The need to act fast during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to brilliant breakthroughs in supporting British Columbians with complex needs, says the chief executive officer of John Howard Society Pacific.

Connecting with like-minded people to make things happen is a key foundation of community social services and the non-profit sector overall.

Common thinking up until a few years ago was men were far more likely than women to end up with a brain injury.

A major challenge in addressing homelessness is having the right supports at the right time that will help a diverse mix of people whose needs and readiness are constantly shifting and changing.

“There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked blueberry muffins to take people’s stress levels down a few notches,” said Matthew Baran, executive director, Ooknakane Friendship Centre.

One size most definitely does not fit all in providing community social services, and a non-profit serving some of B.C.’s most complex citizens is a clear example of that.

Opening a new housing complex in a global pandemic wasn’t part of the plan when AiMHi – the Prince George Association for Community Living – finally settled on what to do with a piece of property it had owned for many years.

Thirty years ago, “the world’s most frustrated recyclers” founded the Northern Environmental Action Team (NEAT) to help the people of Fort St. John figure out how to keep more of their household waste out of the landfill.

Most months, the number of Prince George children and youth needing support from Intersect Youth and Family Services ticks along at around 15 to 20 new intakes a month.