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Message from the Executive Director
I’m still feeling the warmth from our BC CRN Provincial Conference earlier this month. I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on the sessions and thinking about the moments in between. The coffee chats, foyer laughter, and shared stories that remind us we’re not doing this work alone. Being with 130 people from across BC who genuinely care about the safety and dignity of vulnerable adults was truly moving.
With BC Non-Profit Day on October 30, it’s the perfect moment to pause and recognize the heart of this sector. So much of the good that happens in community isn’t flashy. It’s the small, human things, checking in on someone, making a call on their behalf, offering a safe space, speaking up when something feels wrong. Those things matter.
If you’re reading this, you’re likely one of those people. You show up. You care. You make a difference in ways that others may never see, but that someone will never forget.
I’m grateful to be in this work with you, and to walk beside a community that’s always learning, supporting one another, and finding ways to make things better. Happy BC Non-Profit Day!
Sincerely,
Heather Treleaven
Executive Director, BC Association of Community Response Networks
| | PROVINCIAL LEARNING EVENT | | |
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Investment Fraud & AI Scams - Stay Informed, Stay Safe
Provincial Learning Event Webinar
November 18, 2025 | 10:30 am - 12:00 pm PST
Chelsea Siler (Manager, Investor Education & Engagement, BC Securities Commission) will be presenting a must-attend session on spotting and avoiding investment scams. Learn about common warning signs, current scams, and how fraudsters exploit social connections, online platforms, and new technologies – including AI-driven deepfakes, voice cloning, and fake websites. Using trusted resources from InvestRight.org, we’ll give you practical tools to recognize, reject, and report suspicious activity. Whether you’re new to investing or just want to stay informed, this session will help you protect yourself and your community.
Register for the Learning Event
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BC CRN Spotlight: Meet Kate Rogatina, Coordinator of Grants & Data
When Kate Rogatina joined BC CRN in June 2025, she brought a rare blend of tech expertise, global experience, and heart for community service. With a background in computer science, education, and non-profit work, Kate keeps BC CRN’s operations running smoothly behind the scenes, ensuring every Community Response Network has the tools and funding to thrive. From streamlining data systems to improving reporting processes, her precision and purpose help strengthen communities across BC. Originally from Russia with experience in Taiwan and Canada, Kate embodies lifelong learning and cross-cultural connection. Inspired by her team and driven by her passion for education and prevention, she’s making a quiet but powerful impact - one form, one community, and one relationship at a time.
Learn more about Kate
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Thank You for Being a Senior in Our Community: Celebrating National Seniors Day
On October 1, the Saanich Peninsula Community Response Network (SPCRN) welcomed 90 community members for “Thank You for Being a Senior in Our Community” at the SHOAL Centre, turning a planned 80-person event into a full house! SPCRN Coordinator Anna Hudson set a festive tone with bright décor, handouts on National Seniors Day, and BC CRN resources highlighting adult abuse prevention, ageism, and senior advocacy. Guests enjoyed a delicious lunch, live music from talented seniors, and giveaways including food gift certificates and BC CRN swag, blending fun with meaningful learning. The event was a powerful reminder that honouring seniors goes hand-in-hand with education, awareness, and community action, strengthening connections across the Saanich Peninsula.
Read more about the community celebration
| | BC CRN PROVINCIAL CONFERENCE | | | | |
BC CRN Provincial Conference Brings Connection
Over 130 BC CRN Coordinators, Regional Mentors, and Provincial Team members came together in Richmond for two powerful days of learning, reflection, and inspiration. From BC Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt’s standing-ovation keynote to Dr. Kyra Garson’s eye-opening session on bias and inclusion, the conference sparked deep conversations and fresh ideas. Engaging panels highlighted creative community partnerships and the strength of collaboration in protecting vulnerable adults. With vibrant energy led by MC Maria Turnbull and a dedicated planning team, the event celebrated BC CRN’s shared purpose - building safer, more connected communities across the province.
Were you unable to attend the conference? Session recordings and handouts will be available soon on the BC CRN Coordinator Portal!
Read more about the BC CRN Conference
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SUBMIT YOUR STORIES AND TESTIMONIALS HERE!
Stories of impact from our CRNs are the best tool we have for illustrating the value of what we do. Use our form to submit your event photos and stories so we can share them with our BC CRN community.
SUBMIT HERE
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It's Not Right! Neighbours, Friends & Families for Older Adults
Online Workshop
November 4, 2025 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm PST
Concerned about an older adult? Learn what to look for and how to help. In this interactive session, you’ll learn:
- How to spot the warning signs of abuse, neglect, and self-neglect
- Why ageism matters and how to challenge it
- How to respond safely and supportively when something doesn’t feel right
- Real-life video scenarios and practical skill-building exercises
Whether you’re a neighbour, friend, family member, or simply someone who cares, your voice matters. Together, we can help build more supportive and respectful communities for older adults.
Email programs@bccrns.ca with any questions.
Register
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Administration Orientation for CRN Coordinators
Online Workshop
November 5, 2025 | 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm PST
The BC CRN would like to welcome all Regional Mentors and CRN Coordinators to join an online Administration Orientation hosted by the Administration Team. This is a great opportunity for both new CRN Coordinators and seasoned CRN Coordinators to connect with the team, review processes and procedures, find out what’s new, and ask questions.
We will be covering topics such as:
- Role of a coordinator
- Support for CRNs
- Administration forms
- Community impact grants
- Coordinator grants
- Reporting requirements
- Educational and promotional material
- The coordinator portal
- …and more!
Register
| | PAST PROVINCIAL LEARNING EVENT | | | | |
October Provincial Learning Event: Where Love Was Written Out – Healing the Heart of Colonization
Webinar Recording
Following the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, Elder Norm Leech offered a powerful session exploring how colonization has disrupted balance in the world - particularly by silencing the wisdom, compassion, and leadership of grandmothers. He shared how, before colonization, many cultures relied on elder women’s counsel to guide communities, and how restoring that wisdom is essential to healing and justice today. If you missed this deeply moving conversation, you can now watch the full recording and reflect on Elder Norm’s insights into reconnection, respect, and collective responsibility.
Watch the full webinar recording
| | WEBINARS FROM OUR PARTNERS | | | | |
Ageism Awareness Module & Toolkit
Online Webinar
November 10, 2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am PST
Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario, the Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, and the Canadian Coalition Against Ageism are hosting an upcoming webinar to a powerful new Ageism Toolkit - a complementary resource that brings together a diverse set of tools and activities to deepen understanding of ageism, explore its impacts, and promote concrete actions to challenge it across multiple sectors of society.
Learn more and register
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The Wildflower Way: Equity-Oriented Care for Women 55+ Who Experience
Online Webinar
November 26, 2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am PST
The Wildflower Way, a new resource from the Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (CNPEA) developed with the support of WAGE Canada, aims to support professionals in human services with tools to integrate services for older women who have experienced gender-based violence into broader equity efforts through relational, trauma - and violence - informed policy and practice.
The Wildflower Way is both a narrative strategy and a practical guide for nurturing growth, offering a path toward sustainability, healing, and genuine systemic change in human services. This webinar will introduce the guide and tools and how you can adopt them to help transform your practice.
Learn more and register
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BC CRN acknowledges the generous financial support of the Province of British Columbia.
For more on BC CRN and our free programs, visit us at | bccrns.ca.
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