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, and it’s crucial in meeting people where they’re at. Understanding that families come in all shapes, sizes, and structures—whether nuclear, extended, chosen, or blended—ensures that support is flexible and relevant to the unique needs of each family unit.
By acknowledging that families may look different from ‘traditional’ models, FSGV creates an environment of inclusion, where everyone gets to be seen and supported. This individualized approach enables families to define their roles, relationships, and needs in a way that aligns with their personal values and circumstances. This level of understanding fosters trust. It matters that people know they won’t be judged or forced into predefined categories when they access programs and services at FSGV.
Moreover, this gives people personalized services. Whether it’s through counselling, financial education and coaching, parenting groups, or one of our other resources, having a tailored approach makes the service more effective. Families can receive the precise support they need, when they need it, without feeling out of place or misunderstood – without being turned away.
Ultimately, letting YOU define family enhances the ways we can support it. This focus on expansive inclusion broadens our reach to people who might otherwise be falling through the cracks of systems that are more rigid.
This Family Day, FSGV is championing the ideas that each of us should be able to define family for ourselves, and that supports should be there for us all when we need a helping hand. You define family, we support it. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to families, or the supports they need to thrive, but we want the Lower Mainland to know: FSGV is here for your family.