Nonprofit Organizations in Vancouver

We support youth discover their unique gifts and an ability to trust themselves deeply enough to have the kind of self-reliance that will bring out the best of who they are. We empower youth to lead authentic and connected lives, through modern rights of passage, self-discovery and creativity.

The Vancouver Art Therapy Institute (VATI) was founded in 1982 as a non-profit society and a charitable organization. VATI has been accredited by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) since 1998. VATI is committed to providing an educational experience that cultivates student creativity, self-awareness, and therapeutic competence. We aim to train art therapists who are active members of the art therapy community, and good ambassadors to the larger community. As a school we offer an art therapy diploma to students who complete our program. Students take face-to-face and online courses, complete 700 hours of volunteer practicum time in the community, and then write a final project. VATI also offers a student run art therapy clinic where students, under supervision, offer art therapy to the public at a very reduced rate.

The Cerebral Palsy Association of British Columbia was started in 1954 by a group of parents who wanted to assist their children living with cerebral palsy to reach their maximum potential within society. Today we are an independent charitable organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. We provide support, education, and information throughout BC. Our mission is: -To raise awareness of cerebral palsy in the community -To assist those living with cerebral palsy to reach their maximum potential -To work to see those living with cerebral palsy realize their place as equals in a diverse society We will accomplish this mission through: -advocacy -encouraging networking -educating members of the public about cerebral palsy -governing relations activities -implementing programs for individuals with cerebral palsy

CISV has a vision of a more just and peaceful world; we believe that we can all take responsibility for making this happen. This vision gives us a strong purpose, or mission, which is summed up clearly in our Statement of Purpose: CISV educates and inspires action for a more just and peaceful world. CISV’s peace education ‘learning by doing’ programs begin with our Village program for 11-year-olds. Youth 10 years and older participate in seven international camp-based, family exchange and local community programs. Programme participants develop the skills they need to become informed, responsible and active global citizens that can make a difference in their communities and the world.

Our 12 neighbourhood Clubs give our kids a place to be amazing, safe, and have fun! We also provide substance-abuse services and support to some of the most vulnerable youth in our community. We offer counselling and employment services for youth and families. We offer programs for families with new babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers, and parents of teens. And we offer a summer wilderness camping adventure, Camp Potlatch, which is second to none. Annually, we serve over 12,500 children, youth, and families – and no one is ever turned away due to an inability to pay. No one.

Access Services provides adapted recreation opportunities for people with disabilities.

ProChoices is a by-donation Narrative Therapy clinic that runs on a feminist, social-profit model, located in unceded xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Tsleil-Waututh, and Skwxwú7mesh Territory, Vancouver B.C. ProChoices has grown out of the needs expressed by our communities. With their ongoing support, our clinic has survived its first year sponsored entirely by client donations, member contributions, our certificate program proceeds, the support of Hilda Nanning Counselling, and the passionate work of our team of therapists. Fuelled by our feminisms, ProChoices offers accessible, quality therapy to individuals and communities of diverse genders, sexual orientations, socioeconomic backgrounds, and life experiences. We understand affordable therapy to be social justice activism as well as a response to the individualist, euro-centric/hegemonic, capitalist patriarchy we live in. ProChoices credits the clients as the experts of their own experience and as the authority on what constitutes meaningful change in their lives. We do not prescribe or pathologize, and instead invite a co-research experience for our clients. This co-research process opens up alternative ways of experiencing, responding, and resolving the challenges and problems that might stand in the way of our clients’ well-being.

Doors Open Vancouver (DOV) is a free public festival that offers special behind-the-scenes access to interesting and unusual buildings in Vancouver not normally open to the public. This unique experience connects residents with the buildings they know and love, invites them discover new ones, and encourages curiosity and conversation about Vancouver’s built form, history, heritage, and culture.

WHAT IS WAI? World Awareness Initiative is a global movement that focusses on using dialogues to bridge divides and create a more inclusive world. We host workshops to develop practical communication skills and create safe spaces for young leaders to practice those skills. We encourage young leaders to look beyond the superficial and explore 'WHY' something is happening by organizing dialogue based events. Through our worldwide network of chapters and partnerships, we hope to raise awareness and inspire change through communication. We invite you to join our conversation!

The 411 Seniors Centre is a multicultural & proactive resource centre in Vancouver where the community addresses senior issues and concerns. The 411 Seniors Centre Society offers two major services for seniors in our community: Information and Referral and Outreach Services - Senior benefits (CPP, OAS, GIS, etc) - Income Tax Preparation - Government Services Referrals Programs and Activities - Yoga - Computer classes (beginners, intermediate, advanced) - Many more!

Celebrate with us as a volunteer for the Canada 150 Parade in downtown Vancouver!  Presented by the Port of Vancouver, this year’s parade is on SUNDAY, JULY 2ND, 2017 as part of a two-day Canada 150 celebration at Canada Place. Canada Day celebrates our nation, our people, our cultures and our values. If you’re a person who loves the thrill and excitement of a great public event, and thrives in a large team environment, the Canada 150 Parade is for you! Over 200,000 spectators will be entertained by 60 festive floats, marching bands, dance troupes, and community groups while being supported by over 150 volunteers. Available Positions: Route Marshal Pacer Residential Traffic Control Intersection Control Set-Up Crew Green Crew To thank volunteers for making the Canada 150 Parade a success year after year, we are excited to offer each volunteer: - Canada 150 volunteer t-shirt - Snacks/refreshments at the volunteer check-in tent. Time commitment is approximately from 2:00pm to 6:00pm, on Sunday, July 2nd, 2017. Note: Actual time will vary depending on assigned role.  All volunteers also need to be available for the Volunteer Orientation on Thursday, June 22nd from 6:15pm-7:30pm at the Robson Square Ice Rink (Lower Plaza, across from UBC), downtown Vancouver. Interested volunteers can sign-up at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CDP150 For more parade information visit: http://www.canadaplace.ca/events/canada-day/. I look forward to receiving your application! Positions are filled based on availability. Thank you, Noelle Davies Canada 150 Parade

The Riley Park Community Garden, a project of the Little Mountain Neighbourhood House, arose through years of community consultations, gatherings, and planning to create a space that is much more than just a garden: member plots (many of which are wheelchair-accessible) will be overseen by community groups facing barriers to food security while our Serviceable Shed Project, Fieldhouse and unique garden layout will provide space for workshops, events, and community engagement. A pollinator garden, orchard, and native food forest will provide a bounty for the community and our diverse urban ecosystem. We promote food security by supporting neighbourhood organizations and charities with 100% of the food grown by our volunteers.