WELCOME TO OUR BACKYARD
Let’s talk about what’s happening in our own backyard
At Family Services of Greater Vancouver, we walk alongside clients as they navigate life’s challenges. Our Backyard is where we come together to share stories, provide resources for the community, and create dialogue about complex issues such as homelessness, trauma, and poverty. There’s more to every story, so let’s dive in.
All Posts
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There’s More to Harp’s Story
What’s your favourite thing about food? I love my job, and I’ve always loved food. I love the smell of fragrant aromatics; I love the bustling kitchen and turning raw ingredients into plates of delight. But what I love the most…
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Entry Point Programs Open Doors
When it comes to helping homeless and at-risk youth, centres like the Directions Youth Services Drop-In serve as a first point of contact—a safe haven where young people can find the support they desperately need. Among the most essential services…
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Homelessness Action Week: FSGV is “Opening Doors with Entry Point Programs”
What: Family Services of Greater Vancouver (FSGV) is commemorating Homelessness Action Week (October 14-18) through the campaign “Opening Doors with Entry Point Programs”, which encourages the public to donate their time or funds to help homeless youth. Providing a bridge…
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There’s More to Em’s Story
I love street life. Being born in a non-English speaking country, street life means people who love to hang out on the street with their crew, days and nights, and not necessarily homeless. It was a lifestyle, a choice that…
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There’s More to Jessica’s Story
For most of the last nine years, I was a reclusive shut-in. Now, as I write this, I’m planning my next trip to Mexico and two months ago I went to Spain with my daughter. What’s at the bottom of…
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Pride at Directions Youth Services
Since Directions began, there have always been 2SLGBTQIA+ youth coming, and welcome, here. The history of this group of programs has always been welcoming and that’s something we’re proud of. However, specific programming for queer and trans youth hasn’t been something we’ve always…
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The Cutest Graduation: Celebrating Another Year of COLTS
In June, Family Services of Greater Vancouver hosted our annual graduation ceremony for youth and their children in our COLTS program. Before we show you pictures of these cute little grads, we want to more properly introduce you to the…
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There’s More to Mae’s Story
I was caught off guard when my counsellor first asked me if I thought I would have benefitted from any of the programs that Family Services of Greater Vancouver offers. This job had always felt really personal. Of course when…
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Justice After Exploitation: Our 2nd Annual Webinar for Victims and Survivors of Crime Week
On Wednesday, May 15, 2024 Family Services of Greater Vancouver hosted our second annual webinar in honour of Victims and Survivors of Crime Week. Terriea Harris got things started with a land acknowledgement and a grounding exercise. Then, we were…
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There’s More to Rosie’s Story
The sound of a motorcycle sent me down memory lane the other day. Not every motorcycle has this effect, just a specific kind of road bike with a higher-pitched sound, the changing gears as the bike comes to a stop,…
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There’s More to Sara’s Story
Sara came to Canada as a refugee with her five children, her elderly mother, and nothing else but a backpack. When her family arrived, they needed help. “I wish people knew that refugees coming to Canada come with a lot…
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Thinking Beyond the BC Budget
The 2024 BC Budget was delivered on February 22, 2024, promising action for a stronger British Columbia. Like many non-profits in the community social services sector, Family Services of Greater Vancouver was eager to see what the underlying message coming…