Family Services Directory

Association of Family Serving Agencies (AFSA) is a network of organizations, groups and individuals serving families. All agencies listed are members of AFSA.

BC Families in Transition (formerly the Separation and Divorce Resource Centre) is one of three non-profit agencies in North America that offers professional counselling, legal support and education for people who are having problems in their relationships. Each year we help 10,000 adults, children and youth through family changes, separations and divorces, remarriages, and complex family situations. Whether you wish to separate or remain together, call us at 250-386-4331 or visit www.bcfit.org to see how we can help. Some evening and weekend appointments available.

Beacon Community Services, a community-based, non-profit social, employment and health services agency serving Greater Victoria, Saanich Peninsula and the Southern Gulf Islands. Providing these services: child, youth and family services; a drop-in family resource centre; counselling; employment services for adults, youth and people with disabilities; home support; volunteer services and opportunities; community events; affordable, assisted living for seniors; referrals, information and resources; thrift shops. For Home Support information, call 250-658-6407, for all other inquiries, call 250-656-0134 or visit www.beaconcs.ca.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria provides mentoring programs to children in schools and communities. Adult 'Bigs', and child 'Littles', build a friendship based on shared interests, respect, trust, and the magic of everyday moments shared with a friend. Everyone needs someone to laugh with, to share a dream with, and just to hang out. No special skills, money, or experience are needed to be a mentor to a child, just a willingness to spend time together, to listen, and to be a friend and advocate--in as little as one hour a week! The positive impact of mentorship lasts for a lifetime. Contact us at 475-1117, email main@bbbsvictoria.com or at our website www.bbbsvictoria.com.

Boys & Girls Club Services offer after-school and evening social, educational and recreational programming for youth 5 to 17 at three locations. We also offer support to parents of teens (Parents Together) and have a specialized program for children dealing with behaviour issues (SIGNS). For more information on all our programs visit our website at www.bgcvic.org. For general information on after-school and evening programs at our three Community Clubs please call 384-9133.

The Child Abuse Prevention & Counselling Society/Mary Manning Centre is the primary provider of therapy and victim support services for children and youth in Greater Victoria who experience sexual abuse or who may be at risk for sexual abuse. Therapy services include individual and group sessions for children and youth and groups sessions for parents. Victim services include intake and referral, accompaniment and support for children and youth being interviewed by police, and court preparation and support for those testifying as victims or witnesses in criminal cases. Contact: 385-6111 or admin@marymanning.com.

Community Living Victoria supports people with developmental disabilities and their families by providing residential services, day programs and community supports (supported employment, parenting and independent living). Our family and personal support program offers advocacy, conflict resolution, education, newsletters, workshops, support groups and a resource library. Please call 477-7231 ext. 33.

Community Options for Children & Families offers respite services for families with a child or adult family member with a disability. Caregivers are matched with individual families. We recruit caregivers on an ongoing basis. Community Options also supports families through its Family Support programs, such as parent connections, sibling workshops and parent support groups. 380-6363.

Esquimalt Neighbourhood House Society. Our Family Sercies offer family resource programs with a focus on early childhood development and learning, parenting education and pre and post-natal services. Our Counselling Services are free to adults and youth (12-18 years); adult and short term clinical counselling is offered for acute mental health problems. For more information call 385-2635 or visit 511 Constance Ave. in Esquimalt.

Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA) is an immigrant and multicultural service agency and umbrella organization for ethno cultural associations in Victoria. Programs offered include cross-cultural counseling, Nobody's Perfect parenting programs (Child care available), family violence services, interpretation, translation, diversity workshops/training, ESL instruction, volunteering, and more. www.icavictoria.org. In July, ICA presents the Luminara Lantern Festival www.luminaravictoria.com. 930 Balmoral Rd, phone 388-4728.

Learning Disabilities Association of BC, SVI Chapter, educates, supports and advocates for children and youth with learning disabilities and attention deficit disorder. Services include a public lending library, individual/group support for parents and children, professional/educational workshops for parents and professionals. Child and youth programs include: reading/writing and academic skill development tutoring, social skills and advocacy groups. 1524 Fort St. 370-9513. www.ldasvi.bc.ca.

Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) provides programs and services to the military family community. Services include: 24 Hour Information Line, Deployment Information and Workshops, Short Term Intervention/Crisis Support, Welcome/Relocation Services, services for families with special needs and responsibilities, and Employment/Education Assistance. Exciting Volunteer opportunities available! Call the MFRC: 363-2640 (1-800-353-3329) for information. www.esquimaltmfrc.com.

NEED2 Suicide Prevention Education & Support provides www.youthspace.ca. A multi-portal website which offers youth support through live-chats, forums and/or from a professional counselor via e-counselling. This service is delivered by youth and adult volunteers and staff. It is an alternative to phone based service for youth and young adults who are seeking emotional support information for a variety of issues, including mental health and addictions. www.youthspace.ca.

Parent Support Services (www.parentsupport.bc.ca) provides support circles, parenting resources and referrals to all in a parenting role, including grandparents raising grandchildren. Our training in peer group fcilitation is open to the community. Support circles are free with child minding and transportation assistance available. Volunteers are always needed. Call 250-384-8042; email parent-support@shaw.ca.

Rainbows is a nonprofit society providing support groups for children who have suffered a significant loss in their lives by death, divorce or any other painful life transition. Rainbows is not counselling; we offer peer support with trained facilitators to help children work through a 24-week program. Rainbows is offered without cost to participants and is community funded. For info, see www.rainbows.ca or email Rita Henderson at nitcrit@shaw.ca or Sharon Tyler at waynetyler@shaw.ca.

The Single Parent Resource Centre (www.singleparentvictoria.ca) provides support, education and resources for parents in the Greater Victoria area through free counselling, volunteer training for reception and peer helper positions, a mentoring program for single moms, and a support group for dads. The Centre also offers over 20 integrated life skills and parenting courses which are open to the whole community (fees are by-donation). Child care assistance is available based on financial need. The Centre provides a bread pantry and free clothing for single parents. Donations of gently-used clothing, small household items, books and toys are very welcome every Monday and Wednesday. Centre hours are 9-4 weekdays. 602 Gorge Rd East. Call 250-385-1114 or email info@singleparentvictoria.ca.

South Island Dispute Resolution Centre www.disputeresolution.bc.ca. 250-383-4412. Affordable/accessible Family Mediation/Coaching services. Create effective parenting plans, improve communication, and understand healthy co-parenting options. Subsidies available. We also offer workshops for all ages of effective communication, anger awareness & conflict management skills.

Victoria Epilepsy & Parkinson's Centre supports families living with epilepsy by providing tutoring and one on one professional consultations to help your child to live up to their full potential. We offer epilepsy education workshops in private and public schools, and keep you up to date on the latest research about medications, lifestyle and safety for your child. Visit us at www.vepc.bc.ca to find out more, and to explore our bursaries for Camosun College. Calls are also welcome at 475-6677.