We all have a story.
It’s something we keep in mind at Family Services of Greater Vancouver, every single day. It’s why we take the time to get to know each of our clients as individuals, recognizing the unique personal histories and intersections that bring clients through our doors.
And it’s why we launched the #MoreToMyStory campaign.
Issues such as homelessness and poverty are becoming more visible in our communities. Yet we so rarely examine the pathways that lead people to their circumstances. Everyone’s journey is unique but there are many underlying factors that crop up time and time again: personal and inter-generational traumatic experiences, violence – both physical and psychological – isolation, and mental health disorders. Without a support network, these life experiences can have a devastating effect on our wellbeing and ability to build a healthy life. They lead to exploitation, substance use disorders, and a deep unravelling of self-worth.
People need to feel seen, feel heard, and feel supported to be who they are. And while society has come a long way, what matters most is how people with lived experience with homelessness, trauma, poverty, abuse, neglect, or any experience of crisis actually feels.
Our client-centered supports are non-judgmental and trauma-informed. What that really means is that we work with our clients, every step of the way. We get to know them as people, no matter how long it takes. We dismantle barriers and show up every day. Then we work on goals together.
When we build trust, we open doors. A youth can feel ready to seek substance use disorder treatment; a parent can feel present for their children; a survivor of domestic violence can write their next chapter; and a person with disabilities can feel confident applying for benefits.
The #MoreToMyStory campaign is a reminder to be kind. People around you, including people you love, are facing immensely challenging situations. You want them to have support. You want them to be seen. You want them to be able to build a brighter tomorrow. Everyone deserves to write the next chapter of their lives. Family Services of Greater Vancouver helps ensure that can happen.
Want to get involved in the #MoreToMyStory campaign?
→ Do you believe there’s more to everyone’s story? Champion our message and mission. Sign up for our newsletter and engage with us on social media.
→ Is there more to your story? Help end the stigma of living with trauma, experiencing homelessness, and more by sharing your story. You can reach out to us directly or share your story and use #MoreToMyStory.
→ Make sure Family Services of Greater Vancouver is able to be there for people through the difficult parts of their stories. Your donation gives our clients a place to feel seen, heard, and supported with our crisis support, counselling, and poverty reduction programming.