Resilience in action: how Fraser Valley Child Development Centre supports families through crisis

When the Fraser Valley floods devastated communities in November 2021, families faced immediate and overwhelming challenges: they were displaced from their homes, cut off from essential supplies and struggled to navigate the uncertainty ahead. The Fraser Valley Child Development Centre (FVCDC) responded swiftly, ensuring that families were not left to face these hardships alone. The organization mobilized quickly, assessing needs and aided by generous community support, expanded the Family Emergency Fund to provide gas cards, food, clothing, diapers and other critical support. A community-driven toy drive ensured that even amid hardship, children could experience joy during the holiday season.

Karen Dickenson Smith, CEO of FVCDC, recalls a moment that exemplified the power of community: "We saw parents who had lost everything watching their children select gifts with excitement and wonder. That moment reminded us why we do what we do because every child deserves to feel safe, valued and supported, no matter the circumstances."

The flooding was just one of many crises FVCDC has navigated in recent years. When the COVID-19 pandemic upended daily life, FVCDC adapted swiftly, transitioning services online, increasing mental health support, collaborating with community partners and ensuring families remained connected to the resources they needed. "The heart of everything we do is supporting children, youth and their families and uplifting communities," says Dickenson Smith.

A lifeline for families

For over 40 years, FVCDC has been a vital resource for children, youth and families across the Fraser Valley. Operating on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the Stó:lô and Nlaka'pamux peoples, FVCDC blends innovation with compassion to provide holistic support.

Each year, FVCDC serves over 4,500 children and youth in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission and the Fraser Cascades. Their multidisciplinary team of over 110 professionals works closely with families to ensure that accessibility and inclusivity remain at the core of their programs. Whether it is supporting early childhood development, providing therapeutic interventions, supporting youth or assisting families in navigating complex health care and social services systems, FVCDC remains a trusted partner in the community.

Strengthening community connections

In moments of crisis and everyday challenges alike, FVCDC stands by families, ensuring they never have to navigate hardships alone. Their Family Emergency Fund has become a vital support system, addressing urgent needs that extend beyond traditional health care. Whether covering the cost of installing a shower grab bar for a youth's safety, providing transportation assistance for medical appointments or helping a family secure food and basic necessities, this fund helps bridge critical gaps when support is needed most.

The Family Emergency Fund is sustained through donations from the community. As the cost of living rises, so too does the need for this fund. "We have seen an increase in families needing immediate financial assistance, whether for medical supplies, mobility aids, food or transportation," says Dickenson Smith. "It is a testament to the generosity of our community that we are able to continue providing this level of support."

Innovative approaches to early learning and well-being

Beyond crisis response, FVCDC is committed to fostering long-term resilience in children through early intervention and education. One standout initiative is FVCDC's CALM Curriculum© (Connecting Neuroscience and Positive Psychology for Learning and Managing Emotions). Designed for children from birth to eight years old, CALM fosters self-regulation, resilience and social skills through play-based learning. The program is recognized by UBC's Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP) for its research-based approach and emphasis on social and emotional well-being.

CALM integrates neuroscience with practical strategies to help children understand and manage their emotions. By working closely with educators, parents and mental health professionals, FVCDC ensures that children develop the foundational skills they need to navigate life's challenges with confidence. "Emotional regulation is just as important as physical development," explains Dickenson Smith. "To paraphrase Kiran Sidhu, the FVCDC's Department Leader for Early Care and Learning, by investing in early childhood social and emotional well-being, we are equipping children and their big people with tools they will use for the rest of their lives."

Collaboration and advocacy

FVCDC's impact extends beyond direct services. The organization actively collaborates with local organizations, government agencies and health-care providers to advocate for policies that support children and youth's development and family well-being. Through workshops, training sessions and resource sharing, FVCDC strengthens the broader support network available to families in the Fraser Valley and beyond.

During the pandemic, FVCDC's collaborative approach was essential in ensuring families continued to receive services. "We had to rethink how we connected with families," says Dickenson Smith. "Through virtual therapy, online parent workshops, increased outreach and listening to families' feedback, we found new ways to maintain those critical connections."

A vision for the future

As the Fraser Valley continues to grow and evolve, FVCDC remains dedicated to its mission of strengthening young people with diverse needs and abilities and their families and uplifting communities. Looking ahead, the organization is excited to launch its new strategic plan for 2025-2028, grounded in the needs of the families and communities served by the FVCDC.

"Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive," says Dickenson Smith. "By working together, we can create a future where all families feel supported, valued and empowered."

Through resilience, innovation and an unwavering commitment to families, FVCDC continues to inspire hope and action, ensuring that children and youth across the Fraser Valley and beyond have the tools they need to build a brighter future.

If you are a member of the Federation, liked the article and want to see your organization featured in this series, send an email to giovani@fcssbc.ca.