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.
Advocacy
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Disability Tax Credit Joint Statement
Family Services of Greater Vancouver has joined more than 150 organizations from across Canada calling on the federal government to establish a single, rights-based definition of disability and to change how people with disabilities qualify for federal supports.
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What Does Low Barrier Mean at Directions Youth Services?
At Family Services of Greater Vancouver, the term “low barrier” is often used when we talk about our Directions Youth Services division. Today, we’re breaking down what it means when we say Directions Youth Services is low barrier.
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FSGV’s Submission to the 2026 Federal Pre-Budget Consultation
In September, FSGV made a submission to the Government of Canada’s pre-budget consultations, highlighting the growing need for financial empowerment supports among British Columbians.
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FSGV Input on the 2027-2031 VPD Strategic Plan
FSGV has worked in partnership with the VPD for close to 40 years, primarily through our Victim Support Services. Throughout that time, we have advocated for the needs of our clients, working toward a more trauma-informed approach to providing support…
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FSGV 2026 Recommendations to the Standing Finance Committee
At the beginning of June in 2026, leadership from Family Services of Greater Vancouver spoke to the Standing Finance Committee of BC to give recommendations for investments to support British Columbians.
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Enhancing Collective Impact: The Financial Empowerment Community of Practice
Financial Empowerment at FSGV is building a Community of Practice for frontline organizations that offer (or want to offer) trauma-informed financial empowerment programming.
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Respecting the Person Behind the Story: FSGV’s Client Story Philosophy
There’s no doubt: stories are powerful. In the non-profit sector, they help people outside of the work understand its impact, inspire community support, and bring complex issues to life. They put a face to the work, particularly when it’s a…
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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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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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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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Community Partnership: Fighting for Food Security
In serving low-income and at-risk clients across our programming, food insecurity crops up frequently at Family Services of Greater Vancouver. In our Food Program at the Directions Youth Services Drop-In Centre, we can immediately address this urgent need – with…