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Justice & Diversity

Community Connections Support Services envisions a vibrant and inclusive society that embraces equality and diversity by promoting racial and LGBTQ2S+ justice and eliminating discrimination for all.

We acknowledge the land that we live, work, and play on as the traditional territories of the Okanagan, Ktunaxa, and Sinixt Nations.

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MANDT Training (Offered by CCSS)

Community Connections Support Services is proud to offer an upcoming Mandt System Relational training:

Event Date: October 15, 2025

Location: Castlegar and District Library – 1005 3rd Street Castlegar V1N 2A2

Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

The One Day Relational Workshop:

  • Will discuss Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, with the understanding that unmet needs will lead to changes in behaviour.
  • It will introduce the Crisis Cycle and how to recognize where someone is (including self) on the Crisis Cycle and what actions to take at the different points on the cycle to support de-escalation.
  • It will introduce a method for recognizing and assessing what is happening in the environment.
  • The Relational Training’s main emphasis is on building trusted relationships, where individuals feel safe, respected, and valued.
  • Through the introduced tools and the trusted relationship the support person (HSP) will learn to recognize when something has changed for the person supported so they may be able to prevent escalation and/or support the person to de-escalate before crisis is reached.

This workshop is strongly recommended to refresh existing skills, and develop new skills that will enhance all of your relationships both professional and personal.

Please contact

Sue Clark

sue@commconn.ca

1-250-608-0357

to register by October 10, 2025

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Wildfire Awareness Community Event at Lakeside Park

The Nelson & Area Wildfire Risk Reduction Committee is inviting residents and visitors in the Kootenays to take part in a family-friendly Wildfire Awareness Party at Lakeside Park on Thursday, July 10, from 2 to 6 p.m. Hosted at the Rotary BBQ Shelter, the event promises a vibrant afternoon of family-friendly fun and engaging conversation, including a free BBQ, music, games, and prizes.

This is the fourth year the committee has hosted the community event. Representatives from the City of Nelson, Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK), BC Wildfire Service, Ministry of Forests, and BC Parks will be on hand to answer questions and showcase the wide range of local risk-reduction efforts.

The City of Nelson and the RDCK have been active leaders in wildfire mitigation. In recent years, both have implemented numerous FireSmart initiatives, including free Home Ignition Zone assessments and rebate programs for homeowners. Through Nelson’s Wildfire Resilience Program, the City has completed annual fuel management projects on municipal land. The RDCK has supported collaborating agencies to conduct large-scale risk reduction projects in the forests and parks surrounding Nelson.

Throughout the RDCK, the FireSmart Neighbourhood Recognition Program also continues to expand, supporting local volunteers in organizing wildfire preparedness at the neighbourhood level. These types of efforts are recommended in technical planning documents, such as the Community Wildfire Resiliency Plans, that provide guidance and direction for the range of initiatives in the region.

“This event is a great way for people to meet those folks who are doing the work on a day to day basis, from planning to response,” said Rob Leland, one of the event’s organizers and Nelson’s Wildfire Resilience Program Coordinator. “It’s about building relationships, answering questions, and empowering residents to take simple steps that make a big difference.”

Everyone is welcome, from local homeowners to new residents and visitors. The casual event is designed to be accessible, informative, and enjoyable for all ages.

For more information, contact:


 Rob Leland

Wildfire Resilience Program Coordinator – City of Nelson

firesmart@nelson.ca

250-352-8116

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Home Sharing Support Society of BC

What’s Happening in March

https://mailchi.mp/5a34ef93ad99/whats-happening-in-march?e=deb78ebb6b

a living room with a couch and a green wallImportant Days March 1:  International Wheelchair DayMarch 3:  World Hearing DayMarch 8:  International Women’s DayMarch 21: World Down Syndrome DayMarch 26: Purple Day for Epilepsy
NewsThe 2025 budget for British Columbia was delivered on March 4, 2025.The legislative session will run from February 18 to May 29, 2025.Disability Tax Credit Starting in June 2025, residents between 18 and 64 years old can qualify for the benefit if they have been approved for the Disability Tax Credit and meet the benefit’s other eligibility requirements.Quotes From People With Disabilities
One big misconception is that I am not able to follow directions, learn or be employable. I want to work so I Can be independent and get my own apartment.Marcus Stewart
Professional DevelopmentA Guide to Aging with Down SyndromeHelps individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and caregivers understand the aging process, manage age-related health issues, and promote independence. It also emphasizes social inclusion, long-term planning, and the importance of maintaining relationships and community involvement. The guide provides valuable resources for improving quality of life through tailored support and care.Healthy Aging for Adults with Down Syndrome | CDSS
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:Respond to the reality of the person with dementia with a calming and reassuring approach.Understand the benefits of and know how to best support the development of the individual’s life story.Describe how to most effectively communicate with someone who has dementia.Apply a wide range of practical strategies that will support the environment of a person with dementia.Recognize and manage pain.

 
Open Future Learning (OFL) ModuleDid you know you can access high quality professional development training from your home for free?  
Want to learn more ?  Email us at: info@homesharingbc.ca  Link: https://www.openfuturelearning.org 
OFL: Dementia Strategies  Module Length: 95 Minutes
Dementia causes people to lose skills and abilities they once had. What people are not losing, however, are their feelings and emotions. So let’s think about how we can make this part of people’s life enjoyable and stress free. This module is packed full of easy to use and practical strategies that will help you be able to better support people with dementia. This module features presentations from Diana Kerr and scenario-based excerpts provided by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. 



Open Board Positions

Want to contribute to the future of inclusive housing options for people with disabilities?The Home Sharing Support Society BC (HSSSBC) is seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to join our volunteer Board of Directors. If you are interested in making an impact in the disability sector, and the desire to contribute your expertise, we invite you to apply.We are particularly looking for individuals outside the Lower Mainland with experience as Self-Advocates, Home Sharing Providers, Service Providers, or with a background in Finance/Accounting.Help shape the future of home sharing and improve inclusive housing options for adults with developmental disabilities across British Columbia. Meetings are held online, with opportunities for in-person connections.Apply now: Board@homesharingbc.ca
Learn more: www.homesharingbc.ca
Financial AbuseCanadians living with a disability are more likely to be victims of abuse, this includes financial abuse. It can be from a stranger, but many times abuse comes from someone the victim is familiar with. Sometimes it is a close friend, family member, or even someone whose role was to protect and care for the victim.
What is Financial Abuse? Financial abuse is the illegal or unauthorized use of someone else’s money or property. Some types of financial abuse are very  clear, for example; theft or  fraud. Other  times financial abuse can be harder to put a name to and can include pressuring, forcing or tricking the victim into doing things they do not want to do.ResourcesFind Support BC
Find Support BC connects families of persons with disabilities with resources available to them.


Respite Care for the Fraser Valley CommunityPersonalized respite care services in the Chilliwack area, catering specifically to home share providers. Services offer respite and rest for those supporting adults with disabilities, and we work directly with providers to ensure tailored care.  Designed with accessibility in mind, featuring main-level access with no stairs, ensuring easy navigation for those using walkers or wheelchairs. The private room includes a washroom equipped with a built-in shower seat, enhancing comfort and convenience. 

Respite Care Services Rates 24H $150 Contact (604) 791.3074, andreeabata@gmail.com Services We offer personalized respite care services directly to caregivers in our home. Whether you need short-term or long-term support, our services are privately arranged and customized based on the needs of the person you are looking after. Contact me for further information and details. Grab my contact info & give me a call! Respite Service (604) 791-3074 andreeabata @gmail.com Respite Service (604) 791-3074 andreeabata @gmail.com Respite Service (604) 791-3074 andreeabata @gmail.com Respite Service (604) 791-3074 andreeabata @gmail.com Respite Service (604) 791-3074 andreeabata @gmail.com Respite Service (604) 791-3074 andreeabata @gmail.com Respite Service (604) 791-3074 andreeabata @gmail.com Respite Service (604) 791-3074 andreeabata @gmail.com  Disability Equality In The Media: Representation, Accessibility, Management; Practical manualThe Practical Manual and Master Class provide hands-on advice to editorial teams on how to ensure fair and unbiased coverage of disability. For content producers, it details how to make media content and services accessible. To managers and decision makers, the material inspires change, demonstrating how disability equality can contribute to media industry growth and create new revenue streams. This work contributes to the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006) and promotes freedom of expression, media development, and access to information for the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in public debate.
LINK

Let’s Grow Together 
Accessibility