The Federation of Community Social Services of BC

The Federation of Community Social Services of BC represents agencies who provide support to individuals and communities in BC. Since 1982, we’ve been strengthening and supporting our members and BC’s community services sector by networking, exchanging information, building skills and by consistently bringing a balanced perspective to discussions with provincial and national decision makers.

https://fcssbc.ca/home/

Contact us

Lisa Itterman

lisa@fcssbc.ca

Event Details

Join us in Kelowna on June 12-13, 2025, for the Federation's Stronger Together 2025 conference and Annual General Meeting, presented by the Federation Association Benefit Plan.


Our June conference is designed to tackle the pressing issues that matter most to our members. This year, we are focusing on resiliency and finding ways we can work together and strengthen our collective voice to ensure a strong community social services sector, because we are stronger together. We are altogether better!


Register by Monday, May 12, to enjoy early bird pricing and the hotel group rate. Ticket includes all conference sessions, breakfasts, lunch, refreshments and reception.


Thursday, June 12, session highlight:

Mohammed Hashim, Canadian Race Relations Foundation

Join Mohammed Hashim, CEO of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, for a powerful and timely keynote on confronting systemic racism and hate in Canada. A nationally recognized human rights advocate and strategic policy leader, Hashim brings over two decades of experience working across government, non-profits and the labour movement to drive legislative change and advance equity.


Friday, June 13, session highlight:

Dr. Jennifer Charlesworth, Representative for Children and Youth

Join Dr. Jennifer Charlesworth, B.C.'s Representative for Children and Youth, as she leads an important session highlighting the latest work she and her team are undertaking focusing on a residential review, with particular attention to SHSS. A long-time advocate for child welfare and social innovation, and a former Executive Director of the Federation, Dr. Charlesworth brings decades of experience to the table, along with a deep commitment to culturally safe practices and systemic change.


The conference agenda will also include a presentation from the Federation's new Executive Director, a panel presentation showcasing stories of community collaboration and impact, and concurrent sessions focusing on sector updates and insight. Check the agenda below.


Many thanks to our friends at the Federation Association Benefit Plan for sponsoring this event and the always popular Networking Reception after the conference. This plan has been a central part of The Federation since 1984, and we are very thankful for this relationship and their ongoing support.


The Federation AGM will include an opportunity to learn more about our strategic priorities as well as a presentation from CSSEA's Chief Executive Officer, Sandra Case. Please note: The Federation Annual General Meeting is for members and invited guests only.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


Affiliated Partners: The Federation's affiliated partners include BCAAFC, Board Voice, PARCA, Mรฉtis Nation BC, EVA BC, and Realize Strategies. Staff and members of these organizations are welcome to register at reduced rates.


Travel Subsidy:The Federation's Travel Subsidy is available to help offset the costs of participation for Federation members, particularly smaller, remote and rural organizations. The application form [PDF] is available here. For more information, please contact The Federation office


Sponsorship Opportunities: Stronger Together 2025 will bring together around 150 members, community social services employees, sector leaders and more. Sponsoring and exhibiting opportunities are available. For more information, please contact Kathy Borneman at kathy@fcssbc.ca.


Accessibility: We are committed to ensuring that all our members and guests can fully participate in our events. If you require accessibility assistance, please reach out to us at info@fcssbc.ca.


Need help: Have a question or need more information? Please email us at info@fcssbc.ca. We're here to help!

Agenda

  • June 12, 2025

  • June 13, 2025

June 12, 2025

Main Schedule

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Breakfast & Registration
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Welcome & Opening
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Mohammed Hashim, Canadian Race Relations Foundation
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Networking & Refreshments
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Concurrent breakout sessions
Breakout session 1: Reconciliation Workshop with Dr. Dustin Louie

Breakout session 2: Aligning CARF Standards with SHSS Operational Realities: Letโ€™s Make a Plan!
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Networking & Lunch
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Focusing on the Centre: Identifying Key Advocacy Priorities
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Networking & Refreshments
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Stories of Community Collaboration and Impact: Panel Discussion
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Reception hosted by FABP

Regular Attendee Ticket

Standard PriceCAD $389

Member Ticket

Member PriceCAD $289

Affiliated Partner

Standard PriceCAD $289

Annual General Meeting ONLY

June 13th - 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Standard PriceComplimentary

Cancellation and Refund Policy

  • Registrants who cancel 30+ days prior to the event (by May 13, 2025) will receive a refund, less a $25.00 per person administration fee.
  • Registrants who cancel 15 - 29 days prior to the event (between May 14 - May 28, 2025) will receive a 50% refund less a $25.00 per person administration fee.
  • There will be no refund issued if cancellation occurs within 0 - 14 days of the event start date (on or after May 29, 2025) or after the event has started.
  • If you do not cancel within the above-noted time frames and have chosen to pay by cheque or e-transfer, you are responsible for the registration fee and will be invoiced accordingly.
  • Registrations are transferable to a different person for the same event. Please contact The Federation office at info@fcssbc.ca for assistance with this.
  • Registrations are not transferable to another event. Registrations are only transferable once.
  • Registrations made after the online closing date and non-registered at-door arrivals (space permitting) will be invoiced at the full event rate plus a $25.00 per person administration fee.

Venue

Venue

Manteo and Eldorado Resort
3762 Lakeshore Road
Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada

Contact us

For additional event or venue information, please send an email to lisa@fcssbc.ca

See route

The group rate of $279 + taxes/night at the Eldorado Resort Kelowna was available until the end of day on May 12. 


As that deadline has now passed, we encourage you to contact the hotel directly to inquire about the best available rate for your stay.


๏ปฟHere is the hotel's contact information:

   Eldorado Resort Kelowna

   Phone:  250-860-1031 ext.1103


Limited on-site parking is available on a first-come first-served basis at a rate of $15 per day. Alternatively, paid public parking is also available at the Kelowna City lot located beside the resort.

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