More On Our Work
Family Support Institute of BC is dedicated to empowering families and creating a more inclusive society. Our commitments center on providing free, family-to-family support, while fostering meaningful connections across communities. Through advocacy, we amplify the voices of families and champion the rights of individuals with disabilities.
Our work has a measurable impact, shaping lives and strengthening the fabric of our communities. We engage in research and special projects to identify emerging needs, innovate solutions, and expand opportunities for families to thrive.
Our Commitment to Anti-Racism
Built on the principles of Mentorship, Inclusion, Belonging, Support, Knowledge-Sharing, Equal Rights and Equitable Opportunities combined with the foundation of Respect, Encouragement, Working Together and Speaking Out – we are guided by teamwork and collaboration.
Our Strategic Priorities & Plan 2023-2028
Rooted in our values of inclusion, collaboration, and family-driven leadership, our Strategic Priorities & Plan 2023-2028 highlights five key focus areas that will shape our path forward.
Our Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation
The Family Support Institute of BC stands for Truth and Reconciliation. We commit to supporting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth, adults and families across the province.
FSI and Advocacy
FSI mentors families to advocate for themselves. FSI WILL:
- Help families build relationships with government, organizations, allies, and services providers
- Work with families and community partners to problem solve together
- Sit with families as their voices are being heard
- Help families to understand and move through systems (navigation)
- Help families to understand their rights and the rights of their family members
- Help families understand policy/resources to inform their own advocacy
- Advise government and decision makers of trends/issues families are facing
Advocacy to Support the Voices of Families
The Family Support Institute is a rights-based organization that supports the voices of families and people with lived experience of disability. We highlight issues of significance and concern through surveys, reports and presentations in order to elevate the voices of families and people with disabilities. This includes the following priorities:
- To affect policy change
- To improve services and supports for those who need it
- To raise awareness in community
Latest Research Projects
Discover the latest research projects that FSI is either co-lead or community partner!
Our Impact
The peer-to-peer family support is powerful! Read below about what our families have to say about FSI family support!
“Talking to another family member makes a huge difference in feeling less alone, feeling accepted and understood.”
“I will still email the FSI Resource Parent who helped me through those transition years, particularly during high school years.”
“When I first contacted FSI many years ago, I was in crisis and it was so wonderful to talk to another parent who could give me real life advice.”
