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From the Executive Director
Hello everyone,
As we move through the last week of August and the dog days of summer begin to wind down, many of us are preparing to shift back into the familiar rhythm of fall. This season of transition has also been reflected within our organization, as we have recently said farewell to several colleagues who have retired, relocated, and taken on new career opportunities. Each of these changes reminds us of the strength and adaptability of our team.
While transitions can bring both challenge and adjustment, I want to assure you BC CRN is moving forward in a good way. Our focus remains steady, and there are many exciting opportunities ahead for the organization. The coming months promise new possibilities for connection, collaboration, and growth. We are especially looking forward to our upcoming BC CRN Provincial Conference in October. It is a rare chance to be together in-person and to share in the learning, inspiration, and collective energy that strengthen our work across the province.
With gratitude and anticipation for the season ahead,
Heather Treleaven
Executive Director
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Protect Yourself: Frauds & Scams
Online Workshop
September 2, 2025 | 12:00 - 1:00 pm PDT
BC CRN welcomes Linda Yauk, Learning Events & Outreach Coordinator at Seniors First BC, for an important and informative session on frauds and scams.
In 2024, according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, there was 49,432 fraud reports processed, 34,621 victims of fraud, and $638M lost to fraud.
This free workshop will cover:
- What frauds and scams are
- How scammers target older adults
- Common schemes to watch out for
- Practical tips to stay safe
- Where to go for help and support
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to protect yourself and others.
Email programs@bccrns.ca with any questions.
Register
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BC Office of the Human Rights Commissioner (Rescheduled)
Provincial Learning Event Webinar
September 16, 2025 | 10:45 am - 12:00 pm PDT
BC’s Human Rights Commissioner, Kasari Govender, was unable to join us for our May 20 webinar due to illness. She extends her sincere apologies and thanks everyone for their understanding. We are pleased to share that her presentation has been rescheduled and will now take place on Tuesday, September 16 at 10:45 am, our next scheduled date for our Provincial Learning Event. All existing registrations will carry over automatically – there is no need to re-register. We look forward to welcoming you in September for what promises to be an insightful session.
Register
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Where Love Was Written Out: Healing the Heart of Colonization
Provincial Learning Event Webinar
October 21, 2025 | 10:30 am - 12:00 pm PDT
Following the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Elder Norm Leech will help deepen our understanding of how colonization has created imbalance in the world, particularly through the systemic exclusion of grandmothers’ wisdom, compassion, care, and love from governance and decision-making structures.
Before colonization, most cultures relied on the wisdom and counsel of elder women. For centuries, however, colonized systems have denied governments, institutions, and corporations access to that vital guidance – and the effects are still felt today. Learn more about Norm.
Register
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Kelly Acker
Health Services Integration
BC Ministry of Health, Seniors Directorate
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Council to Reduce Elder Abuse (CREA) Drives Prevention in British Columbia
Reducing elder abuse requires more than just awareness. It calls for a coordinated, well-resourced effort rooted in community knowledge, cultural sensitivity, and sustained support.
For years, local advocates, service providers, and concerned community members across British Columbia have worked to address adult abuse, neglect, and self-neglect.
However, without multi-sectoral coordination many promising initiatives would have undoubtedly struggled to gain traction.
With that in mind the multi-sector BC Council to Reduce Elder Abuse (CREA) fills that gap. By investing in community-led innovation, CREA focuses on long-term, systemic, and coordinated change so that adults can live free from abuse, and more British Columbians will know how to recognize and respond when something isn’t right.
Read more about CREA
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CRNs in the Community: Communities Unite for WEAAD 2025
Across BC, communities came together in June for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) 2025 with creativity, compassion, and determination. From wellness sessions and resource fairs to flag raisings, pancake breakfasts, and intergenerational learning, events highlighted the importance of dignity, safety, and respect for older adults. Each gathering fostered connection, raised awareness, and showed how partnerships can reduce isolation while empowering seniors. These collective efforts remind us that protecting and celebrating older adults is a responsibility we all share.
View highlights from across the province
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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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BC CRN Spotlight: Meet Cathy Holmes, Regional Mentor for Central Vancouver Island
When Cathy Holmes joined BC CRN, she brought an exceptional depth of experience, unwavering compassion, and an enduring commitment to improving community life.
And while she's relatively new to the role of Regional Mentor, Cathy has been both directly and indirectly connected to BC CRN for nearly a decade.
What's more, Cathy has years of experience working with various charities and community organizations, which makes her exceptionally qualified to fill this role.
Learn more about Cathy
| | SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS & NEWS | | | | |
New Horizons for Seniors Grant Program application deadline approaching
The New Horizons for Seniors Program community-based stream is a federal grant that supports projects designed by seniors and for seniors in their communities. This program funds projects that empower seniors through increased social inclusion. Eligible organizations can apply for up to $25,000 for projects that are led by seniors and are volunteer based.
Learn more about the NHSP grant opportunity
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OSA Report highlights Crisis Situation in BC Long-Term Care Demand for Beds
A new systemic review released last month shows BC is not prepared to care for the most vulnerable seniors today or in the future due to the ongoing, increasing shortage of long-term care beds.
“Our province is at the beginning of a massive increase in the seniors’ population and we are not ready to help people age with the care, supports and services they need to stay safe and healthy,” says Dan Levitt, BC Seniors Advocate. “We need to plan and invest in more publicly subsidized long-term care beds and assisted living units, home support services, respite for caregivers and increase rigour and transparency in the waiting and placement processes to better support families.”
Read the full report
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Province Proposes Updates to Family Law Act to Better Protect Families
The Province of BC is proposing important changes to the Family Law Act (FLA) to better support families, strengthen protections for those experiencing family violence, and ensure parenting arrangements put children’s needs first.
These proposed reforms, developed through extensive research and consultation, include expanding the definition of family violence, extending protection orders, and reducing barriers for survivors. They also highlight children’s voices in legal processes and consider cultural and family diversity when decisions are made. The recommendations build on BC’s ongoing work to make the justice system more supportive, accessible, and inclusive for all families.
Read the full news release
| | UPCOMING EVENTS: PARTNER AGENCIES | | |
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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