BRITISH COLUMBIA BEREAVEMENT HELPLINE
ANNUAL REPORT 2016 — 2017
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE .
This past year has been full of promise and opportunity for the BC Bereavement
Helpline (BCBH). We expanded our grief and loss support groups, increased training
programs, became more focused on fundraising and membership recruitment efforts
and increased our visibility in the community.
Most notably, we developed and launched our first suicide grief support group in
partnership with the Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of BC (Crisis
Centre). Through the cooperation with the staff of the Crisis Centre of BC, and the
dedication of our Executive Director, Asja Hadzismajlovic and Program Manager, Karen
Ratchford, our first group of eight members met in February of 2017. This support
group model is highly inspired by our unique and successful eight-week homicide grief
support program and focuses on trauma-informed practices when dealing with any
sudden death. We look forward to the opportunity to continue to provide this essential
offering to our communities in BC in the coming years and continue to adjust our
current model to best suit the needs of those who are bereaved by suicide. Our hope is
to help break the stigma around suicidal death and support those left behind by
reducing isolation, and connecting survivors to networks of community support who
truly understand what it’s like to lose a loved one in this way.
This year, BCBH has also been more active around the education, training and
promotion of grief and loss. We went into schools, trained investigators and first
responders on crisis response and provided other important workshops and
presentations to our communities. As a result, BCBH has been asked to respond to
more training requests, thus fulfilling our Vision in the provision of Service, Education,
Advocacy and Research in the subject of grief and bereavement to the community of
BC.
In response to a more focused effort on fundraising, we restructured membership levels
to provide a greater level of value for BCBH and its members. We also produced an
updated BCBH Grief & Loss Support brochure as well as a new Membership brochure.
In February, 2017, we launched a new quarterly newsletter to keep members, donors
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activities. We have also been more active on social media this year. Please follow us
on Twitter and “like” us on Facebook! Together we are stronger, and as we say here at
the Helpline: grief shared is grief lessened.
Another important item to mention is the changes we made to our constitution and our
bylaws in order to comply with the new Societies Act. A special thank you for the
dedication and hard work of John Dubé, Marlyn Ferguson, Rebecca Ng, Karen
Ratchford and Asja Hadzismajlovic.
BCBH continues to grow. In 2016, the Helpline handled a total of 2,333 phone calls, up
from just over 2,100 last fiscal year. Our membership grew to 84, up from 53 members
last year.
I am proud that we are bringing the attention deserved to the subject of grief and loss.
BCBH members appeared on both radio and TV segments expanding knowledge and
awareness of trauma informed support for the bereaved. I am honored to participate in
this process and there is more work to do to change society’s perspective on death and
bereavement.
It has been a privilege to serve on the BCBH Board of Directors these past few years.
We have the most incredible directors with whom I have ever served, and this is based
on over 40 years of serving on boards. The talent, the education, and the varied skill
sets - they all blow me away!
Colleen Chapman
President, BCBH Board of Directors
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STAFF
The purpose of the Helpline is to
offer immediate telephone, web,
and email support to a bereaved
individual and to assist them in
finding a bereavement support
service in their community which
best suits their needs.
Professionally trained staff and
volunteers provide our clients with
immediate one-to-one support
and refer them to the most
specific, appropriate, and up-to-
date support available and as
close to the client’s geographic
location as possible.
Bereavement Support is an
PURPOSE
To facilitate the provision of care and support to the bereaved and their caregivers of
British Columbia, and to ensure that their interests are publicly safeguarded.
MISSION
John Dubé TREASURER
Colleen Chapman PRESIDENT
Marlyn Ferguson VICE PRESIDENT
Maja Futrell-Frühling SECRETARY
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The BC Bereavement Helpline is committed to maintaining
the provincial leadership role in the networking and/or
provision of:
Service to act as a resource and support to the
bereaved and caregivers through referral
and interdisciplinary communication
Education to promote knowledge and understanding of
the psychological, sociological, physical, and
spiritual dimensions of dying, death and
bereavement
Advocacy to advocate on behalf of the bereaved and
caregivers within the public and private
sector
Research to identify the needs and support of the
bereaved so that the Helpline can better
support them
VISION
Asja Hadzismajlovic EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Karen Ratchford PROGRAM MANAGER
Alanna Coady CANADA SUMMER JOBS
STUDENT 2016
Rebecca Le DIRECTOR
Susan Moore DIRECTOR
Raman Randhawa DIRECTOR
Meghan Hajash DIRECTOR
Ruth Ruddock DIRECTOR
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BEREAVEMENT DAY 2016
On March 23, 2011, the Order in Council of the Province of British Columbia
proclaimed the 3rd Sunday of every May as Bereavement Day in BC. Every year on
this day, we acknowledge and support those in grief and recognize that with public
awareness, compassion and education, a person’s ability to adjust to their loss is
improved.
On Sunday, May 15, 2016, the BC Bereavement
Helpline and Kearney Funeral Services hosted a
Bereavement Day event at Mountain View Cemetery.
BCBH volunteer Terry Androsky led 50 members of
the community through a Ceremony of
Remembrance, which included the planting of
Memory Seeds and a dove release.
To help promote Bereavement Day and the mission
of the BCBH, we were honoured to receive a
proclamation from the Lieutenant Governor in Council
of British Columbia recognizing the event and our
efforts. We are also grateful to BC Place and Telus World of Science for lighting up
blue on May 15 in honour of Bereavement Day. BCBH received special mention in the
BC Place blog for its role in supporting Bereavement Day.
2,33 HELPLINE CALLS AND BEREAVED EMAILS
RECEIVED IN FISCAL YEAR 2016-2017
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NATIONAL VICTIMS & SURVIVORS OF CRIME WEEK
The National Victims and Survivors of Crime Week, an annual outreach initiative of the
Justice Canada Policy Centre for Victim Issues, took place May 29 to June 4, 2016. On
May 30, the BC Bereavement Helpline hosted a collaborative symposium “Voices in
the Courtroom: Empowering Victims Through Victim Impact Statements.” The
morning event brought a total of 62 professionals and
victims together to hear speakers that included a
victim, an offender, a restorative justice facilitator and
a judge. The afternoon session allowed participants
to explore the development of their own Victim
Impact Statement.
We would like to express appreciation to our
gracious host, Valley View Funeral Home and
Cemetery, in Surrey, for their support and
partnership of our event. We would also like to
recognize our panel of presenters for their time and
expertise: Marlyn Ferguson (Valley View Funeral
Home), Yves Cote (non-violence advocate), Dave
Gustafson (Executive Director, Fraser Region Community Justice Initiatives
Association), Judge Robert Hamilton, S/Sgt. Jennifer Pound (RCMP) and Lovepreet
Brar (Facilitator).
Video of the morning session is currently posted on the BC Victims of Homicide
website: www.bcvictimsofhomicide.com/videos/.
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INDIVIDUALS ATTENDED “VOICES IN THE COURTROOM:
EMPOWERING VICTIMS THROUGH VICTIM IMPACT
STATEMENTS”
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REMEMBERING TO PLAY WORKSHOP
December 11, 2016 Vince Gowmon, author of Let the Fire Burn – Nurturing the
Creative Spirit of Children, led his Remembering to Play workshop, "Inspiring Joy,
Freedom & Self Care" benefitting the BC Bereavement Helpline. 35 attendees were led
through creative activities designed to help participants find their playful edge, loosen
inhibitions and become inspired to live and work from a place of freedom, joy and self
care. BCBH is extremely grateful to Vince for his time and inspiration in putting on this
event.
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SUPPORT GROUPS
The BCBH Homicide Grief Support Group outline
provides a safe, non-judgemental, trauma informed
and compassionate environment that allows for
participants to share their unique story of grief, to
discover that they are not alone and to participate in a
restorative storytelling process. We are proud to have
offered our ninth homicide grief support group in
Vancouver April to May, 2016.
HOMICIDE GRIEF SUPPORT PROGRAM
SUICIDE GRIEF SUPPORT PROGRAM
In partnership with the Crisis Intervention & Suicide
Prevention Centre of BC, the BC Bereavement
Helpline launched the first Suicide Grief Support
Group from February to March, 2017. This six week
support group lead eight participants through the
unique healing process specific to those who have
experienced a loss by suicide.
“I myself really got comfort & support in this group. We understand each other during the meeting, which delivers a
message to me: I am not alone.”
“This organization has lifted the spirits of many – the value of hope and connection from this support group model are at the
heart of victims’ needs.”
8INDIVIDUALS WHO
LOST SOMEONE
TO HOMICIDE
RECEIVED
SPECIALIZED ONE
-ON-ONE
8
COMPLETED OUR
FIRST SUICIDE
GRIEF SUPPORT
GROUP
7INDIVIDUALS WHO
LOST SOMEONE
TO SUICIDE
RECEIVED
SPECIALIZED ONE
-ON-ONE
SUPPORT
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COMPLETED OUR
ANNUAL HOMICIDE
GRIEF SUPPORT
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MEASURING the IMPACT of the HOMICIDE GRIEF SUPPORT PROGRAM SINCE 2011
65 people
participated in
one of our
homicide grief
support
support
groups have
been held in
Vancouver,
Victoria and
Kelovvna
participants
grieved the loss
of children,
parents,
partners, and
friends to
homicide
93.5% increased their
knowledge of
the grief
process
96.8% felt less
isolated and
alone in their
grief
83.9% said the group
decreased the
impact of grief
on everyday life
100% learned coping
strategies that
helped them
deal with the
loss
100% of participants would recommend
this support group to others
Based on evaluations by participants in homicide grief support groups between the years 2012—2016.
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BCBH ON THE AIR!
The BC Bereavement Helpline obtained valuable broadcast publicity as experts in the
subject of grief and loss.
May 11, 2016 BCBH volunteer Terry Androsky, and Kearney
Funeral Services’ Kelly-Ann Crean were invited to speak on the
radio program “Death Matters Live” discussing the BC
Bereavement Helpline and raising awareness about grief and loss
with host Jeffrey Young.
December 11, 2016 BCBH Executive Director Asja Hadzismajlovic was invited for an
interview with Lynn Colliar on Global News Morning. In the live
episode, Asja and Lynn discussed how the holidays can be
heartbreaking for individuals who are grieving. Asja helped
provide some insights on how to cope with those difficult feelings
and pay special tribute to those who have passed on. The episode is still posted on
globalnews.ca.
DEATH MATTERS
GLOBAL
Spouse, 25.7%
Parent, 18.6%
Child, 14.8%
Sibling, 4.1%
Friend, 4.9%
Other, 8.4%
Multiple, 23.4%
HELPLINE CALLS BY TYPE OF LOSS IN FISCAL YEAR 2016-2017
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GETTING OUR WORD OUT
The BC Bereavement Helpline has been very active this fiscal year around the
education and promotion of our grief and loss support services. BCBH was visibly
present through a designated representative, or booth, at the following events:
● Chilliwack Hospice Journey Forward Workshop, "Developmental Impact of
Trauma on Children, Youth and Families", April 21, 2016
● Police Victim Services of BC Symposium, May 6-7, 2016 at the Executive
Airport Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre, Richmond, B.C.
● Musqueam First Nation Open House, June 28, 2016, Vancouver, B.C.
● "How to Support Children in Grief" presentation by Terry Androsky at Surrey
Hospice Society’s “The Beginning of a Conversation" Community Forum 2017,
January 21, 2017 at Kwantlen Polytechnic University Conference Centre
● “Support After a Traumatic Death” presentation by Terry Androsky, February
24, 2017 at the Richmond School District Conference, Richmond, B.C.
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TRAINING
October 28, 2016, John Dubé and Terry Androsky lead a group of 24 victim services
professionals, investigators and volunteers in best practice and knowledge building
training for first responders in the face of traumatic death. Attendees were able to learn
about preparing for initial response during family notification of a traumatic loss, cultural
sensitivity and the understanding of shock and trauma, amongst many other relevant
topics.
BCBH is grateful for the time and expertise provided by John and Terry, as well as
Valley View Funeral Home for hosting this successful event.
“This is one of the best and most beneficial workshops I've attended. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge with us.
Your presentation style is excellent."
"The entire course is very interesting and helps me understand better how sudden death affects people in different ways."
TRAINING FOR PROFESSIONALS SUPPORTING PEOPLE IMPACTED BY TRAUMATC DEATH
BCBH received funding from the Department of
Justice Canada Victims Fund to support the
development and design of the “Crisis Response
Following Sudden Death” training program and
supplemental training manual for victim service
workers. This program is designed specifically for
victim service workers supporting individuals and
families who have been bereaved by a sudden death
and brings valuable training opportunities to eight BC communities: Victoria*,
Kamloops*, Prince George, Terrace, Fort St. John, Nelson, Nanaimo and Mission. 25
participants attended each session.
5COMPLETED THE
CRISIS RESPONSE
FOLLOWING A
SUDDEN DEATH
TRAINING
PROGRAM
CRISIS RESPONSE FOLLOWING SUDDEN DEATH TRAINING
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SPECIAL VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION
The Ellen Kearney Crean
Lifetime Service Award
presented to
Linda Prochaska
Past-President
for unprecedented and dedicated service to the BC Bereavement Helpline
1988—2014
Thank you for your years of service. Your warmth and compassion is a gift to all
Ruth Ruddock
A special thank you to Ruth for volunteering countless hours assisting the Board in re-
strategizing our membership recruitment approach, for leading the annual Strategic Planning
Meeting in June 2016, and for spearheading the development of our new brochures. We are
indebted to you for all that you have done for us, and grateful for your dedication and hard work.
Kitty Ly Practicum Student
Kitty Ly came to the BC Bereavement
Helpline through the Criminology
program at Kwantlen Polytechnic
University for a fourteen-week tenure.
We are forever thankful for Kitty’s
enthusiasm and warmth with callers on
the Helpline and valuable assistance to
all office matters including the
development of our new Sumac
database. We wish her the best of luck
Jessica Lowe Practicum Student
Jessica Lowe started volunteering with BCBH
in March of 2016 and by January of 2017 had
her BCBH placement approved as a practicum
assignment for her Social Service Worker
Certificate program at Langara College. Jessica
has used her marketing background to provide
strategic advice and social media planning.
Additionally, Jessica’s life experiences allow
her to connect with callers on the Helpline and
provide everyone with relevant advice in
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FINANCIAL REPORT
BRITISH COLUBIA BEREAVEMENT HELPLINE
(Incorporated under the Societies Act of British Columbia)
STATEMENT OF REVENUE AND EXPENSE (UNAUDITED)
April 01, 2016 - March 31, 2017
(GENERAL ACCOUNT)
REVENUE 2016-2017
Department of Justice Victims Fund 67,000
Fundraising 13,490
National Victims and Survivors of Crime Week 7,000
Donations 5,541
Canada Summer Jobs 3,727
Membership 3,505
Arbor Memorial Foundation 2,000
TOTAL REVENUE 102,263
EXPENSE
Salary 59,911
Contractors 14,000 Note 2
Program Expenses 7,208
Office Supplies 5,553
Receiver General 5,162
Rent 4,107
Travel 2,993
Benefits 2,692
Professional Fees 2,406
Phone 1,556
GST 1,185
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Workers Compensation Board (WCB) 650
Professional Development 600
Internet & Website 421
Accommodation 399
Marketing 274
Membership Dues 115
Volunteer Appreciation 91
Bank Fees 89
TOTAL EXPENSES 109,412
Deficit (Surplus) -$7,149
Fund Balance on March 31, 2016 (69,320)
Fund Balance as of March 31, 2017 (62,171) Note 1
Note 1: Funds source from Charity Challenge, Membership Fees, Fundraising, and
Donations
Note 2: As per Societies Act, the following Board Members received remuneration while
under contract:
John Dubé, Bereavement Trainer for Crisis Response Following a
Sudden Death Training
$3,000
Colleen Chapman, Editing for Crisis Response Following a Sudden
Death Training
$600
John Dubé, Treasurer Maja Futrell-Fruhling, Director
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BRITISH COLUBIA BEREAVEMENT HELPLINE
(Incorporated under the Societies Act of British Columbia)
STATEMENT OF REVENUE AND EXPENSE (UNAUDITED)
April 01, 2016 - March 31, 2017
(GAMING ACCOUNT)
John Dubé, Treasurer Maja Futrell-Fruhling, Director
REVENUE 2016-2017
Gaming 40,008
TOTAL REVENUE 40,008
EXPENSE
Salary 23,000
Rent 9,220
Contractors 3,000
Phone 1,221
Office Supplies 848
Receiver General 787
Marketing 690
Program Expenses 680
Internet & Website 467
Bank Fees 87
TOTAL EXPENSES 40,000
Net Revenue 8 Note 1
Note 1: Interest received in FY 2015-2016
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MEMBERSHIP
100 Mile District Hospice Palliative Care Society
An Evening Among the Angels
Burnaby Hospice Society
Canuck Place Children's Hospice
Fort St. John RCMP Victim Services
Lasting M.A.G.I.C. (Memories are Gifts in Children) Society
Living Through Loss Counselling Society of BC
New Westminster Victims Services
Oceanside Hospice Society
Peachland Wellness Centre Bereavement Group
SAFER Counselling
Surrey Hospice Society
Threads of Life - Workplace Tragedy Family Support
Valley View Funeral Home
Abbotsford Hospice Society
Alberni Valley Hospice Society
Alzheimer Society of BC
Bowers Funeral Service
British Columbia Funeral Association
Bulkley Valley Hospice Society
Camp Kerry Society
Central Okanagan Hospice Association
Chilliwack Grief Support Society
Chilliwack Hospice Society
Chilliwack Senior Peer Counsellors
Community Pastoral Resource Centre
Comox Valley Hospice Society
Cowichan Valley Hospice Society
Crossroads Hospice Society
Delta Hospice Society
Elim Village
Family Services of the North Shore
Fort Nelson Hospice Society
Golden Family Center
Greater Trail Hospice Society
Hospice Society of Columbia Valley – Invermere
Jewish Seniors Alliance of Greater Vancouver
Kamloops Hospice Association
Langley Hospice Society
Logan Lake Wellness Health & Youth Society
Lower Mainland Grief Recovery Society
Mainland BC Military Family Resource Centre
Merritt & District Hospice Society
Nanaimo Community Hospice Society
New Denver Hospice Society
North Okanagan Hospice Society
North Shore Neighbourhood House Senior Peer Support
silver members
bronze members
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Post Abortion Community Services
Prince Rupert & District Hospice Society
Quesnel & District Hospice Palliative Care Association
Revelstoke Hospice Society
Ridge Meadows Hospice Society
St. Edmund's Parish
Sunshine Coast Hospice Society
The Compassionate Friends – North Shore
Vancouver Hospice Society
Vancouver Thalassemia Society of BC
West End Seniors’ Network
White Rock South Surrey Hospice Society
bronze members (cont.)
We thank our individual members for their support.
individual members
When you join as a member you will assist the BC Bereavement Helpline to continue
serving the needs of those suffering a loss.
● Belong to an organization committed to connecting the public to grief support
services within BC.
● Help BCBH grow – the more members we have the greater the impact for grants
and support.
● Support a local society. Everyone deserves easy access to grief support.
● Demonstrate to others your involvement and commitment in helping others cope
with grief and loss.
● Provide input on the direction of BCBH programs and services.
● Are you interested in volunteering? BCBH loves their volunteers!
Email [email protected].
BENEFITS OF BEING A BC BEREAVEMENT HELPLINE MEMBER
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SUPPORTERS
Arbor Memorial Foundation
British Columbia Community Gaming Grant
Burnaby Lougheed Lions club
Department of Justice Canada Victims Fund
Individual Donors
Kearney Funeral Services
Rotary Women’s Association of Vancouver
Valley View Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home
FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTORS
British Columbia Ministry of Public Safety & Solicitor General
Correctional Service of Canada, Victim Services Unit
Crisis Intervention & Suicide Prevention Centre of BC
The Centre for Restorative Justice at Simon Fraser University
Delta Police Department, Victim Services Unit
Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT)
Kearney Funeral Services
Living Through Loss Counselling Society
Mission RCMP Client Support and Victim Services Unit
MOSAIC
Musqueam Indian Band
Police Victim Services of British Columbia
Port Moody Police Victim Services Unit
Valley View Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
City of Vancouver, Mountain View Cemetery
InPrint Graphics & Copying Ltd
Vince Gowmon, Remember to Play Workshop
IN-KIND SPONSORS
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SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We want to recognize and extend our deepest gratitude to our Board of Directors and
volunteers who have dedicated countless hours of their time in order that the BC
Bereavement Helpline can rise to meet the needs of the BC community. Efforts include
compassionate listening and referral assistance on the Helpline, website development
and updates, social media posts, graphic design, marketing, research, data entry,
planning and/or attending events, facilitating and attending workshops, presentations
and so much more.
Terry Androsky
Colleen Chapman
John Dubé
Marlyn Ferguson
Maja Futrell-Frühling
Meghan Hajash
Peggy Harowitz
Zoey Huang
Rebecca Le
Jessica Lowe
Felicia Martin
Kayleigh Meaden
Susan Moore
Yoshiko Nonaka
Niki Oveisei
Cristina Pastia
Abigail Paras
Linda Prochaska
Raman Randhawa
Rachel Rego
BCBH VOLUNTEERS
Terry Androsky
Susan Baker
John Dubé
Jude Platzer
Tania Zulkoskey
TRAINING & SUPPORT GROUP FACILITATORS