Healthcare, Mental Health, Settlement, and Immigration Services:
- Vancouver Coastal Health
● Summary: Vancouver Coastal Health provides a wide range of healthcare services including mental health support, addiction services, community health programs, and settlement support for immigrants and refugees.
● Website: vch.ca
- Coast Mental Health
● Summary: Coast Mental Health offers mental health and addiction services, housing support, and employment programs to individuals facing mental health challenges and homelessness.
● Website: coastmentalhealth.com
- Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of BC
● Summary: The Crisis Centre of BC provides crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and emotional support services to individuals in crisis or distress.
● Website: crisiscentre.bc.ca
- Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC)
● Summary: ISSofBC offers settlement, language training, employment support, and other services to immigrants and refugees to help them integrate into Canadian society.
● Website: issbc.org
- Pacific Immigrant Resources Society (PIRS)
● Summary: PIRS provides settlement and integration support services specifically tailored for immigrant and refugee women and their families.
● Website: pirs.bc.ca
- MOSAIC
● Summary: MOSAIC offers settlement assistance, language training, employment support, and refugee programs to immigrants and refugees in British Columbia.
● Website: mosaicbc.org
- BC Housing
● Summary: BC Housing offers a variety of housing programs and services, including subsidized housing, rental assistance, and support for homeless individuals.
● Website: bchousing.org
- Lookout Housing and Health Society
● Summary: Lookout Housing and Health Society provides housing, healthcare, and support services for individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, or addiction.
● Website: lookoutsociety.ca
- RainCity Housing
● Summary: RainCity Housing offers supportive housing, shelter, and outreach programs for individuals experiencing homelessness and mental health challenges.
● Website: raincityhousing.org
Women's Support Services:
- YWCA Metro Vancouver
● Summary: YWCA Metro Vancouver provides programs and services aimed at empowering women, promoting equality, and ending gender-based violence.
● Website: ywcavan.org
- Downtown Eastside Women's Centre
● Summary: The Downtown Eastside Women's Centre offers a range of support services for women and children in the Downtown Eastside community, including meals, shelter, and advocacy.
● Website: dewc.ca
Family and Parenting Support:
- 13Family Services of Greater Vancouver
● Summary: Family Services of Greater Vancouver offers counseling, support, and education programs for individuals and families facing various challenges.
● Website: fsgv.ca
- Westcoast Family Centres
● Summary: Westcoast Family Centres provides family support programs, parenting education, counseling, and advocacy services.
● Website: westcoastfamily.org
Indigenous Support Services:
- Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society
● Summary: Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society offers cultural, social, and educational programs and services for the urban Indigenous community.
● Website: vafcs.org
General Social Services and Resources:
- BC211
● Summary: BC211 provides information and referral services for various community, social, and government resources.
● Website: bc211.ca
- City of Vancouver Social Services
● Summary: The City of Vancouver Social Services provides information on social services, housing, and support programs offered by the City of Vancouver.
● Website: vancouver.ca
- Union Gospel Mission
● Summary: Union Gospel Mission offers food, shelter, addiction recovery programs, and other support services for individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty.
● Website: ugm.ca
- The Door Is Open
● Summary: The Door Is Open provides meals, clothing, hygiene supplies, and other support services for individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty in the Downtown Eastside.
● Website: thediocese.net/ministries-and-programs/the-door-is-open
- Watari Counselling & Support Services Society
● Summary: Watari Counselling & Support Services Society offers counseling, support groups, and outreach services for individuals and families affected by substance abuse, mental health issues, and violence.
● Website: watari.ca
- Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association (DVBIA)
● Summary: DVBIA offers safety and outreach services for vulnerable populations in the downtown area, including homeless outreach and assistance.
● Website: downtownvancouver.net/safety
Youth and Children's Support Services:
- Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver
● Summary: Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver provides mentoring programs and support services for children and youth facing adversity.
● Website: bigbrothersvancouver.com
- YWCA Youth Education Programs
● Summary: YWCA offers educational programs and support services for youth, including tutoring, mentorship, and leadership development.
● Website: ywcavan.org/programs/youth
Senior Support Services:
- Seniors Services Society
● Summary: Seniors Services Society provides support services for seniors, including housing assistance, transportation, and social activities.
● Website: seniorsservicessociety.ca
- Collingwood Neighbourhood House Seniors Programs
● Summary: Collingwood Neighbourhood House offers programs and services specifically tailored for seniors, including health workshops, social outings, and volunteer opportunities.
● Website: collingwoodnh.org/programs/senior
Community and Neighbourhood Support:
- Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House
● Summary: Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House provides a variety of community programs and services, including family support, seniors programs, and youth activities.
● Website: mpnh.org
- South Vancouver Neighbourhood House
● Summary: South Vancouver Neighbourhood House offers community programs and support services for residents of South Vancouver, including childcare, settlement assistance, and cultural events.
● Website: southvan.org
Employment and Skills Training:
- YWCA WorkBC Employment Services Centre
● Summary: YWCA WorkBC Employment Services Centre offers employment support, skills training, and job search assistance for job seekers.
● Website: ywcavan.org/programs/employment
- Immigrant Employment Council of BC (IEC-BC)
● Summary: IEC-BC provides employment services, mentorship, and support programs to help immigrants and newcomers integrate into the Canadian workforce.
● Website: iecbc.ca
Process to reach out to these social services. Even with these resources, it is important to follow a specific process to find the best service that caters towards your specific needs. Listed below is this process.
- Identify Your Needs:
● Determine the specific type of assistance or support you require. Whether it's housing, mental health services, employment support, or legal assistance, knowing your needs will help you find the right social service organization. When searching, try to be as specific as possible.
- Research Social Service Organizations:
● Use online resources such as search engines, directories, or government websites to find social service organizations in Vancouver that specialize in the type of assistance you need. You can also ask for recommendations from friends, family, or local community centers.
- Visit Their Websites:
● Once you've identified potential social service organizations, visit their websites to learn more about their programs, services, eligibility criteria, and contact information. Most organizations provide detailed information about the support they offer on their websites, which can be found above. It’s important to look at any restrictions or pre-requisites to accessing these websites such as age, health cards, or any other requirements.
- Contact the Organizations Directly:
● Reach out to the social service organizations directly via phone or email. Use the contact information provided on their websites to connect with them. Be prepared to briefly explain your situation and the type of assistance you're seeking. This makes sure that there is no miscommunication or confusion that may hinder and prevent tangible and the best catered change to be actualized.
- Ask for Assistance:
● When you contact the organization, clearly articulate your needs and ask for assistance. Provide any relevant information or documentation they may require to assess your eligibility for their programs or services. If you're unsure about anything, don't hesitate to ask questions. There are many chatbots on these websites or ways to access information. Please do not hesitate to address your queries or your concerns with any representative from these organizations, especially if your concern is not written in the FAQs.
- Follow Up if Necessary:
● If you don't receive an immediate response or if you need further clarification, don't hesitate to follow up with the organization. Persistence may be necessary, especially if the organization is experiencing a high volume of inquiries. If not, you can always visit these organizations in person if it is close to you.
- Attend Appointments or Information Sessions:
● If the social service organization schedules an appointment or information session with you, make sure to attend as scheduled. Be punctual and prepared to discuss your situation in more detail.
- Seek Additional Support if Needed:
● If you encounter challenges or barriers while navigating the social service system, don't hesitate to seek additional support. You can reach out to community organizations, advocacy groups, or government agencies for assistance and guidance.
- Follow Through with Referrals or Recommendations:
● If the social service organization refers you to other agencies or resources, make sure to follow through with their recommendations. This may involve scheduling appointments, submitting applications, or attending meetings as necessary.
By following these steps, you can effectively reach out to social service organizations in Vancouver and access the support and assistance you need. Best of luck and hopefully your concerns will be addressed.
- Vancouver Family Law
● Contact: (604) 684-1300
● Specialization: Family law, divorce, child custody, and support.
● Website: Vancouver Family Law
- YLaw Group
● Contact: (604) 974-9529
● Specialization: Family law, divorce, child custody, spousal support.
● Website: YLaw Group
- McQuarrie Hunter LLP
● Contact: (604) 581-7001
● Specialization: Family law, divorce mediation, collaborative law.
● Website: McQuarrie Hunter LLP
- Quay Law Centre
● Contact: (604) 527-1161
● Specialization: Family law, separation agreements, property division.
● Website: Quay Law Centre
- Heritage Law
● Contact: (604) 739-2295
● Specialization: Family law, divorce, child custody, adoption.
● Website: Heritage Law
- Crossroads Law
● Contact: (604) 449-8187
● Specialization: Family law, mediation, collaborative divorce.
● Website: Crossroads Law
- MacLean Law
● Contact: (604) 602-9000
● Specialization: Real estate law, property disputes, conveyancing.
● Website: MacLean Law
- Bell Alliance Lawyers & Notaries Public
● Contact: (604) 873-8723
● Specialization: Residential and commercial real estate, strata law.
● Website: Bell Alliance Lawyers & Notaries Public
- Simpson, Thomas & Associates
● Contact: (604) 689-8888
● Specialization: Real estate law, property transactions, land development.
● Website: Simpson, Thomas & Associates
- Boughton Law Corporation
● Contact: (604) 687-6789
● Specialization: Real estate law, commercial leasing, property disputes.
● Website: Boughton Law Corporation
- Meyers Norris Penny LLP
● Contact: (604) 688-5421
● Specialization: Real estate law, property transactions, land use planning.
● Website: Meyers Norris Penny LLP
- Farris LLP
● Contact: (604) 688-0461
● Specialization: Real estate law, commercial leasing, property development.
● Website: Farris LLP
- Tarnow Criminal Law
● Contact: (604) 685-8889
● Specialization: Criminal defense, DUI, drug offenses.
● Website: Tarnow Criminal Law
- Bergeron Clifford LLP
● Contact: (604) 687-4391
● Specialization: Criminal law, white-collar crimes, appeals.
● Website: Bergeron Clifford LLP
- Acumen Law Corporation
● Contact: (604) 685-8889
● Specialization: Criminal defense, impaired driving, drug offenses.
● Website: Acumen Law Corporation
- Sutherland Jetté Law
● Contact: (604) 685-7244
● Specialization: Criminal law, white-collar crime, regulatory offenses.
● Website: Sutherland Jetté Law
- Baker Newby LLP
● Contact: (604) 681-5221
● Specialization: Criminal defense, DUI, drug offenses.
● Website: Baker Newby LLP
- J.J. Ross & Associates
● Contact: (604) 688-8588
● Specialization: Criminal law, assault charges, bail hearings.
● Website: J.J. Ross & Associates
- Cobbett & Cotton Law Corporation
● Contact: (604) 684-1177
● Specialization: Immigration law, visas, work permits, citizenship.
● Website: Cobbett & Cotton Law Corporation
- Green & Spiegel LLP
● Contact: (604) 695-5550
● Specialization: Immigration law, business immigration, refugee claims.
● Website: Green & Spiegel LLP
- Roots Immigration Law
● Contact: (604) 270-2929
● Specialization: Immigration law, family sponsorship, refugee claims.
● Website: Roots Immigration Law
- Embarkation Law Corporation
● Contact: (604) 359-5118
● Specialization: Immigration law, business immigration, global mobility.
● Website: Embarkation Law Corporation
- Whistler Immigration
● Contact: (604) 368-8835
● Specialization: Immigration law, work permits, study permits.
● Website: Whistler Immigration
- Zhinan Xu Law Office
● Contact: (604) 303-6668
● Specialization: Immigration law, business immigration, investor visas.
● Website: Zhinan Xu Law Office
- HHBG Employment Lawyers
● Contact: (604) 696-0556
● Specialization: Employment law, wrongful dismissal, workplace harassment.
● Website: HHBG Employment Lawyers
- Mathews Dinsdale & Clark LLP
● Contact: (604) 681-2324
● Specialization: Employment and labor law, human rights, collective bargaining.
● Website: Mathews Dinsdale & Clark LLP
- Roper Greyell LLP
● Contact: (604) 806-3800
● Specialization: Employment law, workplace investigations, human rights.
● Website: Roper Greyell LLP
- Tevlin Gleadle Curtis Employment Law Strategies
● Contact: (604) 605-9680
● Specialization: Employment law, wrongful dismissal, labor relations.
● Website: Tevlin Gleadle Curtis
- Richards Buell Sutton LLP
● Contact: (604) 669-5051
● Specialization: Business law, corporate finance, mergers & acquisitions.
● Website: Richards Buell Sutton LLP
- Miller Titerle Law Corporation
● Contact: (604) 643-1856
● Specialization: Business law, startups, intellectual property.
● Website: Miller Titerle Law Corporation
- Lawson Lundell LLP
● Contact: (604) 685-3456
● Specialization: Business law, corporate finance, securities regulation.
● Website: Lawson Lundell LLP
- Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP
● Contact: (604) 687-9444
● Specialization: Business law, corporate governance, tax law.
● Website: Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP
- Lindsay Kenney LLP
● Contact: (604) 687-1323
● Specialization: Business law, corporate governance, commercial transactions.
● Website: Lindsay Kenney LLP
- Harper Grey LLP
● Contact: (604) 687-0411
● Specialization: Business law, corporate finance, mergers & acquisitions.
● Website: Harper Grey LLP
- Slater Vecchio LLP
● Contact: (604) 687-0411
● Specialization: Personal injury law, motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice.
● Website: Slater Vecchio LLP
- Warnett Hallen LLP
● Contact: (604) 737-3300
● Specialization: Personal injury law, ICBC claims, slip and fall accidents.
● Website: Warnett Hallen LLP
- Preszler Law Firm
● Contact: (604) 682-3838
● Specialization: Personal injury law, car accidents, medical malpractice.
● Website: Preszler Law Firm
- Holness Law Group
● Contact: (604) 633-4878
● Specialization: Personal injury law, ICBC claims, slip and fall accidents.
● Website: Holness Law Group
- Bungay Law Office
● Contact: (604) 684-4300
● Specialization: Personal injury law, car accidents, slip and fall injuries.
● Website: Bungay Law Office
- Trial Lawyers Advocacy Group
● Contact: (604) 714-2777
● Specialization: Personal injury law, medical malpractice, wrongful death.
● Website: Trial Lawyers Advocacy Group
- Oyen Wiggs Green & Mutala LLP
● Contact: (604) 669-3432
● Specialization: Intellectual property law, patents, trademarks, copyright.
● Website: Oyen Wiggs Green & Mutala LLP
- Bereskin & Parr LLP
● Contact: (604) 688-4900
● Specialization: Intellectual property law, technology, licensing.
● Website: Bereskin & Parr LLP
- Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP
● Contact: (604) 683-6498
● Specialization: Intellectual property law, patents, trademarks, copyright.
● Website: Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP
- Smart & Biggar
● Contact: (604) 682-7780
● Specialization: Intellectual property law, technology, patent litigation.
● Website: Smart & Biggar
- McMillan LLP
● Contact: (604) 688-1261
● Specialization: Intellectual property law, patents, trademarks, copyright.
● Website: McMillan LLP
- Clark Wilson LLP
● Contact: (604) 687-5700
● Specialization: Intellectual property law, technology, licensing.
● Website: Clark Wilson LLP
ProBono Legal Organization
These organizations are dedicated to enhancing access to justice for individuals who might face challenges in affording legal representation otherwise.
- Access Pro Bono Society of BC: This organization offers a wide range of pro bono services to individuals and non-profit organizations of limited means throughout British Columbia. They provide summary legal advice clinics, a province-wide roster program for representation, and special projects like a superior courts civil duty counsel and a children's lawyer project. For more information, you can visit their website.
- Canadian Bar Association (CBA) Pro Bono Initiatives: The CBA actively promotes pro bono work among its members through awareness programs and providing resources for legal professionals to engage in pro bono work across Canada. They also offer a variety of services and resources for the public, including finding a lawyer and accessing free legal resources. Learn more at their website.
- Pro Bono Going Public - Advice-A-Thon: This annual event, run by Access Pro Bono, involves volunteer lawyers providing free legal advice in public, high-traffic areas like the Vancouver Art Gallery. The event also includes virtual options, and it serves to raise awareness and funds for legal services. More information can be found on their event page.
- McMillan LLP: This firm has a strong tradition of providing pro bono legal services, representing individuals, charities, and not-for-profits, including through partnerships with organizations like Pro Bono Law Ontario and Access to Justice Vancouver. They offer nearly $1 million annually in pro bono legal counsel to various community organizations (McMillan LLP Pro Bono).
- Norton Rose Fulbright: This global law firm hosts monthly pro bono legal advice clinics in Vancouver, primarily aimed at people with disabilities on low incomes. These clinics offer assistance on a variety of legal issues, including tenancy disputes and human rights issues (Norton Rose Fulbright Pro Bono).
- Dentons: Dentons is involved in numerous pro bono projects, including interventions in charter challenges and supporting non-profits with intellectual property and policy matters. They also engage in significant community-focused pro bono work, such as providing legal services to victims of domestic violence and assisting with refugee sponsorship applications (Dentons Pro Bono).
- Miller Thomson LLP: Miller Thomson's pro bono program includes serving as duty counsel, assisting with law and policy reform, and providing litigation assistance and business-related legal services to individuals and communities who might not otherwise have access to legal services (Miller Thomson LLP Pro Bono).
- Herbert Smith Freehills - This firm has a robust pro bono practice that addresses complex legal issues for charities, NGOs, and marginalized individuals. They focus on social inclusion, capacity building in communities of need, and strengthening the rule of law. More information about their pro bono initiatives can be found on their website.
- Dorsey & Whitney LLP - Dorsey has a strong commitment to pro bono work, especially through partnerships with nonprofits. They provide a comprehensive range of services, including regulatory compliance, real estate transactions, and employment policies. They also engage in significant pro bono litigation to support disadvantaged persons and communities. Further details are available on their website.