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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An Impact You Can See: Supporting Local
“You’re a local charity, I like that. I don’t have to turn on my TV to see what my donation is going to. Living downtown, I can just walk out my door and it’s all around me.” These words come…
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More Than Food and a Bed: Care with Dignity at the Core
When we first walked in the door, a youth worker asked us if we were hydrated. Sitting down in the staff office to start the interview, a different youth worker asked if we wanted water, tea, or coffee. About 20…
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Running a Home for 9 Teenagers: What it Takes to Operate a 24/7/365 Youth Safehouse
How do you begin to summarize what it’s like running a Safehouse for youth? Well, to start, imagine a house with nine teenagers. Among the six bedrooms, there are nine beds, which are nearly always full. Youth share three bathrooms.…
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A Conversation with Mari, Trauma Counsellor at FSGV
Mari, a Trauma Counsellor at FSGV, is currently working toward getting her PhD in Expressive Arts. Last year, while working on presentations and sessions for her PhD, she was also completing training on Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) at UBC. “I…
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There’s More We Could Do: Stories from the Directions Art and Culture Program
“There’s so much more we could do. Art isn’t just healing, art can make you thrive,” says Josi, the Art and Culture Program Coordinator at the Directions Drop-In Centre. She recently shared some stories from the program, which she has…
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There’s More Support for Survivors: What Client-Led and Trauma-Informed Means at FSGV
Client-Led Care Survivors deserve to be believed – not only about their experiences, but about their needs and goals too. Surviving isn’t just about making it out, and FSGV is here to help people find their way forward. The approach Victim…
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A Volunteer’s Story: Meet Shimna
We’re excited to introduce Shimna, a dedicated member of our Community Kitchens who has not only been an active participant but is now taking the next step to be a volunteer. Shimna’s journey with us has been a true reflection…
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There’s More to Brenda’s Story
Brenda Lochhead doesn’t particularly like the spotlight to be on her, however we’re sharing a bit of her work and advocacy today to celebrate what she has brought to the field of victim support, advocacy, and education about human trafficking and…
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Support for Seniors Experiencing Harm (New Westminster)
In New Westminster, Family Services of Greater Vancouver operates a Victim Support program for seniors experiencing harm. This program does not require a referral, so you can get in touch with us if you or someone you know may be…
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A Family Day 2025 Pop-Up Wrap-Up
On Wednesday, February 12, 2025 Family Services of Greater Vancouver teamed up with Vancouver Public Library for a resource fair pop-up event to let the community know about supports available for families. Running from 10am until 2pm, coaches from Financial…
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There’s More to Your Family’s Story: You Define Family, We Support It
The concept of family is deeply personal, and it varies widely from one individual to another. At Family Services of Greater Vancouver: You define family, we support it. This approach allows each family to define itself on its own terms,…
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Family Services of Greater Vancouver and Vancouver Public Library are Collaborating on a Family Day Pop-Up Event
Vancouver, BC (February 5, 2025): Family Services of Greater Vancouver( FSGV) has partnered with Vancouver Public Library (VPL) to host a Family Day pop-up for the second consecutive year. Taking place at VPL’s Central Library in downtown Vancouver on Wednesday,…