| Spring Into Action: Building Safer, Stronger Communities Together
Spring is in full bloom, bringing fresh opportunities to connect, learn and take action! This month, we’re highlighting key initiatives, upcoming events and resources to support communities in preventing and responding to adult abuse, neglect and self-neglect. Plus, April is a time to recognize the power of collaboration—together, we can create safer, more inclusive communities for all.
Read on to stay informed and inspired! |
|
| UPCOMING PROVINCIAL LEARNING EVENTS |
|
|
|
| Including & Affirming 2SLGBTQI+ People Provincial Learning Event Webinar
April 15, 2025 | 10:30 am – 12:00 pm PDT
Want to create a more inclusive and affirming space for 2SLGBTQI+ individuals in your workplace or community? Join our webinar and help build a world where everyone thrives authentically!
Who should attend? Community members, leaders, educators and allies – everyone is welcome! Whether you’re new to these topics or looking to deepen your knowledge, this session provides a safe, respectful space for learning and growth.
Presented by Horst Backé (he/him), co-coordinator of the Living OUT Visibly and Engaged Community Response Network (LOVE CRN) and president of Reaching Out Assisting Refugees (ROAR).
Register |
|
|
|
| BC Office of the Human Rights Commissioner
Provincial Learning Event Webinar
May 20, 2025 | 10:30 am – 12:00 pm PDT
BC’s Human Rights Commissioner, Kasari Govender, started her term on Sept. 3, 2019. As an independent officer of the Legislature, Commissioner Govender is uniquely positioned to ensure human rights in BC are protected, respected and advanced on a systemic level. Her work through BC’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner is centered around listening deeply to British Columbians to inform educational materials, policy guidance, public inquiries, interventions, community-based research and more that protects marginalized communities, addresses discrimination and injustice and upholds human rights for all.
Commissioner Govender will speak about the work of BCOHRC and share information about the recent Inquiry into detentions under the Adult Guardianship Act and the findings and recommendations stemming from the report.
Register |
|
| RECAP OF PAST PROVINCIAL LEARNING EVENT |
|
|
|
| From Credit Reports to Debt Relief – What Older Adults Need to Know
Provincial Learning Event Webinar
The March 18 webinar “From Credit Reports to Debt Relief – What Older Adults Need to Know” explored types and causes of debt, the impact of financial stress and common barriers to seeking help, such as shame and lack of awareness. Blair Mantin, a Licensed Insolvency Trustee, shared practical solutions, leaving many attendees surprised by how little they previously knew about available debt relief options.
View recording |
|
|
|
| Non-Profit Network to Host Conference on Violence in Relationships
The Network to Eliminate Violence in Relationships (NEVR) is hosting its 15th Annual Conference, Resilience: Improving Futures, May 15-16 from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., at the Kwantlen Polytechnic Campus in Surrey, BC.
NEVR is a non-profit community of partners focused on ending relationship violence. They share problems and solutions with governments at all levels, from municipal to federal. Over the years, they have brought together many ministries and broken silos across services and policies.
Learn more |
|
|
|
| Michael Volker Brings a Passion for Community Service to the BC CRN Board of Directors
Please join us in welcoming Michael Volker, Executive Director of the 411 Seniors Centre Society in Vancouver, to the BC CRN Board of Directors. With extensive experience in nonprofit operations, fiscal management and program development, Michael is eager to expand the impact of BC CRN’s initiatives. His leadership at 411—where volunteers power essential services like tax clinics and meal programs—has shown him the impact of community-driven support. Now, as a BC CRN Board Member, he aims to strengthen partnerships and grow vital resources that help seniors across the province live independently and with dignity.
Read more |
|
|
|
| Building Community Connections and Awareness with Heartwarming Winter Events
Our CRNs have been busy continuing to foster safer, more connected communities across the province! Some of the activities featured this month include an intergenerational swimming event, specialized training for healthcare professionals on inclusive, person-centered care and a workshop for seniors on the important topic of Advanced Care Planning. Literacy initiatives helped provide diverse, inclusive books to local schools and community meals helped promote opportunities for building social connections among vulnerable adults.
Read more for highlights from around the province |
|
|
|
| Frosty Brought the Fun to an Intergenerational Celebration in the Shuswap
The Shuswap CRN, in partnership with the Sorrento Retreat and Conference Centre, hosted its first-ever Frosty’s Free Fun Day over the Family Day weekend – and it was a hit! More than 70 guests of all ages joined in for a day filled with winter fun, community connection and plenty of treats. Attendees warmed up by the fire with hot chocolate and cookies, posed for silly photos at the Frosty-themed booth while also enjoying face painting, a scavenger hunt and a complimentary lunch featuring homemade soup and pretzel buns.
Read more |
|
|
|
| Advance Care Planning Clinics Educate 2SLGBTQIA+ Seniors
Many 2SLGBTQIA+ seniors have historically faced discrimination in healthcare and family decisions, making advance planning crucial for maintaining autonomy and securing gender-affirming care. Seniors First BC and QMUNITY are launching free legal clinics to help 2SLGBTQIA+ seniors create advance planning documents, ensuring their rights and wishes are honoured during critical illness or end-of-life care. These clinics, funded by the Law Foundation of BC, will assist eligible low-income older adults in drafting wills, powers of attorney and representation agreements.
Read more |
|
|
|
| Predatory Lending Spells Financial Abuse for Seniors
When emergencies arise, vulnerable individuals—especially seniors and immigrants—may turn to payday loan companies, exposing them to financial abuse through predatory lending. These lenders use deceptive tactics, charge excessively high interest rates, and often trap borrowers in cycles of debt they cannot reasonably repay. Clemencia Gomez, Coordinator for the Kensington Cedar Cottage Community Response Network (CRN), highlights that many financially exploited clients are low-income women and immigrants, emphasizing the need for community support to break the cycle.
Read more |
|
| SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS, STORIES & IDEAS
We would love to hear from you! Use our new form to submit your event photos, stories and ideas so we can share them with our BC CRN community.
SUBMIT HERE |
|
|
|
| Spotlight on Ageism
Online Presentation
April 1, 2025 | 12 pm – 1 pm PDT
Let’s talk about ageism!
Ageism affects people of all ages—whether young or old, many experience unfair judgments about their capabilities or status. It remains one of the most tolerated forms of discrimination in Canada, but we have the power to change that!
Join us online on April 1st as we explore what ageism looks like and how we can shift our mindset, challenge stereotypes and promote respect for all generations.
Let’s work together to create a more inclusive and age-positive society!
Register |
|
|
|
| BC CRN Annual General Meeting
Save the Date!
June 24, 2025 | 5 pm – 6 pm PDT
Attention CRN Coordinators: BC CRN’s Annual General Meeting will be held over Zoom on June 24, 2025. Stay tuned for more details. |
|
|
BC CRN acknowledges the generous financial support of the Province of British Columbia.
For more on the BC CRN and our free programs, visit us at | bccrns.ca. |
|
|
|
|
|
