people who are, or have been, in care and want to pursue a career in the field of Human Social Services. Since 2009, we’ve awarded $296,925 in bursaries to 217 recipients to help students with the financial costs of tuition, books, and supplies for post-secondary study. Donations from FCSSBC members and the public are welcome! Bursary applications are open until May 31, 2024.

The FCSSBC Youth Education Bursary

Toxic drugs

‘Secret report’ or standard research? B.C. government addresses safe supply allegations

British Columbia’s Premier, David Eby, and one of his top lieutenants have denied allegations by the Official Opposition that he covertly commissioned a report into the diversion of safe supply drugs onto the streets. The opposition accused Eby of having a “secret report” on his desk from an American professor who researches and analyzes public health and drug policy. However, Eby denied the accusations and said that Dr. Bonnie Henry, an independent public health officer, commissioned the report. The report is expected in May or June and will look at the impact of a safer supply of drugs on markets and illicit drug markets. | CTV News

Related:

Conference

June 2024: Current & Emerging Issues Conference and AGM

Our June conference is designed to tackle the pressing issues that matter most to our members. Based on feedback from our members, we’ve tailored the agenda to cover current trends and emerging topics. The Federation AGM* on the final morning ensures we discuss these crucial issues and address organizational matters vital to our collective mission.

Thursday, June 13, 2024: Conference & Networking Reception

Friday, June 14, 2024: Federation AGM*

Click here for more info and to register: https://fcssbc.ca/conferences/june-conference-agm/

*AGM is for members only.

Youth

Youth confinement ’cause for embarrassment,’ B.C. ombudsperson says

British Columbia’s ombudsperson, Jay Chalke, has criticized the Ministry of Children and Family Development for its lack of action on reducing the practice of isolating youth in custody. In an update to a 2021 report, he stated that the ministry has failed to make recommended improvements and, in many cases, is “moving backwards.” Chalke is concerned that vulnerable youth in provincial custody are still being isolated for long periods, and he called on the ministry to address its delay in implementing the recommendations. He emphasized that youth are at risk of significant harm from separate confinement, particularly Indigenous youth who are overrepresented in provincial custody. | The Canadian Press

Related:

Webinar

How to create a culture of recognition and acknowledge contributions: FCSSBC and CMHA

This is an invitation to a one-hour workshop on “How to Create a Culture of Recognition and Acknowledge Contributions.” The workshop will explore the importance of recognition and rewards in creating a psychologically safe workplace. Attendees will learn about different recognition strategies, both formal and informal, and how to make them more impactful with a personal touch. The workshop will also discuss the role of managers in implementing recognition practices. The workshop is a collaborative environment where attendees can share their experiences and learn from others. It is scheduled for May 14th or May 30th from 12 pm to 1 pm and is brought to you by The Federation of Community Social Services of BC and the Canadian Mental Health Association. | FCSSBC

Disability

BC Pans New Federal Disability Benefit

The benefits for people with disabilities included in last week’s federal budget fall short of expectations, according to B.C. Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction Sheila Malcolmson. The budget includes $6.1 billion over six years, then $1.4 billion annually, to supplement provincial and territorial benefits for some 600,000 working-age people with disabilities. However, the amount of $200 a month in mid-2025 for people who qualify for the disability tax credit is considered too small by many advocates. The eligibility requirements are also considered too restrictive, leaving fewer than half of the people needing help to receive it. | The Tyee

Related:

Workshops

Parenting workshops: Parent Support Services Society of BC

Five free online parenting workshops for parents and kinship caregivers in British Columbia. The workshops cover various topics, including creating and deepening attachment with children, understanding temperament and goodness of fit, creative journaling for self-care, dealing with parenting power struggles, and tuning into temperament. | Parent Support Services Society of BC

Families

B.C. mom distributes air quality monitors after 9-year-old’s asthma death during wildfires

Carter’s Project, launched by the Vigh family in partnership with the BC Lung Foundation, distributes air quality monitors and teaches people how to build their own air purifiers using box fans and HEPA furnace filters. The goal is to bring air quality monitors and air filters to every community in British Columbia as they face yet another wildfire season. The project aims to prevent other families from losing a loved one due to wildfire smoke. Governments and municipalities should also step in and help protect people from poor air quality by subsidizing air filters and creating “clean air shelters” when local air pollution reaches a certain level. | CTV News

Related:

Job opportunity

Prince George Native Friendship Centre – Assistant Executive Director

The Prince George Native Friendship Centre (PGNFC) is looking for an Assistant Executive Director (AED) to support the long-term strategic goals, objectives, plans, and policies of the organization. The successful candidate will be a proven leader with a passion for holistic and culturally based services that support urban Indigenous communities.

Communities

Summerland first in B.C. to offer free transit for riders of all ages

After completing a one-year pilot project, the municipality of Summerland in British Columbia has decided to provide free bus fare on Route 30 for all Summerland residents. The Summerland council approved the decision during a meeting in March. Summerland is the first community in the province to offer ongoing free fares for residents of all ages. The decision was supported by data and information collected from a public survey launched on Feb. 2, 2024. The free transit fare program will encourage people to use a more sustainable and green method of travelling throughout their community. | Vernon Morning Star

Related:

Housing

B.C. government to set housing targets for 20 more communities

The British Columbia government has announced 20 more cities and towns as priority communities for housing targets over the next five years, based on high-growth, high-need regions of the province. This is in addition to the ten priority cities named last year, with a goal to build 60,000 new units over the next five years. Most of these 20 new communities are in Metro Vancouver and southern Vancouver Island, while Kelowna, West Kelowna and Prince George are also on the list. The government has promised to monitor the progress of these communities and set out targets this summer for housing growth. | The Canadian Press

Related:

Event

Register for our Non-Profit North event in May!

We’re excited to be co-hosting the Non-Profit North event with Vantage Point on May 9 at the Courtyard Marriott in Prince George — and we’re looking forward to seeing you there. Register on our website to join us in discussing the unique challenges of community social services in the North.

Health

Princeton woman in need of transplant brings health care disparities to Victoria

A Princeton woman named Chris Unrau, who needs a double-lung transplant, is advocating for change in the province to eliminate discrimination in organ transplants for residents outside of Vancouver. She and her husband, along with Paul Adams of the BC Rural Health Network and local MLA Roly Russell, met with Premier David Eby and received 100% support from every MLA. Currently, patients travelling from outside the Lower Mainland must find their own housing and fund their travel and living expenses for a minimum of six months. Unrau withdrew her request to be put on a transplant list because she could not afford the $20,000 minimum down payment required to ensure she could stay in Vancouver post-surgery. However, a Penticton benefactor has promised to pay all her associated medical bills following transplant surgery when it becomes available. | The Free Press

Related:

Reconciliation

Mounties will not be charged in shooting death of B.C. Indigenous man

Three Mounties in British Columbia will not face charges in the killing of Jared Lowndes, a 38-year-old Indigenous man, on Vancouver Island in 2021—the B.C. Prosecution Service said in a statement that the evidence was insufficient to pursue charges against any of the officers involved in the death of Lowndes. Two officers opened fire on Lowndes, killing him after he discharged bear spray at the approaching officers and fatally stabbed the police dog, injuring an officer with the knife in the process. The head of the National Police Federation welcomed the Crown’s decision, saying that the officers involved in Lowndes’ death had “endured almost three years of uncertainty.” | CTV News

Related:

Homelessness

Vernon councillor opposes reduction in social planning reports citing opioid crisis, downtown work

The Social Planning Council quarterly reports were discussed at a recent council meeting. City staffer Terry Barton suggested the reports be reduced to only twice a year, but Coun. Brian Quiring disagreed. He argued that given the current opioid crisis and issues in the downtown area, hearing reports twice a year is not enough. Quiring believes that members of the public and media rely on the reports to keep up to date on what’s going on in the city. The Social Planning Council of the North Okanagan is a non-profit primarily funded by the City of Vernon, and its reports to the council cover things like homeless outreach, harm reduction, and drug-related death statistics. | Castanet

Related:

Good news

If you have any feel-good, weird, fascinating or amusing stories you’d like to see included in this section, send them our way to giovani@fcssbc.ca!

Note

The articles included in Federation newsletters are for informational purposes and do not relate to the Federation’s advocacy work. We want our membership to stay informed of news that’s relevant to our sector; the inclusion of a story is not an endorsement.

Subscribe HERE

How to create a culture of recognition and acknowledge contributions: FCSSBC and CMHA

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Welcome to our upcoming workshop, “How to Create a Culture of Recognition and Acknowledge Contributions”! In this engaging one-hour session, we’ll dive into the pivotal role that recognition and rewards play in fostering a psychologically safe workplace. Our interactive workshop is designed to equip you with the tools to develop an effective recognition system that resonates with your organization’s core values.

Discover both formal and informal recognition strategies that have proven successful across various organizations. Learn how to make low-cost recognitions more impactful by adding a personal touch and discuss the critical role managers play in implementing these practices. This is more than just a learning opportunity; it’s a chance to share your experiences and learn from others in a collaborative environment.

Don’t miss out on this chance to enhance your team’s morale and productivity. Join us via Zoom on May 14th or May 30th from 12 pm to 1 pm, brought to you by the partnership between The Federation of Community Social Services of BC and the Canadian Mental Health Association. Together, let’s build a workplace where every contribution is celebrated!

The workshop is exclusive to Federation members. For the Zoom link, please get in touch with suncha@fcssbc.ca

Register Today for Non-Profit North Pre Conference

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Register Today! Better Together: A Gathering of Northern Community Social Services. May 8, 2024

The Federation of Community Social Services of BC is pleased to invite you to Better Together: A Gathering of Northern Community Social Services, a Non-Profit North pre-conference. Our goal is to bring the Northern community social services sector together to reconnect, share updates, and strengthen the collective understanding of the needs of children, youth, and families being served in the North.

Date and Time: May 8, 2024, 1:30PM-4:30PM
Location: Courtyard Marriott Prince George
900 Brunswick Street
Prince George, BC
V2L 2C3
Room: Fir

Register: https://fcssbc.ca/better-together-registration-prince-george-may-2024/

An agenda will be shared soon. Please don’t hesitate to contact Amy Mullis, Director of Communications and Education, at amy@fcssbc.ca, if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you there.

Non-Profit North, a new conference and professional development opportunity, is being held on May 9th. The afternoon of May 8th is a free pre-conference event that will offer an opportunity to network and discuss innovations and challenges that are unique for service providers in the North. The pre-conference event will also be a jumping-off point for considering future collaborative opportunities, training, and other connection points that would support positive outcomes for community members. Please visit https://fcssbc.ca/conferences/nonprofitnorth/ to learn more about Non-Profit North.

 

Parenting workshops: Parent Support Services Society of BC

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Free online parenting workshops for parents and kinship caregivers in BC

Creating and Deepening Attachment with Our Children

Wed., May 1st – 10:00 am – 11:30 am

Children need healthy attachments to feel safe, seen, and secure. In this workshop, we will introduce the different attachments that children develop and how we can meet their attachment needs to move them toward deeper connections.

Understanding Temperament & Goodness of Fit

Wed., May 1st – 7 pm – 8:30 pm

Temperament and goodness of fit are two concepts which can help parents understand their child’s behaviour and support their child’s social and emotional development. Explore ways to improve goodness of fit, being aware of our temperament & adjusting when needed.

Creative Journaling:  Self-care for Parents & Caregivers

Tues., May 14th – 10:00 am – 11:30 am

Discover the power of Creative Journaling for mental health! This workshop offers practical techniques to reduce stress, recharge, and gain perspective as a parent or kinship caregiver. Discover the value of self-connection through journaling, learn about the scientific benefits for mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health, engage in writing prompts and guided journaling, expand creativity and learn how to apply creative self-care.

Dealing with Parenting Power Struggles

Wed., May 22nd – 7 pm – 8:30 pm

Engaging in a power struggle with a child can not only be unpleasant but also demoralizing for adults. It can feel like quicksand, where the more you struggle, the deeper you sink. Explore why power struggles occur and how to best support your children in being more cooperative.

Tuning into Temperament

Tues., May 28th – 10:00 am – 11:30 am

Understanding each child’s unique temperament enables us to support their emotional needs effectively. Learn strategies for helping spirited and active children organize their feelings and create a sense of safety for cautious ones in new situations. Explore the nine different temperament traits, focusing on our child’s strengths & matching our parenting to our child’s temperament.

Register for these free online parenting workshops here:  www.bit.ly/springworkshopspss

The Federation’s Community Chronicles: April 23, 2024 🌍

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SOCIAL SERVICES NEWS

News, updates, and stories about social care in BC

April 23, 2024

Registration is OPEN! June 2024 Current & Emerging Issues Conference

 

Our June conference focuses on current and emerging issues that our members have said they want to hear more about. The Federation AGM will also take place on the final morning of the conference.

Thursday, June 13, 2024: Conference & Networking Reception
Friday, June 14, 2024: Federation AGMClick here for more info and to register: https://fcssbc.ca/conferences/june-conference-agm/

Webinar

Justice After Exploitation: Supporting Youth Navigate the Justice System

In this free webinar led by Brenda Lochhead, a longtime victim support worker and community educator, we’ll share insights about the barriers facing youth as they navigate the justice system. Aimed at youth-serving front-line workers as well as folks in related sectors such as criminal justice, education, media, and healthcare, attendees will come away from this webinar with a better understanding of how we can all do more to uphold youth’s right to justice after exploitation.

 

MAY 15 

12:00 – 1:00 pm 

Zoom

Learn more and register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/justice-after-exploitation-supporting-youth-navigate-the-justice-system-tickets-881584060657?aff=oddtdtcreator

This webinar is made possible with the generous support of the Department of Justice Canada.

Health

Free monthly Naloxone kit training offered in Vernon, B.C.

The Interior Health is offering free one-hour presentations about Naloxone kits in Vernon. Participants will learn how to spot the signs of an overdose and how to administer Naloxone, and everyone who completes the class will take home one of these life-saving tools. The signs of an overdose were also discussed, and steps on what to do in case of an overdose were given. In 2023, 2,511 people in B.C. died as a result of an overdose – a new record for the province since the province declared the toxic drug crisis a public health emergency on April 14, 2016; over 14,000 deaths have been recorded as a result. | Global News

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Housing

City of Castlegar Asks Province to Reconsider Decision to Stop Funding Temporary Shelter

The B.C. Ministry of Housing has decided to discontinue funding temporary winter shelters as of April 30, 2024. This will result in the closure of the Out of the Cold temporary shelter and impact support services located at 1660 Columbia Ave. City of Castlegar Council has written a letter to Honourable Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing, asking the provincial government to reconsider its decision and continue funding to allow Castlegar’s shelter and support services to remain operational until a permanent shelter and outreach services are in place. Losing the shelter and outreach services would have devastating consequences for those who rely on its services, public safety, and the community at large. | Castlegar Source

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Community

‘Our goal is all the same’; BC Ministry of Housing working to make access hub model a reality for Kamloops

The city of Kamloops is working with the BC Housing Ministry to establish an access hub to provide support and services for the homeless population. The access hub model is being investigated in other cities as well, such as Nanaimo and Vancouver. The hub will be home to various social agencies that will offer foundational support to those suffering from homelessness and addiction to help them reconnect with their families and communities. The city is focused on ensuring the safety of both the homeless population and the community. The BC Housing Ministry intends to secure land on the North Shore and open the access hub before winter. | CFJC Today

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Women

Central Okanagan domestic violence unit receives $100K

The provincial government of British Columbia has provided $100,000 to the Central Okanagan Elizabeth Fry Society to support women and children suffering from domestic violence. The organization will use the money to fund its domestic violence unit, which includes community-based victim service workers, child protection workers, and police officers. The team provides coordinated responses when the risk of violence is high. The government has also provided funding to similar non-profits in Abbotsford, Surrey, and Vancouver. According to the BC Government, approximately one in every four women in British Columbia report surviving physical or sexual assault at the hands of an intimate partner. | Castanet

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Youth

Youth Are Calling for Free Public Transit Across BC

The Transit for Teens campaign in British Columbia advocates for free public transit for youth up to age 18 to improve access to education, reduce carbon emissions, and promote social inclusion. Backed by over 35 stakeholder groups, the campaign highlights the economic and environmental benefits of investing in public transit. Youth across the province share their experiences and emphasize the importance of barrier-free access to transportation for safety, well-being, and academic success. The campaign proposes fare-free transit as a solution to mobility poverty and calls for prioritizing public transportation over individual car usage to create a more sustainable future. | The Tyee

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Reconciliation

Indigenous healing lodges face chronic underfunding in Canada, critics say

Waseskun Healing Centre, an Indigenous-run facility near Montreal, focuses on healing rather than punishment for Indigenous men in federal custody. Despite successes like Waseskun, Indigenous-managed healing lodges are underfunded compared to those run by the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC). Over-incarceration of Indigenous people remains a crisis, with Indigenous offenders facing disproportionate challenges in conventional prisons. Despite calls for more Indigenous-led healing centers, funding disparities persist, reflecting broader issues of discrimination and control. | The Free Press

Related:

Register for our Non-Profit North event in May!

We’re excited to be co-hosting the Non-Profit North event with Vantage Point on May 9 at the Courtyard Marriott in Prince George — and we’re looking forward to seeing you there. Register on our website to join us in discussing the unique challenges of community social services in the North.

Drugs

Orca Lelum Youth Wellness Centre – BC’s first detox and treatment services for Indigenous youth coming to Vancouver Island

The Orca Lelum Youth Wellness Centre in Lantzville, Vancouver Island, will be the first detox center in British Columbia that will offer culturally relevant detox and treatment services, specifically for Indigenous youth. The center will provide 20 substance-use treatment beds that offer culturally informed care to Indigenous people aged 12 to 18 years. The center is supported by a $171-million investment in Indigenous-led treatment, recovery, and after-care services. The center is expected to be operating at full capacity in fall 2024. Indigenous people in B.C. are almost six times more likely to die from illicit drug poisoning than other people in the province. | Indigenous Child & Family Services Directors Our Children Our Way Society

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Disability

MPs debate concerns over national disability benefit

Disability advocates in B.C. were left disappointed by the federal announcement allocating $6.1 billion to the national disability benefit over six years. | CBC

Related:

Good news

If you have any feel-good, weird, fascinating or amusing stories you’d like to see included in this section, send them our way to giovani@fcssbc.ca!

Note

The articles included in Federation newsletters are for informational purposes and do not relate to the Federation’s advocacy work. We want our membership to stay informed of news that’s relevant to our sector; the inclusion of a story is not an endorsement.

Justice After Exploitation: Supporting Youth Navigate the Justice System

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About this event

Join Family Services of Greater Vancouver as Brenda Lochhead, a long-time Victim Support Worker and counter-exploitation expert, shares her insights into how best to support exploited youth as they navigate the justice system—whether you’re a support worker, family member, journalist, or donor. Learn about the specific issues exploited youth face and how FSGV is walking with them every step of their journeys.

Did you know that Family Services of Greater Vancouver is a national leader in providing support for victims and survivors of exploitation and human trafficking? This Zoom webinar (our second annual webinar in honour of Victims and Survivors of Crime Week) is an opportunity for you to gain insight into how we do this, whether to apply it to your own work or simply learn more about ours.

Speaker:

Meet Brenda Lochhead (she/her), a BA Criminology graduate, Victim Support Worker, and Community Educator from the Counter Exploitation Unit.

Brenda has 30 years of experience in the anti-violence sector and has worked with Family Services of Greater Vancouver as a Victim Support Worker in the Counter Exploitation Unit at VPD since 2016.  

Recipient of the 2018 Services to Victims, Community, Safety & Crime Prevention award from the BC Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Brenda’s expertise in the area of human trafficking is recognized internationally. She was instrumental in the development and implementation of a coordinated framework for supporting victims of human trafficking in BC.  

Brenda’s work in counter-exploitation has set a national standard for how to approach human trafficking and exploitation cases. Building trust with victims and survivors is a core tenet of her success, with outcomes that improve the quality of life for victims and increase the odds of conviction. Her model relies on deep work with victims from a truly client-centred, trauma-informed approach. It also centers the victim’s experience and provides long-term support that decreases the likelihood of future exploitation. 

Opening Land Acknowledgement and Welcome by:

Terriea Harris

A Registered Therapeutic Counsellor, Best selling author & Priestess trained in Kundalini dance.

For almost 15 years, she has shared her gifts of cultivating Safe & Brave spaces for folks to embody their worthiness, be true to themselves & speak their authentic truth. She acknowledges her role as a statement gatherer with the National Inquiry into Murdered & Missing Indigenous Women & Girls as especially impactful & meaningful. Holding sacred space for the extraordinary stories of survival & the grief of family members who have lost Indigenous daughters, mothers, sisters, & Aunties to systems of oppression & who contributed their truths to the final report “Reclaiming Power & Place.” Her personal harrowing story as a survivor of child sex trafficking, including navigating the criminal justice system to stand for justice against her traffickers, is an inspiring testament to the resilience & capacity of the human spirit to transform pain into purpose!

Learn more and register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/justice-after-exploitation-supporting-youth-navigate-the-justice-system-tickets-881584060657?aff=oddtdtcreator

An arrow pointing forward with kids also walking forward

A Way Forward: BCACDI

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Friends of BCACDI,

We are pleased to share our vision for service delivery for children and youth with support needs. BCACDI member agencies are community-based not-for-profits and have had the privilege of supporting children, youth and families for more than 50 years. Our members deliver essential programming such as the Infant Development program that supports a child’s development in their crucial first few years of life, the Supported Child Development program that assists children and youth in participating and feeling included in child care settings, Early Intervention and School Age Therapies that help children and youth address developmental delays impacting their ability to explore and interact with their environment and communicate with their peers, and Behavior Intervention programs that help children, youth, and families address behaviour challenges impacting the ability to participate in family, school, and community life fully.

Our members deliver other programs, too, and employ a wide range of professionals such as Child Development Consultants, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, Behavior Analysts, Consultants, Interventionists, Family Support Workers, Counsellors, and many more. We have members delivering services in big urban centres such as Vancouver and Victoria, small rural communities such as Atlin and Taylor, and all sizes and settings in between. We have members with strong relationships with local First Nations communities and members supporting Metis children, youth, and families, collaborating to support Indigenous children and families in a culturally safe way. Our member agencies have the depth of skill, knowledge, and community-based service delivery experience to truly understand how to support children, youth, and families effectively.

We are pleased to share BCACDI’s Way Forward with you and look forward to continuing the dialogue regarding BC’s service delivery for children and youth with support needs.