Family Services of Greater Vancouver - Supporting All of Who You Are
Vancouver Pride is here and Family Services of Greater Vancouver (FSGV) is proud to continue its year-round commitment to supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ communities across the Lower Mainland.
Each year, FSGV serves over 11,000 individuals navigating challenges like trauma, homelessness, mental health, substance use, disability, marginalization and isolation – all with client-led care at the core.
This Pride, the organization is shining a light on three key programs where inclusive, 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming care is especially vital: Directions Youth Services, Trauma Counselling, and Victim Services. These programs work with individuals in both immediate and long-term crisis, offering dignity, autonomy, and care tailored to each person’s lived experience.
Directions Youth Services
At Directions, FSGV sees at least 1 in 4 youth identifying as queer or trans. These young people may be navigating immense challenges, including family rejection, housing instability, and increased risk of exploitation. Here, youth can access essentials like food and shelter, build community, and receive specialized support. The Galaxy Program offers a welcoming, celebratory space specifically for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, with programming that includes drag nights, walk-and-talks, healthy relationship workshops, and connections to affirming services in a safe and supportive environment.
Trauma Counselling
FSGV offers professional, compassionate trauma counselling in Vancouver, Richmond, and New Westminster for women (cis and trans), people of all marginalized genders (including Two-Spirit, non-binary, agender, and gender diverse people), children, youth, and families who are survivors of trauma, sexual abuse, and family violence. Whether supporting healing from specific traumatic events or exploring autonomy, chosen family, and self-discovery, the FSGV team holds space for the whole person, offering care that honours each client’s identity and lived experience.
Victim Services
Queer and trans youth are disproportionately more likely to be exploited. FSGV’s supports for survivors are client-centered, meaning that they let clients, even youth, set the pace and tone of the supports they receive. Victim Services provides support for those impacted by exploitation, intimate partner violence, human trafficking, elder abuse, and family violence. This can include emotional support, safety planning, help navigating the criminal justice system, and referrals to additional community services like counselling, medical care, and housing programs.
To learn more, visit www.fsgv.com, and join us in helping FSGV continue and expand these free life-changing programs by making a donation online here.