Since 2004, we have operated across the North Shore as Hollyburn Family Services Society. The core of our work has always been and continues to be addressing emerging social vulnerabilities in our community. Programs for youth, seniors, individuals, and families flourish because of our strong community service focus and partner relationships. We are here to help people in need in our community and together with our community, we make the difference.
And as such, our Leadership and Board of Directors embarked on a name changing process that replaces “Family” with “Community”.
There were numerous reasons why we felt a name change was in order. Partially because people confused us with other ‘Family’ service providers on the North Shore, but mostly it was because of who we have become and what we strive for; a safe, caring and resilient community.
As the founding Executive Director, I reflect on our past 18 years and how we have grown to become a highly respected, collaborative society, providing cutting-edge services. Adapting to the growing needs of housing risk and homelessness, youth unemployment, individuals and families impacted by violence, and supporting individuals and families in every pocket of our community, the subtle shift from ‘Family’ to ‘Community’ puts the agency in alignment with our mission.
Hollyburn Community Services Society better reflects our role and purpose providing support to vulnerable citizens across the North Shore.
Community needs are continuing to grow, especially as we move through the emotional and physical devastation of the pandemic. We need to be accessible and responsive. When an individual is in crisis and needs help, they may disqualify our services because of the term family. Our new name may help those in our community who need our services find us quicker, and that to us is important.
I’m not sure who said “Names carry both the weight of history and the promise of the future”, but whether Hollyburn Family Services Society or Hollyburn Community Services Society, we will continue to be there for those struggling in our community.
Nanette Taylor is the Executive Director of Hollyburn Community Services Society.
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