ABOUT US
Carlos Espinosa
Coordinator, Street Youth Job Action
Directions Youth Services
Founded in 1928, Family Services of Greater Vancouver (FSGV) supports thousands of families and individuals across the Lower Mainland living in need, in crisis, or with trauma.
Our over fifty programs, services, workshops, and groups help people build resiliency, develop skills and knowledge, and gain the confidence to make positive changes in their lives.
From youth experiencing homelessness, to families impacted by trauma, to isolated seniors and newcomers to Canada–whatever the challenges our clients are facing, our compassionate, expert staff meet people where they are at and give them the support they need to create brighter tomorrows.
OUR VISION
Brighter tomorrows in which all people are resilient, confident and filled with hope.
OUR MISSION
To ensure children are nurtured, youth find optimism, adults feel empowered, and parents make choices that build strong families.
OUR VALUES
- Diversity: everybody matters
- Integrity: we do right by people
- Optimism: change is ever possible
- Innovation: we dream; we have courage; we respond
- Excellence: It’s where we start
OUR IMPACT AREAS
Building Stronger Families
Maintaining a healthy family can be a challenge. By addressing each family’s unique needs, Family Services’ programs help families grow stronger today so that they can continue to thrive tomorrow.
We do this through:
• Counselling for individuals, children, youth, and families
• Trauma services
• Conflict mediation for parents and teens
• Financial empowerment courses and coaching
• Life skill development for children and youth with special needs
Ending Violence Against Women, Children and Seniors
Finding the courage to reach out for support is often the hardest part. Family Services helps victims of violence find their voice and work towards a safer, healthier future.
We do this through:
• Advocacy, counselling, safety planning, and other essential supports
• Victim Services in partnership with municipal police services, the RCMP, and community policing centres
• Trauma services
Supporting Youth In Overcoming Homelessness
Youth who experience homelessness face a harsh reality. Directions Youth Services, a division of Family Services, meets vulnerable youth where they’re at and empowers them to discover their inner strength, make healthier choices, and get closer to the lives they want.
We do this through:
• A 24/7/365, low-barrier drop-in services centre for youth on Burrard Street in Vancouver
• Voluntary detox program
• Safe, temporary housing
• Supportive housing for youth transitioning out of Ministry care
• Pre-employment programs
• Daycare and parenting supports for young parents in high school
Developing More Inclusive Communities
Family Services provides essential programs, workshops, and other services that help people build connections and access support, so they don’t have to face life’s challenges alone.
We do this through:
• Counselling for individuals, children, youth, and families
• Free workshops, community kitchens, groups, and other programs for newcomers, parents and caregivers
• Financial empowerment workshops and coaching
Emad Nizami
Volunteer Assistant, Office Admin
Family Services
OUR PARTNERS
Our Community Partners
Our Project Partners
Our Contract Service Delivery Partners
Our Foundation Partners
ACCREDITATION
Family Services of Greater Vancouver is accredited by CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities)—a and conforms to the highest level of nationally and internationally recognized service standards.
