Check out the fall 2025 CLBC Update here:
https://mailchi.mp/gov/clbc-update-for-individuals-families-september-2025-edition?e=18ff5fbc69
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
1-250-608-0357
to register by October 10, 2025
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
250-352-8116
HSSSBC
Check out what’s happening in May for the Home Share Support Society of BC:
https://mailchi.mp/33bd6a3254b1/whats-happening-in-may?e=deb78ebb6b
Pivot Point Training
Pivot Point April 2025 Training
Home Sharing Support Society of BC
What’s Happening in March
https://mailchi.mp/5a34ef93ad99/whats-happening-in-march?e=deb78ebb6b
 Important Days March 1: International Wheelchair DayMarch 3: World Hearing DayMarch 8: International Women’s DayMarch 21: World Down Syndrome DayMarch 26: Purple Day for EpilepsyNewsThe 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 DisabilitiesOne 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 BCFind 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. LINK Let’s Grow Together |
Road Safety Advisor: February
https://secure.campaigner.com/csb/Public/show/cg5c-2wid07–1939d0-l2c3cd39
| Webinar helps you set rules for employee vehicles |
 If your employees use their own vehicles on the job, our revamped webinar is for you. In under an hour you’ll learn the key points about safety compliance, including what you and employees each need to do. You’ll get tips on vehicle inspection and maintenance, and driver orientation and supervision. You’ll also get ideas on what you can limit when the vehicle is used for work. Register now and bring your questions.Register and submit questions |
 Revised vehicle tool kit gives you tips and formsChances are, winter has been hard on vehicles. Spring is getting closer, which puts a different set of demands on them. To keep them in tip-top condition check out our revised Vehicle Inspection, Maintenance, and Selection Tool Kit. We’ve added tips and best practices, and gathered forms in one place. Review tool kit How to… check licence and driving recordsWhen did you last check the driver’s licence and driving record of your employees? If it’s been more than a year, it’s past due. Use the easy steps laid out in this month’s Road Safety Planner topic to get it done. You can also get ideas for assessing driver skills. Follow the steps |
| Ask an expert: Tips for winter drivingQ. Winter isn’t over yet. What tips can I give my drivers so they don’t become complacent about the hazards? A. Drivers may lose a bit of focus when they’ve been driving in the same conditions for a while. To help remind drivers that winter hazards still exist, share the following tips with them. They were submitted by participants in our Practical BC Winter Driving Tips Webinar.Be prepared, physically and mentally. Check road conditions and weather forecasts. Drive to the conditions and give yourself extra time to get to your destination.Before driving, clear all the snow and ice off your vehicle. This includes the windshield, the roof, trunk, etc.Take public transit or work from home when snow or icy conditions are in the forecast.Refresh safety equipment and give additional focus to tires, fluids, and wipers during inspections. Review winter driving policies and practices.Watch webinar |
| Take action on road safety |
 Watch this: A webinar excerpt on reducing driving fatigueEye strain from low light, the February blahs, vehicles with heaters blasting — all of these factors can wear on drivers. Have your employees take 4.5 minutes to watch What Drivers Can do to Reduce Fatigue. Watch excerpt  Download this: A template for a road safety planIt’s a good time to review your road safety strategies. Use our Road Safety Plan Template to look for gaps in your plan and get ideas on how to strengthen it.Download template  Register for this: A course on supervising driversTake a proactive approach to compliance by completing our online course, Supervising Employees Who Drive for Work. The information will come in handy when your organization hits busy season. Register now |
| Industry newsWe’d love to meet you at our BUILDEX boothGoing to the BUILDEX 2025 Conference? So are we! Stop by our Booth 1135 at the trade show on February 26 and 27 to talk about road safety. Learn moreLandscaping forum gets you ready for busy seasonWith lawn and gardening season drawing near, the timing is right for our final road safety forum for landscapers (CU 764060). It’s on March 19.Book your spotVideo shows how safe driving saves you fuelAnother benefit of safe driving habits: Reduced fuel consumption. Module 4 of Natural Resources Canada’s Auto$mart driver training program explains. View video |
Diverse Family Roots Sessions
Folks will have to register for these.
Let’s Talk about sex.
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/_Lo5i4YuTB2z58hRqQJh9w
Ya Gotta Have friends
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/rUq4fzeKRxOTVLcLj38QIw
Siblings
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/8yxRhCQGQICWnz6TuZCi2g
Healthy Mental Health- Kelty Mental Health. ( Poster Coming soon)
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ogVRn4n_Qpu6tqraiSI_rw
Supported Employment with Annette Borrows. ( Poster coming Soon)
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/i9eNmdDJS52lUld-ahyifw
