Family Services of Greater Vancouver (FSGV) is surfacing stories of resilience and hope from residents of Vancouver and beyond. The organization’s new “There’s More to My Story” campaign aims to end the stigma and loneliness associated with challenging experiences through community-wide connection, empathy and understanding.
People often feel isolated during difficult circumstances. Whether facing homelessness, abuse, substance use disorders, financial crisis or other traumas, many experiences carry stigmas that can make it feel impossible for people to overcome their challenges or ask for help. Through “There’s More to My Story”, FSGV is empowering people from the community to share their stories to facilitate open and honest dialogue, compassion and, ultimately, healing.
“At Family Services of Greater Vancouver, we see firsthand the effects of stigma, marginalization and trauma on people in the community,” said Maria Howard, CEO of Family Services of Greater Vancouver. “Disproportionally vulnerable populations – such as low-income households, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and racialized people – experience even more complex challenges, which can prevent them from living authentically and freely. There’s more to people’s stories, and we’re shining a light on them so others can see a different perspective, or even recognize pieces of their own journey in the stories of their neighbours.”
And, there’s more to FSGV’s story too. FSGV is not just a family charity, it is a youth charity, a survivor charity, and a community charity. Each program is client-centered and trauma-informed, with staff exploring every person’s unique history and challenges, building trust and dismantling barriers. Trust is a particularly important part of the relationship – it can motivate a young person to seek treatment for substance abuse, help a domestic violence survivor take the first step toward safety, or inspire a person with disabilities to apply for government benefits. Every year at FSGV is filled with life-changing moments. Together they add up to brighter tomorrows for individuals, families, and communities – for an impact that lasts a lifetime. In the last year alone, FSGV has supported more than 12,000 clients; provided low-income people with access to $2.1 million in new income; and served nearly 40,000 meals and snacks to vulnerable youth.
Now, FSGV wants to hear your stories. Whatever your experience, you can end stigma and help others on a similar journey by completing the “There’s More to My Story” Share My Story form online. FSGV will contact you for permission to share your story with the wider community, with an option to change names and identifying details.
If you’re not ready to share, but you do want to help someone write their next chapter, you can:
- Donate with a one-time, monthly, cryptocurrency or legacy gift.
- Become a corporate partner and help raise money for FSGV through sponsorship, in-store activations, workplace campaigns and more.
- Volunteer and have a profound impact on people served by FSGV.
For more information on FSGV’s “There’s More to My Story” campaign, visit www.fsgv.ca/theresmore.