Osanis Inclusion Services Inc.

Supporting Kids with Substance Misuse
2025-05-07 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
A Conversation With
Together We Can

Wednesday, May 7, 2025
6:30pm – 7:30pm (PST)
SUPPORTING KIDS WITH SUBSTANCE MISUSE
As parents and caregivers, how we talk about substance use shapes how young people see it. This session explores insights from those with lived experience, offering ways to support without judgment.
Topics We’ll Cover:

Strength-Based Conversations – Focusing on resilience over challenges
Deficit-Based Thinking – Recognizing and reframing unhelpful narratives
Trauma-Informed Language – How words shape understanding and healing
Boundary Setting – Why it’s so hard and how to navigate it
Taking Care of You! – Prioritizing your well-being while supporting others

Alex Lekei is a Canadian Certified Addictions Counsellor with over 15 years of experience in healthcare. They currently serve as a Family Educator with Together We Can, a Peer Leader with Vancouver Coastal Health, and operates his own private practice, Guiding Solutions Counselling. Drawing from his own lived experience with substance use as a youth and young adult, combined with academic training and community involvement, they bring a unique and empathetic perspective.
Steven Hall is the Public Relations Manager at Together We Can Drug & Alcohol Recovery & Education Society (TWC). A graduate of TWC’s 12-step-based program, Steven draws on his own lived experience with addiction and mental health to support others. Now part of TWC’s Community Relations and Family Support Team, he is passionate about creating safe spaces and believes recovery is possible—and everyone is worthy of it.

Register For Free

Substance Use and the Power of Support
2025-05-08 18:30 - 19:30 | Virtual Event
A Conversation With
Guy Felicella

Thursday, May 8, 2025
6:30pm – 7:30pm (PST)
SUBSTANCE USE AND THE POWER OF SUPPORT
Fear is often the loudest emotion when our kids are involved in substance use—but what if we led with care instead? Join us online for an important conversation with Guy Felicella, a renowned advocate and speaker, as he shares how connection and relationship can make a difference in substance use and addiction. Learn how we can show care not just for our kids, but for the broader community impacted by substance use disorder.
Guy Felicella is an international public speaker and advocate for drug policy reform. Overcoming a two-decade substance use disorder, he has turned his life around after years of homelessness, gang involvement, and surviving overdoses in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Now, Guy passionately promotes harm reduction, trauma therapy, and faster access to treatment, using his story of resilience and recovery to inspire others and push for compassionate drug policies and addiction support.

Register For Free

Understanding Autism, PDA & ODD: Strategies to Avoid Power Struggles
2025-05-09 09:30 - 11:30 | BC
Struggling with defiance, shutdowns, or resistance to everyday demands? Join us for this practical and compassionate session designed to help caregivers, educators, and professionals understand the overlap between Autism, PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance), and ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder).
Learn how to reduce power struggles and foster collaboration through low-demand, relationship-based strategies rooted in emotional safety and respect.
Walk away with:

Tools to identify and respond to avoidance behaviours
Proactive techniques to de-escalate and connect
Communication strategies that build trust

Perfect for anyone supporting neurodivergent children and youth who experience demand avoidance or strong opposition.
Register now and rethink “challenging behaviour” through a neurodiversity-affirming lens!
Streaming live.

Neurodivergent Early Years
2025-05-09 12:30 - 14:30 | Virtual Event
With Dr. Michelle Schmidt & Allison Balfour
What does neurodivergence look like in the early years—and how can we respond with curiosity, care, and confidence? In this empowering session, discover how to support Autistic and otherwise neurodivergent children in preschool and early primary settings with strategies that celebrate difference and build connection.
You’ll explore:

Early signs and communication styles of neurodivergent kids
Tools to support regulation, play, and safety
Inclusive practices that help children thrive in home, school, and community environments

Designed for early childhood educators, family support professionals, and caregivers, this session is your invitation to deepen your understanding of neurodiversity—right from the start.
Join us to support neurodivergent kids in becoming their best selves—on their terms.
$5 parking and cafeteria on-site

Gender Marvelous
2025-05-13 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-05-27 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-06-10 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-06-24 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
Welcome to a space where families come together to share their experiences, ask questions, and support one another as we navigate the journey of raising our queer, gender-diverse and/or Two-Spirit children and youth. Join the conversation, find strength and encouragement, and connect with a network of families who understand. All queer and 2SLGBTQIA+ families are welcome. Let’s support each other and grow together!
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 grassroots family to family organization that has a broad volunteer base. FSI SUPPORTS AND SERVICES ARE FREE TO ANY FAMILY

SEA: For Adults online workshop
2025-05-14 18:30 - 20:00 | Virtual Event
A 90-minute online suicide prevention workshop developed by NEED2 to provide foundational information about suicide that is accessible and relevant to adults, no matter their role in the community.
May 14, 2025 6:30 – 8pm
Once you’ve registered, you will receive the Zoom link the morning of the workshop.
Register Here.

Breaking Free: History of Deinstitutionalization for People with Disabilities in British Columbia
2025-05-29 09:00 - 12:00 | Esquimalt Gorge Park & Pavilion, 1070 Tillicum Rd, Esquimalt, BC, V9A 2A1, Canada
Supports for people with intellectual disabilities have emerged from a long and complicated history of fear and oppression, charitable beliefs, pseudo-science, human rights, and economic priorities. Join us in a conversation about the history, values, and beliefs that guide our movement and are vital to sustaining ourselves – and the vision of community living for all citizens.
Location: Esquimalt Gorge Park & Pavilion, 1070 Tillicum Rd, Esquimalt, BC V9A 2A1
Date and time: Thu, May 29, 2025 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT
Organizer: South Island Education Committee, cmyra@beconnectedsupport.ca

Beyond Behaviours: When Is It More? What It Looks Like at Ages 9 – 12
2025-06-03 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-06-12 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-06-18 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtual Event
Why can it feel so tricky to tell if our kids are on track, going through a phase, as opposed to struggling with something more, or beyond behaviours? Learn about the developmental stages of 9 to 12 year old children and what might be some signs of mental health challenges at this age.
Learn from Karen Peters, Registered Clinical Counsellor.
Join us to watch a video presentation together 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.
Register Here

Early Years and School Age Navigation
2025-06-04 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-06-18 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-07-02 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual Event
Caring for little ones with extra support needs is marked by joy, fear, and overwhelm, usually all in the same day! Navigating the toddler and preschool years, or anticipating school years on the horizon, can be a uniquely challenging time. Join this Family Hangout for supportive sessions on navigating the early years. We are here to listen, provide resources, and create a safe place to discuss the parenting experience of young children with diverse abilities.
Register Here

FASD - Thinking Outside Of The Box
2025-06-05 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-06-12 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-06-26 19:00 - 20:00 | Virtual Event
Empowering conversations for individuals affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) and those who support them. A Family Hangout that provides a safe place to share and connect.
Register Here

Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) by MHRP
2025-06-10 13:30 - 16:00, 2025-06-17 13:30 - 16:00, 2025-06-24 13:30 - 16:00, 2025-07-08 13:30 - 16:00 | MHRPI SI Boardroom, 941 Kings Rd, Victoria, BC, V8T1W7, Canada
Mental Health Recovery Partners South Island will be facilitating another Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP). There is no fee to participate.
WRAP is an evidence-based personal relapse prevention plan that supports participants with developing their own personal wellness plan. In this workshop participants will learn about wellness tools and create action plans to put them into practice in their everyday life. Participants learn how to maintain their wellness by recognizing stressors and early warning signs and by developing coping strategies including having a crisis plan. This workshop is offered several times a year and is co-facilitated by two trained WRAP facilitators.
The next WRAP will be held in-person for six Tuesdays from 1:30pm-4pm at MHRP SI Boardroom on the following dates:
June 10th
June 17th
June 24th
July 8th
July 15th
July 22nd
Please share this with anyone who might be interested. To register, please visit: https://mhrp.ca/programs-and-services/program-request-form

Decolonizing Neurodivergence and Autism
2025-06-11 09:30 - 15:30 | Virtual Event
Presented by Len Pierre and Allison Balfour
This full-day, strengths-based training offers a practical and culturally grounded introduction to Autism and Neurodivergence (e.g., Attention Deficit Hyper Activity Disorder, learning differences) for those working in or alongside Indigenous communities.
Grounded in the belief that all minds are sacred, this course emphasizes respectful, relationship-based ways of supporting Autistic and otherwise Neurodivergent children, youth, and adults.
Read more about it here

Diverse Destinations
2025-06-13 14:30 - 16:30 | Royal Canadian Legion, 761 Station Avenue, Victoria, BC, V9B 4V2, Canada
Diverse Destinations is a free summer presentation series for people with physical disabilities, families, and friends. Hosted by Technology For Living and supported by the Victoria Foundation, it features accessible travel tips, real-life stories from disabled adventurers, and highlights like the new Hullo ferry service.

Colour Your Summer with GVPL's 2025 BC Summer Reading Club!
2025-06-20 - 2025-09-06 | Greater Victoria Library
Join us for a summer of reading, creativity, and connection. The 2025 Summer Reading Club (SRC) runs from Friday, June 20 to Saturday, September 6, and is open to children aged 14 and under.

Pick up your SRC reading record starting Friday, June 20 at any GVPL branch.

How It Works

• Visit any GVPL branch to pick up your free SRC package, which includes your reading record and everything you need to get started.
• Read—or be read to—for 20 minutes or more each day. You can read in any format, in any language, and in any location.

• Track your progress on your reading record. One number equals one day of reading.

• Return to the library each week to collect your sticker and prize.

• Complete seven weeks of reading to earn a medal and celebrate your achievement.

Programs and Activities

Our goal this summer is to encourage kids and families to connect with their local branch and enjoy all the BC Summer Reading Club has to offer. Program highlights include:

Virtual Programs
Creative Colouring Workshop with Lauren Achtem
Tuesday, June 24 | 3:30–4:30 pm | Online via Microsoft Teams | Ages 8–13
Join this year’s BC SRC artist Lauren Achtem to design and draw a habitat for the SRC critters.

To register, email programs@gvpl.ca with “Lauren Achtem” in the subject line. Include your child’s name and library card number. Registration closes June 23.

In-Person Programs
Magic Mango Monsters with Meneka Repka
Friday, July 25 | 11:00 am–12:00 pm | Juan de Fuca Branch | Ages 8–12
Create your own monster bookmark and learn about book illustration. Includes a reading of The Mango Monster by Derek Mascarenhas.
To register, email programs@gvpl.ca with “Meneka Repka” in the subject line. Include your child’s name and library card number. Limited drop-in space may be available.

Comic Camp with Seraji
August 11–15 | Esquimalt Branch
• Kids’ Camp (Ages 8–12): 10:30–11:30 am
• Tween/Teen Camp (Ages 13–18): 1:00–3:00 pm
Join comic artist Seraji for a week-long workshop and create your own mini-comic.
To register, email programs@gvpl.ca with “Comic Camp” in the subject line. Include your child’s name and library card number.

Round Table: Last Day of School 2025 - Inclusive Education Update
2025-06-26 15:00 - 17:00 | Virtual Event
The end of the 2024/25 school year is approaching. Join us for an engaging Round Table as advocates from the inclusion movement share their insights and reflections on the state of inclusive education in Canada. This session will provide an in-depth look at the progress, challenges, and future directions of inclusive education in four Canadian provinces, highlighting key developments and advocacy efforts. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from leaders driving change in inclusive education.
Register Here

Complex Health
2025-07-07 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtual Event
Those who care for someone with intense care needs would be perfect to attend this family hangout.
Complex care requires highly trained caregivers and extra supports like the At Home Program or added care funding from the Ministry of Health. Our Complex Health Family Hangout group is a safe place to share your challenges and connect with other caregivers.
** PLEASE NOTE: This meeting is reserved for families with a member with a disability and self advocates only **
CLICK TO REGISTER
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

You are invited to join FSI CONTINUING CONVERSATIONS, a private Facebook Group intended to continue conversations of support or provide an alternative platform for support. www.facebook.com/groups/fsicontinuingconversations/

All FSI Zoom sessions can be accessed by telephone only if access to computers and/or internet is a barrier. If you need assistance registering for any session, please call our office at 1-800-441-5403.

ODEN Business Lunch & Learn: Information Session (Virtual)
2025-07-08 12:00 - 13:00 | BC
ODEN Business Lunch & Learn Series:
Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN) Information Session
Did you know disability-inclusive companies significantly outperform other businesses in innovation, customer service, employee retention, productivity, revenue and profit margins?
There are lots of reasons to make your workplace disability inclusive.
So join us, the Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN), at this information session to learn how you can build disability inclusion in your company!
Key Points for this session:

Discuss the importance and benefits of disability inclusive hiring.

Promising practices and case study examples of businesses who have built inclusive recruitment strategies with ODEN’s help, and

Learn how to connect with ODEN’s network of employment service providers to support your hiring needs.

How you can increase your knowledge and build your confidence when discussing disability.

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your business performance through inclusion and diversity. We look forward to seeing you there!
Register Now to Start your Disability-Inclusive Journey!
ASL interpretation will be provided for this event.

Register Here

Fed Family Chat
2025-07-08 19:00 - 20:00 | Virtual Event
This virtual event is an opportunity to hang out with other youth in and from care and have fun. Together we can shape how we want to spend our time together.
This Fed Family Chat will be taking place on
July 8, 7-8 PM

Sign Up for Fed Family Chat Here

We are so excited to share space and connect with you!
