For over 40 years, the Fraser Valley Child Development Centre has empowered children and youth with diverse abilities through collaboration, advocacy and inclusive services. CEO Karen Dickenson Smith says working together strengthens communities. With its 2025-2028 plan, FVCDC aims to expand its impact across the Fraser Valley and beyond.

The Fraser Valley Child Development Centre supports over 4,500 children and youth annually through crises and everyday challenges. From emergency relief during floods and the pandemic to innovative early learning programs like the CALM Curriculum©, FVCDC combines compassion, collaboration and advocacy to ensure families feel supported, resilient and empowered.

The Federation has launched new communications, including regular leadership updates and a redesigned website to improve member access. Advocacy planning is underway with working groups on child care, SHSS, CYSN and kinship care. Meetings with government staff have begun, focusing on contracting challenges and building stronger sector relationships.

Archway Community Services supports Abbotsford residents with counselling and family programs despite unstable funding and staffing challenges. Executive director Shairose Jinnah highlights the impact of trauma-informed care, collaboration with partners and the Federation's advocacy. Archway remains committed to accessible mental health services while working toward sustainable funding and stronger community support.

Archway Community Services, with 500 staff and 2,000 volunteers, offers 90+ programs across B.C. Prioritizing mental wellness since 2019, it provides free counselling, expands trauma services for men and youth, and supports staff well-being. Its 2024-2028 plan continues advocating for sustainable funding and accessible mental health care.

The Federation's Youth Education Bursary assists young people who are in or have been in care and want to pursue a career in human and social services with the costs of tuition, books, and supplies for post-secondary academic education, training, or upgrading. Find out when the next application period is open and the eligibility to apply.

A year after "Don't Look Away" was released, over 300 people gathered to reflect on its urgent calls for change. The Federation remains committed to transforming systems that support children, youth and families, and continues to advocate for accountability, collaboration and a provincial well-being strategy rooted in collective responsibility.

The Federation of Community Social Services of B.C. has urged the Province to invest in its 2026 budget, highlighting systemic underfunding, workforce shortages, and rising service demands. With high turnover rates and outdated funding, the sector risks failing vulnerable children, youth, and families without urgent action.

Health begins long before someone walks into a clinic, and frontline workers in housing, child care, education and income supports are the true first responders in our health system. "Get Well Canada" is working to reframe social services as essential health infrastructure by advocating for smarter, fairer investments in the conditions that keep people well.

The Federation hosted a webinar on April 24 to prepare B.C.'s social services for the 2025 wildfire season. Featuring insights from experts such as Arden Henley and Katie Hodder, the session addressed wildfire risk and its impacts. Follow-up interviews and a preparedness checklist are available on The Federation's Vimeo page.

The SE/M ratio measures government spending on social and education services versus medical care, reflecting public health investment. In B.C., this ratio decreased from 1.22 in 1976 to 0.92 in 2023, projected to drop to 0.87 by 2026. Get Well Canada is hosting a webinar on May 15 for advocacy discussions.

The Federation mourns the lives lost in the Lapu Lapu Day tragedy and stands with B.C.'s Filipino communities. We honour the victims and call for stronger mental health supports to prevent future harm and ensure all people are safe, connected and supported.