Family Services of Greater Victoria Society

Family Services of Greater Victoria Society (Business Registration Number: 118886340RR0001) is a Canadian nonprofit organization based in Victoria, British Columbia, dedicated to providing accessible, affordable, and personalized counselling and family separation support services. The organization focuses on helping children, youth, adults, and families navigate challenges related to mental health, separation, divorce, and other family transitions.

History

The organization has evolved through several stages and name changes reflecting its expanding services and commitment to family well-being. Initially registered as Divorce Lifeline of Victoria with startup funding from the Ministry of the Attorney General, it later became known as the Separation and Divorce Resource Centre to better represent its range of services.

Subsequently, it rebranded as BC Families in Transition, expanding its offerings to include individual, couples, and family counselling as well as play therapy for children as young as four years old. Eventually, it adopted its current name, Family Services of Greater Victoria, to encompass a broader focus on family needs and mental health issues.

The organization is housed at the Victoria Social Innovation Centre, a shared space for nonprofit groups, which it secured through collaboration with the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre[2].

Mission and Services

Family Services of Greater Victoria’s mission is to assist individuals and families in managing the challenges posed by separation, divorce, or transitions to new family structures. Their services emphasize emotional support, practical information, and skill-building to empower clients to make well-informed decisions that foster positive outcomes for all involved.

The organization offers a variety of professional services, including:

• Counselling: Tailored support for children, youth, adults, and families dealing with mental health concerns and interpersonal difficulties.
• Separation Resource Services: Information and coaching for navigating British Columbia family law, dispute resolution, and managing high-conflict communication.
• Caught in the Middle Program: An 8-week psychoeducational support group designed for children and parents experiencing high-conflict separation and divorce.
• Mediation: Facilitated sessions to help former partners and co-parents reach amicable resolutions in family law matters.
• Group Counseling and Play Therapy: Art and play therapy techniques for children starting at age four, plus group programs addressing family transition challenges.
• Legal Support: Guidance on legal rights and responsibilities, preparation for lawyer interviews, and family court processes.

All programs are offered on a sliding fee scale to ensure services remain affordable and accessible to those in need. The organization receives partial funding from entities such as United Way and the Ministry of Children and Family Development[1][2][3][5].

Values and Community Involvement

Family Services of Greater Victoria operates on the traditional and unceded territories of the Lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples. It emphasizes community partnership and inclusivity, working alongside other agencies and community partners to enhance support availability for families.

The organization welcomes donations and volunteer involvement, which directly support the continuation and expansion of its services to families facing challenges[1][2].

Summary

Family Services of Greater Victoria Society stands as a critical community resource in Victoria, BC, providing comprehensive, compassionate support to families through counselling, education, mediation, and legal advocacy. Its history of growth and adaptation demonstrates a sustained commitment to addressing evolving family needs with equitable and effective services.

This article was compiled based on authoritative information from the organization's official descriptions and nonprofit registries.