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Nov. 26 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 26, 2024

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  • Disability
  • Reconciliation Book Club
  • Seniors
  • Opportunities
  • Women
  • 2025 Social Policy Forum
  • Reconciliation
  • Career Opportunities
  • Children
  • Volunteer Opportunity
  • Good News

Disability

Nigel House Resident Uses Computer Acumen to Help His Peers | Victoria Times Colonist

Kyle, the youngest resident at Nigel House in Saanich, has turned his computer expertise into a tool for helping his peers with physical challenges despite his own journey with an undiagnosed spinal condition that has left him unable to walk or stand. A former University of Victoria student in computer science and psychology, Kyle is developing a system to enable residents to write using eye-tracking technology, building on a current system that uses head movements. Grateful for the flexibility of Nigel House staff, Kyle appreciates the unique support the facility offers, allowing him to maintain independence and pursue a fulfilling life, including outings with friends and participating in a chess club. While he views the new Nigel House under construction with optimism, he hopes it retains its adaptable and inclusive approach, which he believes is vital for residents with diverse needs.

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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/

Seniors

Some Seniors Outraged over Being Left out of Federal Plan to Dole out $250 Cheques | CBC News

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s announcement of a $250 “Working Canadians Rebate” to support those earning up to $150,000 in 2023 has sparked backlash from seniors and disability advocates who are excluded from the program. The rebate, costing $4.68 billion, will only go to individuals who worked last year, leaving retirees and those on fixed incomes feeling abandoned and stigmatized. Critics argue that the measure unfairly penalizes seniors and vulnerable groups, with some calling it discriminatory and a missed opportunity to address inflation challenges for all Canadians. Trudeau defended the initiative as a recognition of working Canadians’ struggles while emphasizing continued support through other programs, but opposition voices, including NDP MP Peter Julian, criticized the exclusion of nonworking individuals as a failure to address broader affordability issues.

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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.

Women

Premier’s Statement on International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women | BC Gov News

Premier David Eby, in his statement for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, condemned gender-based violence and highlighted the disproportionate risks faced by Indigenous women, racialized individuals, immigrants, 2SLGBTQIA+ people, and those with disabilities. He emphasized the government’s commitment to ending such violence by supporting survivors, addressing the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, and increasing prevention efforts. Recognizing the far-reaching impacts of gender-based violence, he called for collective action and reaffirmed investments in critical supports like sexual assault centres, transition homes, and second-stage housing to ensure safety and care for all.

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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.

Reconciliation

Nisga’a Writer Jordan Abel Shocked to Win Governor General’s Literary Award | CBC News

Nisga’a writer Jordan Abel’s novel “Empty Spaces” has won the Governor General’s Literary Award for best fiction, a recognition that surprised the author given the book’s challenging format and themes. Abel reimagines James Fenimore Cooper’s “The Last of the Mohicans” through a modern urban Indigenous lens, exploring displacement from traditional lands and the complexities of Indigenous identity. While he acknowledges the colonial roots of the award, Abel sees the recognition as indicative of evolving perspectives in Canadian literature. Abel, known for his experimental style, is now working on a lighter, more joyful poetry book titled “Dad Era,” focusing on Indigenous parenting and knowledge transmission.

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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.

Children

Surrey Parents Push for Better School Bus Service for Children with Disabilities | CBC News

Parents in Surrey, BC, are advocating for better school bus services for students with disabilities after the Surrey School District halved its transportation budget to $3.5 million. Families report that the cuts have led to longer bus rides, with some students, like Carmen Vogel’s non-verbal son Ryder, spending up to 1 hour and 45 minutes on the bus, resulting in missed class time and additional strain on families. Another parent, Simrit Judge, whose child uses a wheelchair, says the reduced service forces her to choose between work and her child’s education. The Surrey Board of Education acknowledges the funding shortfall and plans to advocate for increased provincial support, with hopes of resolving the issue in collaboration with the new education minister, Lisa Beare. Advocates like Inclusion BC emphasize the need for school districts to uphold inclusive education rights, while parents feel increasingly disheartened by the lack of solutions.

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Volunteer Opportunity

Calling All Volunteers for Gathering Our Voices 2025 | BCAAFC

Are you ready to be part of something extraordinary? Volunteering at Gathering Our Voices (GOV) is your chance to make a meaningful impact, gain valuable skills, and connect with amazing people. Volunteers play a vital role in creating a welcoming and successful event for Indigenous youth across BC.

Perks include:

  • Volunteer Appreciation Dinner (March 19)
  • Letter of Reference from our Volunteer Coordinator
  • An unforgettable experience

Volunteer tasks include:

  • Registration
  • Set-up & Take Down
  • Ushering/Guiding

Requirements:

  • 18+ years old
  • Available for at least two six-hour shifts
  • Clean CRC-VSC dated AFTER January 1, 2024, submitted by March 5, 2025

Volunteers are responsible for their own travel and accommodations. Want to volunteer as a group? Reach out to Haley Regan at Volunteers@bcaafc.com.

Apply now through the GOV app or web version and join BCAAFC in shaping GOV 2025!

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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