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 contact@bcbh.ca.

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