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At Family Services of Greater Vancouver, we know there’s more to everyone’s story.

That’s why we take the time to get to know each of our clients as individuals, using an approach that recognizes the unique personal histories that bring people through our doors.

All year long, our staff support members of the community from all walks of life: homeless youth, survivors of domestic and sexual violence, and families in crisis.

We provide client-centered support that is 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.

This holiday season, we invite you to be a Caring Neighbour and help us give people access to the tools, knowledge, and support they need to build their brighter tomorrows.

There’s More to Jessica’s Story

Story from an FSGV client

For most of the last nine years, I was a reclusive shut-in. Now, as I write this, I’m planning my next trip to Mexico and two months ago I went to Spain with my daughter. What’s at the heart of this change? A trauma counselling program at Family Services of Greater Vancouver.

Within a month of seeing my counsellor for weekly sessions, my friends could see a difference…

READ JESSICA’S STORY

There’s More to Em’s Story

Story from an FSGV employee

It started when I had to live far from my own family, with a host family. There was a time I was kicked out from there for not being able to pay rent. I did not know that, as a youth, my host family could not legally kick me out of their house. I had no one to turn to…

READ EM’S STORY

*Please note that the stories are real individual’s experiences. Names and images are changed per each storyteller’s preferences.

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There’s More to Our Story Too

Family Services of Greater Vancouver is much more than a family charity. We’re a youth charity, a survivor charity, and a community charity. We believe that together, we can empower people to start their next chapter with dignity.

In every one of our programs and supports, our work is client-centered. We take the time to get to know each of our clients as individuals, recognizing the unique personal histories that bring people through our doors.

We provide this client-centered, trauma-informed, non-judgmental support because this is what it means to really meet people where they’re at. 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. That’s how we build trust. 

When we have trust, we open doors. We can work on goals together. A youth can feel ready to seek treatment and other supports; a parent can learn new ways to be present for their children; a survivor of domestic violence can write their next chapter; and a person with disabilities can feel confident applying for government benefits. 

The story of FSGV started in 1927. A survey of child welfare services in British Columbia was conducted by a team of social workers. Two of its major recommendations were the establishment of a family agency and the re-establishment of a social service exchange. Mary McPhedran was hired as the first Executive Director of the agency, then known as the Central Welfare Bureau, and stayed in the role for 27 years. Over the decades, FSGV has evolved its service offerings but always with a focus on social good and empowerment.

Every year at FSGV is filled with life-changing moments. Together they add up to brighter tomorrows for individuals, families, and communities—for an impact that lasts a lifetime.

Some numbers that help quantify these moments from the last year are below.

$2.1M+

of new income accessed by low-income clients

Benefits make a massive difference. Through our coaching and partner tax clinics, we help people get these vital supports.

39,000+

free meals and snacks served to vulnerable youth

Food is a necessity. When youth know where their next meal is coming from, they can focus on their future.

16

survivors of high-risk violence and trauma served every week

Every client is different, so we provide personalized support that meets survivors where they’re at.

What We Do 

Counselling

Counselling

Unfortunately, not everyone has equal access to counselling. In fact, cost is often prohibitive for low-income families. That’s why our counselling services are free. When money is no longer a barrier, people are able to heal, break generational cycles, and learn emotional, communication, and relational skills. Their lives change. From specialized trauma counselling programs for children and women to family counselling – we’re determined to make sure that as many people as possible have access to these vital services.

Crisis Support

Whether our clients are victims of domestic violence and trafficking, families facing dark times, or youth experiencing homelessness, our support workers are here with individualized, client-centered supports. We walk alongside youth as they develop their independence, survivors as they navigate what’s next, and families as they grow stronger. Our focus is always on empowerment, which means helping people build up the confidence, knowledge, skills, and resources to transition from crisis mode to living life on their terms.

Poverty Reduction

Poverty Reduction

People face many barriers that reinforce cycles of poverty. We meet people where they’re at and help them build strong foundations for their futures. At Directions Youth Services, this means connecting youth with job opportunities, housing supports, healthcare, and other service providers. In Financial Empowerment this often means teaching people how to file taxes, navigate their benefits, and make the most of their money through budgeting and long-term planning.

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