Osanis Inclusion Services Inc.

Now What? A beginning conversation to support families moving from reacting to responding when our kids begin experimenting with substances
2024-12-03 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-12-10 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-12-11 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
ONLINE EVENT: Now What? A beginning conversation to support families moving from reacting to responding when our kids begin experimenting with substances.
Learning that our kids are trying substances can be scary. As families, we are a valuable resource to help them navigate the choices they are making, but it can be hard to know how to respond. This video introduces parents and caregivers to some ways that can help us move from reacting to our fears about substance use and towards a more thoughtful response that supports connection with our kids.
Victoria Keddis, a parent with lived experience hosts a conversation with Douglas Hardie a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Program Coordinator with Island Health supporting Child, Youth and Family Mental Health and Substance Use Programs.
Come together and watch a video presentation and stay for a facilitated conversation by our Family Peer Support Workers.
6:30pm-8:00pm Pacific Time (most of British Columbia)
7:30pm-9:00pm Mountain Time (Alberta)
These events are funded for parents and caregivers living in the Province of British Columbia and for CASA families in Alberta. If you are from another province or territory, or live outside of Canada, we welcome you to visit our video library at www.familysmart.ca/videos and use our resources. Thank you.

Register Here
Watch video now: https://youtu.be/Qhqrbrw62Tg?si=Hpl_QjjBu2ph6-1D

Now What? A beginning conversation to support families moving from reacting to responding when our kids begin experimenting with substances
2024-12-04 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtual Event
ONLINE EVENT: Now What? A beginning conversation to support families moving from reacting to responding when our kids begin experimenting with substances.
Learning that our kids are trying substances can be scary. As families, we are a valuable resource to help them navigate the choices they are making, but it can be hard to know how to respond. This video introduces parents and caregivers to some ways that can help us move from reacting to our fears about substance use and towards a more thoughtful response that supports connection with our kids.
Victoria Keddis, a parent with lived experience hosts a conversation with Douglas Hardie a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Program Coordinator with Island Health supporting Child, Youth and Family Mental Health and Substance Use Programs.
Come together and watch a video presentation and stay for a facilitated conversation by our Family Peer Support Workers.
12:00pm-1:30pm Pacific Time (most of British Columbia)
1:00pm-2:30pm Mountain Time (Alberta)
These events are funded for parents and caregivers living in the Province of British Columbia and for CASA families in Alberta. If you are from another province or territory, or live outside of Canada, we welcome you to visit our video library at www.familysmart.ca/videos and use our resources. Thank you.

Register Here
Watch video now: https://youtu.be/Qhqrbrw62Tg?si=Hpl_QjjBu2ph6-1D

Drop-in Floor Hockey for Individuals with Diverse Abilities (18yrs+)
2024-12-04 13:00 - 14:30, 2024-12-11 13:00 - 14:30, 2024-12-18 13:00 - 14:30, 2025-01-08 13:00 - 14:30, 2025-01-15 13:00 - 14:30, 2025-01-22 13:00 - 14:30, 2025-01-29 13:00 - 14:30 | SJ Willis High School, 923 Topaz Avenue, Victoria, BC, V8T 2M2, Canada
This is a FREE event. Participants of all levels and abilities welcome!
All the equipment is provided and all that is needed is athletic wear and water bottle.
This is an opportunity to meet others, be active and have fun. It is held every Wednesday from 1:00 – 2:30 at SJ Willis Educational Center in Victoria. If an individual has a support worker, they are welcome to come as well.
Please note: The volunteer staff does no personal care.
At SJ Willis, the gym is huge and if you want to just come and hang out in the gym during this time without playing floor hockey, this is also an option.
When: Every Wednesday from 1:30pm to 2:30pm
Where: SJ Willis High School (Gym)
2970 Glasgow St,
Victoria, BC
V8T 5B9

Now What? A beginning conversation to support families moving from reacting to responding when our kids begin experimenting with substances
2024-12-05 18:30 - 20:00 | Virtual Event
ONLINE EVENT: Now What? A beginning conversation to support families moving from reacting to responding when our kids begin experimenting with substances.
Learning that our kids are trying substances can be scary. As families, we are a valuable resource to help them navigate the choices they are making, but it can be hard to know how to respond. This video introduces parents and caregivers to some ways that can help us move from reacting to our fears about substance use and towards a more thoughtful response that supports connection with our kids.
Victoria Keddis, a parent with lived experience hosts a conversation with Douglas Hardie a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Program Coordinator with Island Health supporting Child, Youth and Family Mental Health and Substance Use Programs.
Come together and watch a video presentation and stay for a facilitated conversation by our Family Peer Support Workers.
6:30pm-8:00pm Pacific Time (most of British Columbia)
7:30pm-9:00pm Mountain Time (Alberta)
These events are funded for parents and caregivers living in the Province of British Columbia and for CASA families in Alberta. If you are from another province or territory, or live outside of Canada, we welcome you to visit our video library at www.familysmart.ca/videos and use our resources. Thank you.

Register Here

Winter Art Market
2024-12-07 13:00 - 16:00 | Fernwood Community Centre, 1240 Gladstone Ave, Victoria, BC, V8T 1G6, Canada
Join us for the Winter Art Market!
Celebrate the season with us and explore beautiful, one-of-a-kind creations crafted by artists from the recovery community. This special event is the perfect opportunity to find unique holiday gifts, support local talent, and enjoy an afternoon of art, music, and community.
When: Saturday, December 7th, 1-4 pm
Where: Fernwood Community Centre, 1240 Gladstone Ave, Victoria, BC
What to Expect:
– A wide array of handmade arts, crafts, and holiday treasures
– Live music to keep the festive spirit going
– Delicious snacks to enjoy while you shop
– A warm and welcoming space to connect with local artists and support the recovery community
Whether you’re looking for the perfect holiday gift or just want to experience a joyful, creative afternoon, we’d love to see you there!

Community Days
2025-01-06 10:00 - 2025-01-12 18:00 | Royal BC Museum, 675 Belleville Str, Victoria, B.C., V8W 9W2
Community Days are back at the Royal BC Museum!
From January 6–12, enjoy admission-by-donation and explore the galleries.

Ignite conversation about the everyday products you grew up with Canadian Modern – a stunning exhibition of Canadian mid-century design 🖼️
Check out Forgotten Landscapes – a new exhibit featuring beautiful recently rediscovered paintings from the early 1900s
Rediscover old favorites like Old Town, New Approach and HMS Discovery
Immerse yourself in the coastal rainforest, visit the tide pools and see who’s living in the Ocean Station

Plus, join us for Letter Writing Week (Jan 9–13) and relax at various wellness stations in collaboration with Destination Greater Victoria for ‘A Wellness Getaway in Victoria”
Don’t miss this chance to rediscover your provincial museum and support the important work that we do.

Connect Parenting Program
2025-01-07 12:00 - 2025-03-11 13:30
Connect Parenting Program: is an evidence-based 10-week attachment-based program that helps parents support youth. This program is for families and caregivers of children ages 8-15 with depression, anxiety, and/or intense emotional difficulties. Or children who are getting into trouble and having severe behavioral difficulties.

Dates & Times: Tuesdays Jan 7 through to and including March 11 from 12-130pm in person
Information:https://www.connectattachmentprograms.org/
To Register: Sylvia Mason: smason@thrivevictoria.org or Haley Kimmel: hkimmel@thrivevictoria.org
Cost: Free

EMBRACE: Winter Programs
2025-01-09 10:00 - 10:45
Embrace runs a variety of arts based classes for children, teens, and adults of all abilities. Some of these classes are run independently by Embrace and some are run in collaboration with other fantastic local organizations based in the CRD.

Sessional Classes

In-Person Sessionals Classes

Embrace: Dance Sampler
In this sessional class, we’ll be exploring a wide variety of different dance styles including:
Tap, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Contemporary, and more! It’s a great opportunity to try out new dance styles (or enjoy a mix of those you already know and love!)
This class is designed for individuals of all abilities. There will be seated and standing variations of all dance moves demonstrated if required.

Program Details
– Thursday mornings from 10:00 – 10:45am
– January 9, 16, 30, February 6 and 13, 2025
– This program is open for individuals of all abilities ages 14 and up.
– At Dance Victoria (2750 Quadra St)
– Registration for this program by donation, thanks to the generous support of the Pass – Timothy 6:18 Fund. No registration fee is required.

Register Here

Movement and Music with Tiffany & Erin
This intergenerational class is designed for individuals of all abilities to get moving together. It’s a space for friends and family to playfully connect through dance and music based activities.
Program Details
– Wednesday afternoons from 3:45pm to 4:30pm
– January 8, 15, 22, and 29, 2025
– This intergenerational program is open for individuals of all abilities ages 5 and up.
– Dancers under the age of 13 are asked to attend with a family member or support.
– At Vic West Community Centre (521 Craigflower Rd)
– Registration for this program by donation, thanks to the generous support of the Pass – Timothy 6:18 Fund. No registration fee is required.

Register Here

Online Sessional Classes

Music Jam with Erin

Music Jam with Erin is an intergenerational online program centered on music and community. Participants are invited to sing and dance along at home or simply enjoy listening to a wide variety of live and recorded music. The program also includes opportunities to make song requests and share weekly highlights. It is a fun, joy-filled space to connect through music.

No previous musical experience required. Open nationally to individuals of all ages.

Program Details
– Tuesday afternoons from 3:30pm to 4:30pm PST
– 10 weeks of program total running from January 7th to March 25th, 2025.
(Note: There is no Music Jam on Feb. 18th or 25th)
– Online via Zoom
– This class is open for individuals of all ages and abilities
– $40.00 for the sessional
Register Here

Learn About Support Worker Central
2025-01-28 10:00 - 11:00
Date & Time

Jan 28, 2025 10:00 AM in Vancouver

Description
Support Worker Central is a province-wide job board where people with disabilities and their families can find support staff, and people looking for work can find a job supporting someone with a disability. There are over 1400 job seekers currently utilizing the job board. Learn more at www.supportworkercentral.ca. Family Support Institute of BC (FSI) is a provincial not-for-profit society committed to supporting families who have a family member with a disability. FSI is unique in Canada and the only grass roots family to family organization that has a broad volunteer base. FSI SUPPORTS AND SERVICES ARE FREE TO ANY FAMILY

Greater Victoria Hiring and Post-Secondary Education Expo 2025
2025-01-30 11:00 - 15:00 | Bay Street Armoury, 715 Bay Street, Victoria, B.C., Canada
COME AND MEET US IN PERSON!
FREE Tickets are available for the Greater Victoria Hiring & Post-Secondary Education Expo 2025!
WHO SHOULD ATTEND? – Anyone looking for a new career or post-secondary education options.

Date: January 30, 2025Time: 11 AM – 3 PM
Location: Bay Street Armoury, Victoria, B.C.

Get a Free Ticket & see the List of Exhibitors:careerexpos.blackpress.ca/victoria1-202

Parenting Workshop
2025-02-05 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual Event
What are Parenting Workshops?

Parenting Workshops are free, interactive, and informative online workshops on a variety of parenting topics. These workshops provide parents and caregivers with practical strategies for supporting the development of their children.
This workshop supports families by exploring expectations and boundaries.

Creating a Culture of Care Webinar
2025-02-06 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
For Community Social Services

Join us for an insightful one-hour webinar focused on two valuable resources designed to enhance mental health outcomes and foster a psychologically safe workplace in the Community Social Services (CSS) sector. In this session, participants will gain an understanding of psychological health and safety, why it’s critical for organizational well-being, and how they can utilize the Community Social Services Health and Safety Association’s (CSSHSA) Wellness Exchange Program and the Pulse Check tool to support their teams. This webinar will equip you with practical tools to create a more resilient, supportive environment for employees across the sector.

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

Understand the CSSHSA Wellness Exchange Program and how it provides tools, resources, and support to enhance well-being and professional resilience for employees in the Community Social Services sector.
Identify the benefits of the Pulse Check tool for leaders, including how it can help assess organizational psychosocial health and safety, and identify gaps and areas for improvement.
Apply insights from the Wellness Exchange Program to foster mental health, well-being, and resilience within teams.
Evaluate current practices for supporting employee mental health and well-being and use the Pulse Check tool to make data-driven decisions for improvement.
Integrate the Wellness Exchange Program and Pulse Check tool as key components of your organizational toolkit to create a supportive and healthy workplace environment.

Our Presenter

Suncha Satney is a Workplace Psychological Health and Safety Consultant at CSSHSA. She is passionate about guiding organizations in creating environments where people feel their best and do their best work. With many years of experience in Community Social Services as a frontline worker and Clinical Counselor, she brings awareness, education, and strategies to support workplace mental health within the sector. She is a CMHA Certified Psychological Health and Safety Advisor.

Register Here

Food For Thought
2025-02-06 16:00 - 2025-03-13 18:30 | Family Centre, 511 Constance Ave, Victoria, BC, V9A 6N5, Canada
Individual Youth and Family support and education (13 – 18 years) appointments. We promote family and community capacity to protect and support youth and their families through access to supportive counselling, intervention, mediation, parent education, system navigation, outreach and referral. We aim to build upon youth (13 – 18 years) and family strengths, improve family relationships and the understanding of teen development.

The Annual Friendship Formal
2025-02-08 18:30 - 20:00 | Fairfield Community Centre – Garry Oaks Room, 1341 Thurlow Rd, Victoria, BC, V8S 5K2, Canada
Mark your calendars and shine up your dancing shoes! The Annual Friendship Formal is back.
This all ages, all abilities event is an opportunity to connect and dance together.
​
Program Details
– Saturday, February 8th, 2025 from 6:30pm – 8:00pm​
– At Fairfield Community Centre in the Garry Oaks Room (1341 Thurlow Rd)
– This multigenerational program is open for individuals of all ages and abilities. We ask that participants who are under the age of 18 or those who require 1:1 support to please attend with a guardian or support worker.
– Free Event
– Registration Required
Register Here

You Gotta Have Friends
2025-02-12 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-03-12 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual Event
“ You Gotta Have Friends” aims to highlight the vital role that relationships play in enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities. We will explore the emotional, social, and psychological benefits of having strong, supportive friendships, emphasizing how these connections can foster a sense of belonging and community. We will exchange ideas, stories and strategies together (you might even make a friend or two-) Shelley Nessman is the Director of Family Support and Leadership at PLAN and is co- founder of In the Company of Others

Safe Talk - Suicide Prevention Workshop
2025-03-07 09:00 - 13:00 | CMHA BC – Victoria Office, 101-612 View St., Victoria, B.C., V8W 1J5, Canada
safeTALK (FREE) – Suicide Prevention Training Workshop
Friday March 7, 2025
9:00am-1:00pm
CMHA Victoria Offices

safeTALK is a half-day suicide prevention workshop open to anyone, regardless of prior experience or training. Gain knowledge about how to help a person who is thinking about suicide connect to the support they need.
You will learn to:
• Identify people who may have thoughts of suicide
• Ask them directly about the possibility of suicide
• Connect them to life-saving community supports and resources
More than 50,000 people in 20 countries attend safeTALK each year.
In honor of World Suicide Prevention Day, CMHA BC is hosting this safeTALK training at no cost to the community.
Registration: In order to register, please fill out the form below and ensure that you select the correct workshop dates in the drop down menu titled “Please Select an Upcoming Workshop”.
$10 Deposit: After submitting the registration form, you should be automatically re-directed to our online payment system. Please note that, due to levels of demand, a $10 deposit is required to hold your spot in this training. All deposits will be refunded after attending the workshop. If you do not attend the workshop, and do not cancel at least 72 hours beforehand, CMHA BC will retain this deposit. By paying the deposit, you are agreeing to these terms.
If you experience any difficulties registering or have any questions, please contact the CMHA BC team at suicideprevention@cmha.bc.ca or at (778) 533-6472.

Registration – Suicide Prevention Training
Use this form to register for an upcoming workshop, or to sign up to be notified of future workshops. CMHA BC is able to deliver Suicide Prevention Training (safeTALK, ASIST) in the lower Vancouver Island region.

You can also contact the team at suicideprevention@cmha.bc.ca.

Community Care Fair
2025-03-12 10:00 - 15:00 | Victoria Native Friendship Centre, 231 Regina Ave, Victoria, BC, V8Z 3V9, Canada
Join us for a day of health, wellness and community. Learn more about how VNFC can support your wellness journey and connect with many local services. There will be a variety of health and wellness providers offering their services. Door prizes! Refreshments provided. Cultural supports will be available.

The Neurodiversity Family Centre
2025-03-18 17:00 - 18:00 | The Neurodiversity Family Centre, #318 - 1175 Cook St., Victoria, BC., Canada
What to Expect:
Fidget-Making Stations – Hands-on activities for children, teens, and adults
Post-It Note Wall – Share why neurodiversity is a superpower!
Door Prizes – Fun giveaways for attendees
NDFC Stickers & Refreshments – Enjoy snacks and drinks while you connect
Meet & Greet with Our Practitioners – Learn about their approaches and specialties

Kids and families are welcome! We’d love for you to drop by, explore our space, and connect with our team. Please share this invitation with anyone who may want to join—we’d love to see as many people as possible celebrating neurodiversity with us!

Vicarious Trauma in the Workplace
2025-03-19 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
Is Your Workplace Prepared for Vicarious Trauma? Learn How to Build a Trauma-Informed Culture
Vicarious trauma can quietly impact your team, but you can take action. Join our webinar on March 19th as we explore how understanding vicarious trauma can help you create a healthier, more resilient workplace. Learn to recognize the signs, implement strategies like the Stress Pain Container, and develop a trauma-informed culture that supports your team’s well-being.
Register now to secure your spot and protect both individuals and your organization!

Beneath The Surface: Illuminating Visible & Invisible Disabilities
2025-03-21 - 2025-03-23 | Victoria City Hall, 1 Centennial Square, Victoria, BC, V8W 1P6, Canada
A 10th annual Cracks in the Concrete conference as we explore the theme “Beneath the Surface: Illuminating Visible & Invisible Disabilities.” This milestone gathering will focus on amplifying the voices and experiences of individuals living with visible and invisible disabilities, particularly people of colour who are often left out of disability discourse. Together, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by those living with disabilities that are not immediately visible, while building bridges of empathy, compassion, and respect.
Over this transformative weekend, we’ll challenge societal perceptions that are shaped by first appearances and examine how our personal biases and programming impact interactions. Through a rich lineup of workshops, discussions, and artistic performances, we will explore disability and identity, emphasizing how we are more alike than we are different.
Featured sessions will delve into topics such as the invisibility of autism, dyslexia, vision loss, poor hearing, and speech challenges, while also addressing the unique barriers faced by people of colour living with visible disabilities.
This year’s conference is more than a conversation—it’s a call to action to see beyond the surface and embrace difference.
CRACKS IN THE CONCRETE CONFERENCE
DATES:
March 21 – 23, 2025
LOCATION:
Victoria City Hall
COST:
Free general admission, or by donation
$10 – 15 for Able: An Immersive Art Experience
$5 for Chinatown History Walking Tour
REGISTER:
Register for the conference here.
DONATE:
All panels are free. Please consider making a donation.
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
March 21:
Able: An Immersive Art Experience (5:30 – 7:30pm)
March 22:
The Realities of Living With Invisible Disabilities (1:00 – 2:00pm)
Beyond First Impressions: Amplifying the Voices of People with Disabilities (2:30 – 3:30pm)
Equity in Action: Connecting Disability & Human Rights (4:00 – 5:00pm)
March 23:
Chinatown History Walking Tour (1:00 – 1:45pm)

Control Exposure Risks from Unregulated Substances
2025-03-25 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual Event
Join us on March 25th from 10am to 11am for an informative webinar on managing exposure risks from unregulated substances in the workplace. Hear from expert speakers with decades of health and safety experience as they share key strategies and best practices for addressing the risks of unregulated substance exposure, with a focus on the social services sector.
Register to secure your spot!
