Osanis Inclusion Services Inc.

Journey Through Grief
2024-08-26 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Vancouver)
Parents, grandparents, and caregivers of a child or family member with a disability who journey through aspects of grief are invited to come together in a safe space for connection, understanding, inspiration, capacity building, and non-judgemental support. Whether your experience is a new diagnosis, life stage, or loss, we welcome you to join the conversation circle. We are inclusive of diverse perspectives and belief systems.
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 grassroots 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/
After the session you are encouraged to share your feedback. This helps FSI improve our content to better serve the needs of families.
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/52ef23e13270439d9d97d32a0b229bbc

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.

Special Woodstock
2024-08-18 10:00 - 18:00
“Special Woodstock” is a music festival that happens once a year on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada on the beautiful 140-acre property of
Providence Farm in Duncan, BC, Canada. It was created to feature the artistic talents of people with disabilities alongside professional musicians on a community/world stage.
Founded in September 1999 by Shelley Vaags, who saw a need for a platform to be created to feature this incredible, courageous, inspiring, and unique community of individuals.

Date: Sunday, August 18, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Admission: Free!
No tickets are required, no entry fee.

How do we do it?
With help from The Lions Clubs of Vancouver Island and the surrounding Islands generous community businesses and YOU!
All donations, big and small add up to an amazing, heartwarming, inspiring Music Festival called Special Woodstock

Imposter Syndrome talk led by "LET'S" (Live Educate Transform Society)
2024-08-15 10:00 - 11:30
This webinar dives into imposter syndrome, that nagging feeling of self-doubt that holds you back. We’ll explore what it is, the signs to watch for, and how colonialism and marginalization can fuel those feelings.
We’ll also tackle practical tools to quiet that inner critic and build confidence:

Learn how to reframe your thinking patterns

Discover the power of language

Build strong support systems

Minimize imposter syndrome in yourself and others

Join us for a safe space to explore this common experience and learn actionable steps to overcome it!

Presented by:
Heather McCain (they/them) is Executive Director of Live Educate Transform Society (LET’S), a non-profit they founded in 2005. Heather’s own experiences as an asexual, disabled, neurodivergent, queer, trans person led them to become a well-known and respected advocate, educator, and speaker.
Heather is proudest to be called a Crip Doula. This is a community given Disability Justice term for someone who helps disabled people navigate our complex systems, providing resources, support, and building community. This title was gifted by community members who have felt the positive effects of Heather’s work.

Date: August 15, 2024
Time: 10:00AM – 11:30 AM (PST)
Location: Virtual session via Zoom
*Once registered the link to the session will be sent out the day prior to the event.

Registration closes two days before the event at 4:00 PM. To ensure your participation, please register before this deadline.

"Have A Go Day!"
2024-08-11 10:00 - 15:00
JOIN ‘POWER TO BE’ FOR A FREE PROGRAM TO TRY NEW ACTIVITIES!
Upcoming Victoria Dates:
TIME: 10am – 3pm
SUNDAY, AUGUST 11th
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22nd
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2nd

WHAT: Come experience the outdoors with Power To Be! We offer a variety of activities including hiking with and without TrailRiders (one-wheeled, all-terrain wheelchairs), paddlesports, nature adventures, and more. We also periodically have community partners on site who offer additional activities!

WHO: Anyone who wants to access nature in a safe, fun, and inclusive way. This open event invites all current Power To Be participants and their families, as well as anyone interested in learning more about Power To Be

WHERE: Our beautiful Prospect Lake site located at 4633 Prospect Lake Rd.

DETAILS: No RSVPs are required to attend. We ask that anyone under the age of 19 be accompanied by adult support. Activities are available for sign up upon your arrival and run on a rotating basis. We will run the activities rain or shine, so dress appropriately for the weather. Please bring snacks and water!

PLEASE NOTE:
This free event is open to families. We ask that all children and youth be accompanied by an adult support as our Power To Be staff will be busy ensuring everyone is enjoying the different activities. If your youth will be attending with an adult who is not their guardian, the guardian will need to click the button below to print and sign our Informed Consent ahead of time.
Sign your Informed Consent

Invisible No More - RSVP Only (Film Screening)
2024-08-11 | The Cinemathique, 1131 Howe St., Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2L7, Canada
From the organizers:
“Join us for a community gathering over lunch, a film screening of Invisible No More, and panel presentation after the film. Hosted by Disability Without Poverty BC, BC Disability, Curiko, and BC People First Society.
Andy Fiore’s Invisible No More is a documentary about brain injury and criminal justice. The screening will be followed by a panel of experts discussing broader issues such as mental health, homelessness and addiction that ripple from the film onto our city streets. This event presents a unique opportunity to strengthen community, foster understanding and celebrate Disability With Possibility. We are capable of so much!”
REGISTER HERE by August 5.
NO CELL PHONES DURING THE FILM – NO CALLS, PHOTOS OR FILMING. THANK YOU.
Sunday, August 11, 2024 | 11am-4pm
The Cinematheque: 1131 Howe St. Vancouver
Lunch & Networking 11:00am-1:25pm
Film Screening 1:30-2:40pm
Panel Presentation 2:45-3:45pm – Panelists are in the process of being confirmed.
Content warning:
Disability Without Poverty’s Shape the CDB project captured the voices of disabled Canadians living in poverty. We actively sought the opinions of the hardest-to-reach communities including: 2SLGBTQ+, racialized, Indigenous, refugees, homeless, incarcerated or formerly incarcerated, veterans, institutionalized, and Northern communities. Many of these stories are difficult to hear. But our job is not only to listen, but to help them be heard.
The film we are screening contains conversations related to childhood trauma, sexual abuse, violence, gangs, incarceration, drug addiction, bullying and suicidal ideation.
Notice of filming and photography:
When you attend this event, you enter an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. By entering the event premises, you consent to such recording media and its release, publication, exhibition or reproduction.
Disability Without Poverty BC will be recording during the event. Event organizers will also be taking photos during the event.
Masks are encouraged but not required:
Current provincial mask guidelines in BC are as follows: Wearing a mask is a personal choice.
Lunch will be catered by Tayybeh:
Tayybeh’s mission is to continue to empower newcomer women and offer opportunities for employment, financial independence and social integration by offering and highlighting their delicious and authentic local food. Meat and vegan options will be available.
Registration closes Aug 05, 2024, 11:00 p.m.
Learn more.
REGISTER HERE

ArtisTREE Festival
2024-07-27 10:00 - 2024-07-28 17:00 | Goverment House, 1401 Rockland Ave, Victoria, BC, V8S 1V9, Canada
ArtisTREE Festival is a two day arts festival taking place at historic Government House located on the traditional territory of the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations. Featuring up to 150 juried artisan booths to both shop at and inspire, as well as a live music stage, art installations, en plein air artist demonstrations and Indigenous art and culture showcase. Family Friendly! Children’s crafts, activities and performers are part of the fun all weekend long. Experience the magic that will take place over 36 acres in the heart of Victoria’s Rockland neighbourhood. Leave the car at home. Walk, bike or stroll to the event. Shuttles will be available for transport. See website for shuttle information. Accessibility friendly. Food trucks and beverage carts onsite.
Saturday July 27 – 10am – 7pm
Sunday July 28 – 10am – 5pm
Senior Shopping on Sunday from 10am-11am
www.artistreefestival.com

Neurodiversity & Indigineity: From Childhood to Adulthood
2024-07-18 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual Event
This webinar will explore colonial influences within disability support systems, delve into the unique experiences of neurodiverse Indigenous childhood and youth, and unpack the challenges and opportunities faced when transitioning into adulthood. Join us for a comprehensive look at neurodiversity across different life stages, with a focus on creating a more supportive future.
Speaker Nicole Ineese-Nash (she/her) is an Oji-Cree educator, researcher, and community helper whose work focuses on Indigenous community development, mental health and wellbeing, education, and land-based practices. She is a member of Constance Lake First Nation in Treaty 9 territory and resides and works in Tkaronto. Nicole is an assistant professor in the schools of Early Childhood Studies and Child and Youth Care at Toronto Metropolitan University, as well as the academic coordinator of the Indigenous Child and Youth Engagement Certificate at the Chang School of Continuing Education. Nicole founded and serves as the executive director of a national non-profit organization called a Finding Our Power Together, which provides mental health resources to Indigenous communities across Canada. Nicole has worked directly with Indigenous youth, children, and communities for over a decade and seeks research and teaching opportunities that promote Indigenous self-determination and resurgence.
River Valade River Valade (they/he) is Métis (with roots to the Red River Métis Community), Black (African Diaspora) and Ukrainian. River is a Mental Health Counsellor (MSW, RSW), Helper and Community Worker with 5+ years of experience working with urban Indigenous families and youth. He is passionate about walking alongside Indigenous youth on their journeys and helping them to discover and nurture their gifts. River holds a Bachelors’ of Social Work degree from McMaster University and a Masters’ degree in Social Work (specializing in Indigenous wholistic social work practice) from Wilfrid Laurier University. As someone who walks in-between multiple worlds in their identity as a Métis, Mixed-Race, Neurodivergent and Two-Spirit youth – River has gone on their own journey to explore what it means to be who they are, the gifts he carries, and his roles and responsibilities as an Indigenous person.
Date: July 18, 2024
Time: 10:00AM – 11:30 AM (PST)
Location: Virtual session via Zoom
Register here: https://homesharingbc.ca/events/neurodiversity-and-indigeneity-from-childhood-to-adulthood/?mc_cid=ee9004a9e5&mc_eid=ffa1bdf18d
*Once registered the link to the session will be sent out the day prior to the event.

Registration closes two days before the event at 4:00 PM. To ensure your participation, please register before this deadline.

Aging Caregivers
2024-07-17 18:30 - 20:00
We cannot slow the aging process in ourselves or in the people we care for! As we get older, our ability to care for our family member becomes more and more difficult. Planning our own future, and the future of our loved ones can be a terrifying process. Will we be able to provide the necessary care? Will they be well cared for in the future, after we are gone? What can we do to make the future easier? Connecting with other families in similar situations is the best way to problem solve and figure out what will work best for our specific situations. This is a new family hangout. Join our call with other “mature” parents and caregivers and we can problem solve together!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
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/
After the session you are encouraged to share your feedback. This helps FSI improve our content to better serve the needs of families.
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.

Community Engagement Sessions on the Accessible BC Act
2024-07-17 17:30 - 19:00 | Victoria Disability Resource Centre, 817A Fort Str., Victoria, BC, V8W 1H8, Canada
The VDRC (Victoria Disability Resource Centre) will be hosting two Community Engagement sessions on the Accessible BC Act. To learn more about the Act and its importance for individuals with disabilities in BC, you can attend in person or virtually.
In-person: July 17, 2024 @ 5:30pm until 7:00pm. Food, snacks and beverages will be provided.
Virtual: July 24, 2024 @ 5:30pm until 7:00pm. This will be via Zoom. The first 20 people who register will receive a $5 electronic gift card to Starbucks or Tim Hortons so they can enjoy a beverage during the session.
Both sessions will have ASL and live transcription.
To register for either session, please contact Wendy at director@drcvictoria.com or 250-595-0044 ext. 107. There is no deadline for registration.

Family Voices Project - Sechelt
2024-07-15 16:30 - 19:30 | Mission House, 4603 Sunshine Coast Hwy, Sechelt, BC, V0N 3A1, Canada
We want to hear from local families of children and youth with disabilities in Sechelt.
The Family Voices Project seeks to understand the real experiences of those who receive or are in need of Children and Youth with Support Needs (CYSN) services. Join us to share your ideas for a better network of services.
Childcare support and travel support are available for participants.
Refreshments will be available
REGISTER FOR THE SECHELT EVENT
Can’t attend in person but still wish to engage and talk about CYSN services? Use the registration link above to request this option.
Visit the Family Voices Homepage for more information bit.ly/FVproject.
NO ONE WILL BE TURNED AWAY FROM THIS EVENT BUT TO ENSURE WE HAVE ENOUGH REFRESHMENTS FOR EVERYONE PLEASE TRY TO REGISTER BY July 12.
After this date we cannot guarantee adequate food/drinks supply.
Questions? Please email familyvoices@fsibc.com

FASD - Thinking Outside of the Box
2024-07-11 19:00 - 20:30
This family hangout is all about empowering conversations for individuals affected by FASD and those that support them. Join us for a family hangout that provides a safe place to share and connect.
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/

After the session you are encouraged to share your feedback. This helps FSI improve our content to better serve the needs of families.
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/52ef23e13270439d9d97d32a0b229bbc

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.

Challenging Behaviours
2024-07-10 18:30 - 20:00
Complex behaviours are hard to handle! Whether those behaviours come from poor impulse control, language difficulties or oppositional tendencies, caregivers still struggle to understand and we all want to help.
Join our Family Hangout for Challenging Behaviours and share with other caregivers who experience similar issues. Knowing that we are not alone in our struggles and hearing about options that have worked for other families can make the path just a little easier.
This bi-weekly call is now a combination of two family hangouts; Complex Behaviours and Non-Speaking Autism. Please join us.
CLICK HERE 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 grassroots 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/
After the session you are encouraged to share your feedback. This helps FSI improve our content to better serve the needs of families.
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.

Complex Health Needs
2024-07-09 19:00 - 20:30
A chance for families who support those with complex health issues, who require caregiver(s) to meet their high care needs, to connect and discuss common issues.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
** PLEASE NOTE: This meeting is reserved for families with a member with a disability and self advocates only **
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/
After the session you are encouraged to share your feedback. This helps FSI improve our content to better serve the needs of families.
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.

Music In the Park
2024-07-09 18:00 - 2024-08-20 20:00
Get ready to groove this summer with a series of musical performances in various Saanich parks every Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. for eight weeks. Residents are encouraged to use public transport or bike to the performances.
The list of artists is as follows:

July 9 at Majestic Park, 4380 Majestic Drive – Vinyl Wave;
July 16 at Beckwith Park, 857 Beckwith Road – Groove Kitchen;
July 23 at Brydon Park, End of Viewmont Avenue – Back Beat;
July 30 at Hyacinth Park, 700 Marigold Road – Late Shift;
August 6 at Prospect Lake Park, 331 Prospect Lake Road) – Rock of Ages;
August 13 at Rutledge Park, Inverness & Cloverdale – The Shenanigans;
August 20 at Rudd Park, 3259 Irma – Best Laid Plans.

Memory Cafe
2024-07-09 10:00 - 12:00
A comfortable social gathering for people with memory challenges and their care partners. The café offers a caring and welcoming community for both people with memory loss and their care partners.
Memory Café Victoria meets every
Tuesday and Thursday
10 AM to 12 PM
3 Recreation Centres in Victoria, BC.
Registration required. Contact info@memoryconnections.org

Newly Diagnosed Autism
2024-07-08 19:00 - 20:30
Are you a parent of a child with a recent autism diagnosis? Are you feeling overwhelmed with the information sent your way or have a hard time dealing with your emotions? Do you have questions for parents who have walked the path ahead of you or would like to meet with some who are new on this journey like yourself? At FSI we would like to bring parents in this unique situation together for support, empathy, understanding, and some workable strategies. This will be a safe and a confidential space for the families on a similar journey. Join us on this family hangout where we can meet every third Monday of the month.
CLICK HERE 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.
*FG

Victoria Pride Parade 2024
2024-07-07 | Victoria Pride Society, Douglas St, Victoria, BC, Canada
Come celebrate the 30th anniversary of continuous Pride parades in Victoria!
This year’s Pride Parade starts on Sunday, July 7, 2024, at 11 AM. This large, colourful parade—with as many as 140 entries and 70,000+ spectators—is one of our favourite moments of the year! The Songhees Nation and other Indigenous and Two-Spirit guests of honour will open the parade at Fisgard and Douglas.

Accessible Viewing Area with Live Audio Description
This space is for persons with disabilities (and their date, friends, family, attendants) who want to enjoy the parade in an accessible setting (Maximum five people per group, including person with disability). Tents and seating will be set up, as well as water and snacks provided! The space will be set up in front of the Empress Hotel, near the intersection of Government St. and Belleville St.
Registration is highly recommended! Register by Thursday, July 4th at 4pm or come and take your chance on the day of the parade!
If you would like to view the parade from the accessible viewing area, or if you have any questions, contact Wendy at director@drcvictoria.com or 250-595-0044, extension 107!

Intergenerational Pride Circle
2024-07-06 13:30 - 15:30 | The Garry Oak Room at the Fairfield Gonzales Community Association, 1335 Thurlow Rd, Victoria, BC, V8S 5K2, Canada
An intergenerational craft-based Pride event!

The Intergenerational Pride Circle will create an inclusive and safer space where 2SLGBTQ+ youth and seniors/adults can connect and craft together. The craft offered will be beaded word Pride bracelets. However, participants are welcome to bring their own craft to the space if the proposed one does not interest them. This will allow everyone to participate in their desired way and have an activity to do during discussions. Tables will have a few discussion questions and icebreakers available to encourage socializing, storytelling, and relationship-building. This circle is intended to facilitate connections between different generations of 2SLGBTQ+ people to strengthen our community, build an understanding of each other’s experiences, learn about 2SLGBTQ+ history, give younger generations a chance to know their elders and imagine their own futures, and give older adults/seniors a space to pass on knowledge.
—————————————————–

When: July 6th 1:30-3:30
Where: The Garry Oak Room at the Fairfield Gonzales Community Association
Who: 2SLGBTQ+ youth 16+ and adults/seniors.
Cost: Free or by donation
Facilitator: Lexi Mcewen
—————————————————–

Details:
-There will be light snacks provided
-Masks are encouraged in this space to keep our vulnerable community members safe
-The Garry Oak room is ground level accessible with no stairs. There are 2 accessible washrooms on-site.
-The Garry Oak room is located adjacent to the Sir James Douglas School, the main door access is from 1335 Thurlow Road
-If you need a free (no donation) ticket, please email for promo code
Questions?
If you have any questions about this event, please email Lexi at lmcewen@fairfieldcommunity.ca

Comedy For A Cause
2024-07-05 19:30 - 21:00 | Vic Theatre, 808 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 2B6, Canada
Welcome to Comedy for a Cause! Get ready to laugh your socks off for a good cause at this hilarious event happening at the Vic Theatre. The event happens on Fri, Jul 05, 2024, at 7:30 PM for a night of non-stop comedy and entertainment. Don’t miss out on the chance to support a great cause while enjoying some top-notch comedy talent!
Doors open at 6:30 PM. Rush Seating. WARNING: adult content.

FASD - Thinking Outside of the Box
2024-07-04 19:00 - 20:30
This family hangout is all about empowering conversations for individuals affected by FASD and those that support them. Join us for a family hangout that provides a safe place to share and connect.

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/

After the session you are encouraged to share your feedback. This helps FSI improve our content to better serve the needs of families.
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/52ef23e13270439d9d97d32a0b229bbc

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.

*FG

Yoga in the Park
2024-07-02 18:00 - 2024-08-27 19:00 | Willows Beack Park, 1975 Bee Str., Victoria, BC, V8R 5E6, Canada
Yoga in the Park
Free at Willows Beach Park!

Led by Ajna Yoga and Oak Bay Recreation Instructors.
Please bring your own mat.

Victoria's Canada Day
2024-07-01 11:00 - 22:22 | City Of Victoria, 501 Belleville St., Victoria,, BC, V8V 2L8, Canada
Come celebrate Canada Day in Victoria at the Inner Harbour & Legislative Precinct.
Schedule of Events on Monday, July 1, 2024 at Legislature Lawns:

11 a.m. Drumming
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Family Zone
11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. International Food Village
3 p.m. Welcome
3:15 p.m. Lekwungen Traditional Dancers
3:35 p.m. National Anthem – The Fates
3:55 p.m. Blasé Blasé
4:40 p.m. Yvonne Kushe
5:25 p.m. Posh Coat
6:25 p.m. Cities
7:30 p.m. Mauvey
8:30 p.m. Hey Ocean!
9:30 p.m. DJ Shub
10:15 p.m. Drone Show
10:22 p.m. Fireworks

The Family Voices Project
2024-07-01 08:00 - 2024-09-30 17:00
The Family Voices Project is a collaborative initiative aimed at gathering the invaluable insights, experiences, and desires of families with children and youth who have disabilities.

The Family Support Institute of BC (FSI) is on a community engagement journey to gather stories on what has and has not been working in the current system for Children and Youth with Support Needs (CYSN). Welcome to the Family Voices Project!
We want to hear from BC families and youth self-advocates who currently have, or are in need of, CYSN services and supports. Connect with us in-person when we visit your city/community, or connect with us virtually between July and September 2024.
The Children and Youth with Support Needs (CYSN) program through the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) offers various services, including the At Home Program, Autism Funding, respite care, key workers, and some specialized therapies, family support, and medical benefits. CYSN services are for children and youth from birth to 19 years of age who are BC residents. Children and youth eligible for these programs include those with developmental delays, autism, and some complex health needs.
Register to connect with us now!

Join a community engagement session

Additional dates and locations will continually be added as they are confirmed.

MAR Kids Global: Be A Kid - Paddle Boarding!
2024-06-30 12:00 - 15:00 | Moms Against Racism (Canada), Change rooms at Craigflower-Kosapsom Park (Gorge -Tillicum Area), Esquimalt, BC, V9A 2R2, Canada
Moms Against Racism Presents… Be a Kid!
Each month get together with Black, Indigenous and Kids of Colour to have fun participating in a different activity and building community.
Calling all BIPOC Kids of Greater Victoria! This month join us for Paddle Boarding with Paddle N Go on the Gorge Waterway!
Event details:

Sunday, June 30th at 12:00pm
No experience necessary! Lessons provided.
We will meet by the change rooms at Craigflower- Kosapsom Park
Children must be supervised by their adults at all times.
Children eighteen and younger must be accompanied on a board by an adult.
Change rooms and washrooms on site.
Limited free parking available on-site and on road.
Playground and picnic tables on site.
Lessons, Boards, Paddles, Safety gear – all are provided for each participant.

Pricing:

1 Parent + 1 child (Free)
Extra child ( Pay what you can )
Extra Adult ( Pay what you can)

*If you can afford to, please consider contributing $5-$10 per child. This helps us host more events in a year. If you can’t right now, that is okay! We got you. Please email us at info@momsagainstracism.ca if you have questions or concerns.
You MUST register all participants. People who have not registered may be refused access to the event.
Indemnity Information:
Accidents arising from recreation activities occasionally happen. By attending the event, you agree to indemnify and save harmless Moms Against Racism, including their officials, officers, employees and agents from any claim, lawsuit, liability, debt, demand, loss or judgement (including costs, defence expense and interest) whatsoever and howsoever arising either directly or indirectly as a result of participating in this event. You also agree to waive all rights of subrogation or recourse against Paddle N’ Go and it’s affiliates as a result of participating in this event.
Plain language: Participate at your own risk.
About the Be A Kid Program
Every child deserves to play freely, to laugh loudly, and to explore the wonders of the world in a joyfully inquisitive way. Every child deserves the opportunity to try something new, to connect with nature, and to do so without the judgmental and scrutinizing gaze of the people around them.
Unfortunately, for Black, Indigenous and Children of Colour, they often don’t get these opportunities.
These children often face barriers when it comes to… being a kid. Barriers to participating in activities like finances, travel, time, lack of knowledge, stigma, fear for safety, and even just feeling like they’re going to stick out or be the only racialized kid there.
Be a Kid events are

Fun and welcoming
Open to children who identity as BIPOC and their immediate families/caregivers (white family members/caregivers are welcome)
Intended to build community. Come ready to meet and talk with new people.

953 Balmoral - Community Open House
2024-06-25 11:30 - 13:30 | Community Open House, 953 Balmoral Road, Victoria, BC, V8T 1A7, Canada
Calling all neighbours! Come for a tour of the new building ahead of residents moving in.
Community Open House

Date: Tuesday, June 25, 2024
Time: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Location: 953 Balmoral Road, Victoria

Drop by any time between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm to take a self-guided tour of the new main living space. The project team will be present throughout the space to answer questions.
