2023/2024 Annual Impact Report - British Columbia

Your generosity brought safety and stability to 176 individuals through our Ukrainian Resettlement program in BC. Arriving with few possessions, they faced challenges such as transportation, learning a new language, and accessing services. With support from MCC BC, local churches, and partners, these families gained hope as they were connectd to resources and community connections.

We celebrated the program’s completion in March 2024. As families gathered, it was evident that your kindness has made a hopeful and lasting impact on their lives. Thank you!

At a networking evening in February 2024, Laurie shared her story with 45 women who had gathered to learn about supporting women affected by intimate partner violence. Years ago, after experiencing abuse in her marriage, Laurie bravely reached out to the MCC BC End Abuse women’s support group.

Finding healing alongside others to be powerful and life-changing, she was inspired to become a facilitator herself. A new End Abuse support group will launch in Prince George to reach more women affected by intimate partner violence. Your generosity is helping End Abuse expand and walk alongside more women like Laurie.

 

Billy Joe Gladue has faced a series of challenges over six years,
including losing his car, caring for his daughter after drug
overdoses and coping with a leg injury that left him unable to
work. A fire in 2020 further devastated their lives. Tragically, his
daughter passed away in 2022.

A year and a half later, these challenges continue to weigh heavily on Billy. Despite the difficulties, he has shown remarkable resilience. He has been studying for a certificate to return to work. Unexpectedly, his exam was delayed by a month, preventing him from starting a new job to cover his rent. He turned to our Fraser Valley Rent Bank for crucial assistance and received a one-month rent loan just in time to avoid eviction.

Your generosity has made a significant impact on Billy’s life, providing him with much-needed stability at a difficult time. Thank you for helping people like Billy to stay housed.
 

Circle of Friends includes volunteers who support individuals and families transitioning from homelessness and shelters back into the community.

Since Mia* didn’t have friends or family nearby, celebrating her first year of sobriety with her group held special significance.

The group biked around Fish Trap Creek, then to Dairy Queen for ice cream. Along the way, Mia showed the group where she used to camp and talked about the struggles of living on the streets —dealing with trauma and addiction. She also shared that being in nature and meeting supportive friends through this program has been deeply meaningful as she heals.

Thank you for helping Mia and others find community this year, so they are not alone as they strive to transition out of homelessness.
 

*The participant’s name has been changed for their privacy.
 

In 2022, Liz and her husband Renzo moved to Canada with their two young children due to economic and political challenges in Peru.

Liz faced multiple obstacles including language barriers and the need to recertify her qualifications. She found support through MCC BC’s New Foundations program in Victoria. Initially, she joined the program for the financial literacy workshops, but she also learned new life skills such as wellness practices and skills for the Canadian job market. Grateful for her growth in the program, Liz returned as an intern to give back to other newcomer families.

Thanks to your caring support, Liz’s family and other newcomer families are acquiring essential skills so they can thrive in their new communities.

We added a new location in greater Victoria this year:

• In Spring 2024, New Foundations added a second location in the West Shore region.
• The first location continues to serve newcomers in downtown Victoria.

In Prince George, Westwood Church and MCC BC are achieving a lasting impact together. The church has been a key partner in revitalizing communities in the Prince George apartments. Previously marked by economic and social challenges, these neighbourhoods have undergone a remarkable transformation.

Together, the church and MCC are empowering community residents to lead food programs, ESL classes, a homework club, summer day camps and more.

These neighbourhoods used to require a significant police presence. As Westwood and MCC increased community engagement, local police noted a reduced number of calls — they are growing into peaceful areas.

Your thoughtful generosity is inspiring intentional change, drawing neighbourhoods together toward a brighter future through church and community partnerships.
 

New programs coming to northern BC:

• Serving those affected by intimate partner violence, we are expanding our End Abuse program to Prince George.
• Serving those on the brink of homelessness, we are starting the Central and Northern BC Rent Bank based in Prince George.

Note: In addition to the amounts shown in the visual above, MCC BC also received a trust distribution from our Legacy Donor of $57 million in revenue generating properties and cash that will be managed by HyLand Properties, similar to an endowment.