Family Services of the North Shore (FSNS) is a not for profit accredited organization committed to providing compassionate, professional, and affordable social services to those who live or work on the North Shore. Through counselling programs, FSNS helps individuals, couples, families, and groups, children, women and men resolve emotional and social problems. Through education programs, and volunteering programs FSNS strives to meet the changing needs of our community.

Starting from a small team of dedicated individuals and a few programs, FSNS has grown to be a recognized leader in the treatment of family violence, childhood abuse, education and professional training.

Today, FSNS receives over 6,000 new requests for service per year and employs 55 full and part-time clinical and support staff. The agency provides students of social work, psychology, and marriage and family therapy from all over Western Canada and the U.S. the opportunity to achieve professional graduate training.

We are a respected treatment facility with regard to such pressing issues as domestic violence, child sexual abuse, divorce and separation, depression, parent education and more. And, of most importance, we continue to meet the evolving needs of our community.

FSNS has grown and changed, but at our base lies the same core values that have allowed us to make a difference in the lives of so many people for over fifty-six years; accountability, fairness, excellence, integrity, service to our clients, accessibility and innovation.

Looking to the future, FSNS recognizes the need to continue to adapt to community need by finding creative ways to support and strengthen families in our community, to reach out to individuals and groups who feel marginalized or ignored, and to eliminate barriers to accessing the agency’s services.

Our FSNS corporate logo is a grouping of 15 dots and a heart to reflect that the spirit of family is the “heart” of the community. Supporting families is the foundation for a safe, strong community.

Mission

Providing education, support and counselling to heal and connect our community.

History

Originally called North Shore Family Services, our agency had its beginning in 1950 when Family Services of Greater Vancouver assigned a part-time caseworker to North and West Vancouver. The North Shore branches grew as the population increased until finally, in 1982, North Shore Family Services separated from Family Services of Greater Vancouver and took over the North Shore branches.

These last decades have seen North Shore Family Services grow from 40 employees with an annual budget of $136 thousand to approximately 55 full and part-time staff and contract workers with an annual budget of $2.9 million. In May 1993, we changed our name to Family Services of the North Shore. In 1999, we launched the agency’s fundraising arm, Family Services of the North Shore Foundation, a registered charity mandated to further the improvement of services offered by Family Services of the North Shore by providing financial support for programs and services. In 2005 we became accredited with Council on Accreditation (COA).

Our services are available to all citizens of the North Shore regardless of age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, political beliefs, socio-economic status, or physical abilities/disabilities. Family Services of the North Shore serves three municipalities: the City of North Vancouver, the District of North Vancouver, the District of West Vancouver, as well as the Village of Lions Bay, and the Village of Bowen Island. The work of our team of employees and close to 350 volunteers touches approximately 1 in every 10 individuals in the community.

Funding

As a non-profit organization, Family Services of the North Shore owes a great deal to our donors and financial supporters. In order to continue serving our community, we recognize the numerous organizations, foundations, corporations, and individuals who generously donate their time, talent, and financial support. Without these ongoing contributions, we would not be able to provide our high quality service.

Partnerships

Family Services of the North Shore has established partnerships with other agencies and mental/social health organizations in our community. These range from funding sources, to program support, mandated counselling and parent education services.

It is important for FSNS to coordinate with its partners in the community in order to avoid duplication of services and competition for funding and profile.

Our partnership organizations and agencies include:

North Shore Multicultural Society
West Coast Family Resource Society
Vancouver Coastal Health Region, Lions Gate Hospital
Hollyburn Family Services
Boys and Girls Club
Ministry of Children and Family Development
Ministry of Community Services
Community Action Programs for Children Coalition
Violence Against Women in Abusive Relationships Coordination Committee

Staff

Family Services of the North Shore currently has almost 55 full-time, part-time and contract staff. In addition to regular and contract staff, Family Services supports 4-5 Master’s level interns throughout the year. Services are provided by multi-disciplinary staff including, registered clinical counselors, registered marriage and family therapists and registered social workers. Interns in the FSNS’ professional training program provide treatment under the supervision of senior staff.

Leadership Team (click on name for Bio)

	Sue Bauman Executive Director bauman@familyservices.bc.ca
	Julia Staub-French, M.A., R.C.C. Director of Clinical Programs jsfrench@familyservices.bc.ca
	Mimi Hudson, M.A., R.C.C. Director of Community Programs mhudson@familyservices.bc.ca
	Vivian Martin , CMA Manager of Finance martin@familyservices.bc.ca
	Diana Cowden Manager of Fund Development dcowden@familyservices.bc.ca
	Kathleen Whyte Manager of Human Resources whyte@familyservices.bc.ca