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Nov. 13 Biweekly Update: Social Services Key Insights

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SOCIAL SERVICES NEWS

News, updates, and stories about social care in BC

Unveiling the latest developments in social services

November 13, 2024

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Table of contents

  • Families
  • Reconciliation Book Club
  • Women
  • Opportunities
  • Reconciliation
  • 2025 Social Policy Forum
  • Children
  • Career Opportunities
  • Seniors
  • Good News

Families

Creston Valley Hospice Society Opens Suite for Visiting Families | Creston Valley Advance

The Creston Valley Hospice Society has opened a new suite, named “Bob’s Place,” to provide a comfortable and affordable stay for families visiting loved ones in palliative care. Recognizing the stress families face during end-of-life care, the society offers this space with a full kitchen, laundry, and other amenities for a recommended donation of $50. With support from local businesses, volunteers, and a generous landlord, the society renovated and furnished the suite, providing a private refuge away from the challenges of hotel logistics. Community generosity played a key role in realizing this project, with contributions from volunteers and donations of furniture. Hospice volunteers continue to offer companionship and support to those without nearby family, fostering meaningful connections for isolated seniors.

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Reconciliation Book Club

Fatty Legs (10th Anniversary Edition)

The Federation’s Reconciliation Book Club, designed to be inclusive and accessible for all staff in member organizations, is a key resource for increasing knowledge of reconciliation issues. Book Club members meet regularly to discuss a new book, and Federation staff ensure that the discussions are enriched with supplementary materials, including discussion questions, additional readings, and author and publisher information.

We invite you to join us for the next meeting of the Reconciliation Book Club on December 18, 2024. The book we will be discussing is “Fatty Legs (10th Anniversary Edition)” by Christy Jordan-Fenton, Margaret Pokiak-Fenton, and Liz Amini-Holmes. Don’t miss this chance to be part of the discussion. Sign up for the book club here: https://fcssbc.ca/bookclub/

Women

Menopause Is Real, and the Impacts Are Enormous, Study Finds | Victoria Times Colonist

A groundbreaking study in BC reveals the significant physical, mental, social, and economic impacts of menopause on women’s lives. Conducted by the Women’s Health Research Institute and BC Women’s Health Foundation, the HER-BC study, is the first to explore menopause’s effects in the province. The findings indicate that common stereotypes, like “hot flashes,” overlook serious issues such as brain fog, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. Nearly a third of respondents noted that menopause affected their job performance, leading some to miss work or decline promotions. Stigma and inadequate healthcare hinder open discussions about symptoms. Shirley Weir, founder of Menopause Chicks, calls for more evidence-based education and healthcare resources, as many women resort to costly alternative treatments. Key recommendations include improved workplace policies, public health campaigns, and better medical training to support the 48% of the BC workforce experiencing menopause.

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Opportunities

The Federation actively works to help our members stay up to date with what is happening across the community social services sector. Check our calendar for training opportunities, webinars, and events.

Reconciliation

British Columbia Must Stop Criminalizing Indigenous Land Defenders | Amnesty International

Amnesty International has called on the British Columbia government to halt the criminalization of Wet’suwet’en and other Indigenous land defenders, urging an end to punitive actions against those protecting their ancestral territories. Currently, three Wet’suwet’en land defenders—Sleydo’ (Molly Wickham), Shaylynn Sampson, and Corey “Jayohcee” Jocko—are challenging abuse-of-process claims in court following their 2021 arrests during a police raid on Wet’suwet’en territory for opposing the Coastal GasLink pipeline. Amnesty argues that Canada and B.C. must respect Indigenous rights, self-determination, and environmental protection by ceasing actions that suppress peaceful assembly. Highlighting Wet’suwet’en defenders in their Write for Rights campaign, Amnesty mobilizes global support against criminalization, calling it a disturbing trend in the Americas, where land defenders face ongoing threats for their advocacy.

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Register Now!

2025 Social Policy Forum

Join us in Victoria, BC, from February 12-14, 2025, for the Social Policy Forum, hosted in partnership with the Federation of Community Social Services of BC, BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC), and Board Voice. This year’s forum will bring together members from these organizations, government officials, and sector partners to explore critical social policy topics, including decolonization and anti-racism, cybersecurity, the health of the social services sector, and advocacy strategies.

Featured speakers include Dr. Jennifer Charlesworth, BC’s Representative for Children and Youth; Karla Verschoor, Executive Director of Inclusion BC; Shane Simpson, Board Chair of Community Living BC; Dr. Paul Kershaw and the Gen Squeeze team; Richard Watt from Total Support Solutions; and Suncha Satney, a Workplace Psychological Health and Safety Consultant with CSSHSA.

Early Bird registration is now open for members at $279 until January 13, 2025. Afterward, the regular fee is $329 for members and $449 for non-members. Special accommodation rates starting at $164 per night are available at the Inn at Laurel Point until January 13, 2025.

Secure your spot today to take advantage of Early Bird rates, and don’t miss this opportunity to engage with leaders in social policy and shape the future of our communities.

Register Now

For more information, contact us at info@fcssbc.ca.

Children

Operation Christmas Child Underway in Okanagan | Vernon Morning Star

Operation Christmas Child 2024 is underway in the Okanagan, inviting residents to spread cheer by packing shoeboxes with toys, school supplies, hygiene items, and personal notes for children in need worldwide. This annual initiative by Samaritan’s Purse has delivered over 220 million shoeboxes to children in more than 130 countries since 1993. Last year, British Columbia contributed 53,945 shoeboxes, with thousands coming from Okanagan communities like Penticton, Kelowna, Vernon, and Kamloops. Canadians also donate $12 per box to support shipping costs, enabling Samaritan’s Purse to reach children affected by poverty, conflict, and disaster. National Shoebox Collection Week is set for November 18-24.

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Career Opportunities

The Federation actively works to help our members recruit and retain skilled staff. Click here to check the current opportunities.

Seniors

Kelowna Seniors Encouraged to Get a Free Health Check | Castanet

The YMCA of Southern Interior BC is inviting seniors in Kelowna to participate in a free, one-hour health assessment at the H2O Adventure and Fitness Centre on November 20. This community initiative aims to help older adults understand key health metrics such as cardiovascular endurance, balance, flexibility, blood pressure, strength, and agility, supporting their overall wellness and quality of life. Anita, who recently joined the Y after knee surgery, and Kathy, who wanted to regain her strength, both report significant physical and mental improvements since beginning their health journeys. The event, running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., requires pre-registration and is open to all community members. To sign up, call 250-491-9622 ext. 426 or visit the H2O fitness desk.

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Good News

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

Note

The articles 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 relevant to our sector; the inclusion of a story is not an endorsement.

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