At Family Services of Greater Vancouver, we don’t often share client stories. It’s a balance of reasons which mostly comes down to prioritizing keeping people safe: sharing a story before you’re ready can be re-traumatizing and nobody owes us their story in exchange for the support we give. When we do share stories, we focus on people’s time in our programs and the ways they feel now.
Today, we’re delighted to be sharing snippets from across our programs . This blog post is a collection of quotes from the survivors, families, and youth who worked with us in 2025. In their own words, here’s what people experienced with us this year.
From programs for victims and survivors:
“The support we have is priceless. Thank you!”
“It’s been nice for my child to look forward to going to this, we’ve been through so much trauma and it’s hard for them to trust anyone to talk to, so it’s been nice.”
“Thank you so much. You are very easy to talk to, and to be honest the first time I have ever called back in a situation like this. I’m glad to have had my first experience with you. Thank you so much for your support, it truly means a lot.”
“So grateful for this program. Would like to see the capacity expanded.”
“The program was amazing, thank you so much to our counsellor and her clinical support. My son and I are in a very different place than we were this time last year. Our therapist modelled for me, and my son, unconditional support, great patience, deep understanding of neurodiversity (myself and my child). My son trusted her deeply and she held his confidence. So grateful for this resource! Thank you so much!”
“My support worker did everything she could and answered all my legal questions with great professionalism, which helped ease my concerns. She also talked with me and provided emotional support, which helped calm my mind. She gave me tremendous help and guided things in a better direction. During one of the darkest times in my life, my support worker brought me hope and light.”
“From the first time onwards I have felt seen, safe and welcomed by my therapist. She is able to hold space for me no matter what the session brings. I can honestly say that leaving every session I feel more in control and so grateful to know now all the things she has shared to help me with every-day life. I feel honoured to have this chance to give this feedback where it is due. The staff behind the counter is kind as well. Wonderful people trying to make a change!”
“Being heard and feeling seen during the most stressful years of your life with a little one. My therapist was as amazing and a big part of my healing journey :)”
“Life changing program – so grateful!”
From programs for youth:
“I like how you guys are there for me. I never feel alone, always feel like I can talk to you guys.”
“I have learnt how to travel around the city, gone to places I have always wanted to go to, gathered the confidence to apply for a job and have greatly enjoyed my experiences learning with my ISW! An An example of me learning how to commute throughout the city is the fact that I have been able to take the train all the way to Main Street Station via Sapperton Station all by myself.”
“24 hour access, come and go anytime – it feels good. I liked the staff, too.”
“I got treated like a person and it was strangely fun.”
“The accessibility of receiving temporary housing while I was not in a position to find any on my own.”
“It’s helpful usually when I need it but when I don’t, it’s always there.”
From programs for families:
“Being a migrant and not knowing exactly the Canadian financial system, the language barrier and some other things caused me stress and fear of making a mistake in the applications and forms, but knowing this type of support has been of great help to me and has helped me overcome obstacles.”
“We are addressing our child’s recent behaviours with positive affirmations, affirmation songs and dances.”
“Me and my two children feel empowered and safe during the whole period of counselling session.”
“I have re-experienced how parents should treat their children and deal with their emotions. Thank you for the short learning period, which will benefit me for a lifetime. This is to rethink how to be a qualified parent, love children unconditionally, and give up unrealistic expectations.”
“I was able to freely share my feelings without judgement. My counsellor made me feel at ease always.”
“I have had an incredibly positive and productive experience with my counsellor. She is highly skilled and has helped me so much.”
“Thank you for connecting us to one another again.”
“My coach was very kind and knowledgeable in presenting her topics. Easy for beginners to understand. Very helpful and willing to help with questions. Very welcoming.”
The work we do with survivors, youth, and families is possible thanks to our community of caring neighbours. Will you join us in offering a helping hand when people need it most?