DSS's "We Are Familee" project highlighted by United Way BC
First, DSS extends a belated Happy B.C. Seniors' Week - honoring the wisdom, strength, and contributions of older adults across British Columbia! 🥳 🙏
In October 2002 a proclamation was declared in perpetuity that the first week of June every year shall be known as "Seniors' Week." This is a time to celebrate seniors and their many contributions - providing an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the integral part seniors play in communities across British Columbia.
In 2025 Seniors' Week runs June 01 - 07.
On the DSS front ...
DSS supports 2SLGBTQIA+ seniors’ to aging in place via our Aging In Place program, and in long-term care facilitates via our We Are Familee program (both programs employ a Rainbow Circle model, in which we match 2SLGBTQIA+ seniors with trained, 2SLGBTQIA+ volunteers). [Learn more about DSS's projects here.]
Our work was highlighted in the following article
[United Way BC, 2025-Jun-04] Finding Community Again: John's Story. After facing cancer, poverty, and isolation, John found hope and community through a United Way BC Healthy Aging funded program. His story is a powerful reminder of how connection, compassion, and culturally safe support can transform lives. [link]
That heart-warming and inspiring story features Dignity Seniors Society (DSS) and our We Are Familee pilot project!
DSS Board Chair Darren Usher also presented this work at United Way British Columbia's Project Impact Healthy Aging Showcase, held 2025-Jun-04 the Collingwood Neighbourhood House Annex in Vancouver.
This inspiring event shone a spotlight on the incredible work of community agencies participating in Project Impact - a transformative evaluation course that challenges leaders in the Community-Based Seniors' Services (CBSS) sector to evaluate and measure their program impact. After months of training and evaluation, our dedicated partners (including DSS! 🥳) shared their journey, insights, and learnings.
[United Way BC, 2025-Jun-04] United Way BC's Project Impact Healthy Aging enhances seniors' wellbeing. Empowering Non-profit Agencies to Improve Services for Seniors Across BC. [link]
Presenting agencies:
BC Alliance for Arts + Culture
Castlegar & District Community Services
Cedar Grove Church
COSCO - Council of Senior Citizens’ Organizations
Lower Similkameen Community Services Society
Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society
Sunshine Coast Resource Centre