Welcoming our Newest Members

In 1955, Inclusion BC was founded when seven parent associations from across the province decided to join forces to advocate for a better life for their children. Since then, our provincial federation has continuously grown as we collaborate to advance inclusion and uphold the rights of people and their families.  

Today, we stand alongside our membership of 69 local organizations. Inclusion BC’s members help to inform our work and collaborate with us to advocate for the rights and opportunities of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  

We are proud to welcome four new members to our federation this year. 

BGC Okanagan 

Federation Member 

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In 1959, a group of concerned citizens in Kelowna came together to see what they could do to develop a safe place for boys to go after school. The same thing happened in Vernon in the 60’s and Penticton in the 70’s, and the rest is history…. 

What they knew, or quickly discovered, was that the club was a way to help kids, kids who really needed them. By providing a safe place, a place of belonging and positive role models, boys and then girls were developing into responsible young men and women, thanks to their involvement at the club.  

BGCO focuses on four core programming areas: physical activity, health and safety; leadership, growth and empowerment; learning and career development; and family and communities. 

BGCO provides systemic opportunity to all children and youth, helps them become their best selves, and cheers them on as they take it from there, with confidence and conviction. All they need is opportunity because Opportunity Changes Everything. 

Community Services Benefits Trust (CSBT) 

Affiliate Member  

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The CSBT is a non-profit trust that was formed in January 2002 by a group of not-for-profit community service organizations. Working together, these organizations created the Trust to provide fully insured, locally accessible benefits to community service organizations.  

Diverse Family Roots Society (DFRS) 

Federation Member 

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Diverse Family Roots Society is the only grassroots, parent/family-driven support network for families with children or family members with diverse abilities/disabilities that is based in the Kootenays, British Columbia, Canada.  

DFRS exists to promote peer-to-peer mentoring, family connections, family support, connection to resources, advocacy, and family navigation of services. 

Families Supporting Regular Equitable Authentic Lives (REA-L) 

Federation Member 

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REA-L is a provincial non-profit organization creating a provincial network of families who are ​intentionally exploring and choosing options that decrease their dependency on traditional services for family members with an intellectual or developmental disability.  

REA-L provides a space for ongoing learning in best practices which support an inclusive life for people with an intellectual or developmental disability.  Having an opportunity to reflect on the dynamic and evolving ways the lives of our family members will and can unfold provides consistency and a clear vision of what is possible. 

 

 

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If you are interested in becoming a member of Inclusion BC, you can find more information on our website or email us at info@inclusionbc.org for more information.