Westcoast Family Centres and Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre Have Amalgamated Under the Name Westcoast Family Centres

After two years of thoughtful collaboration and deliberation, Westcoast Family Centres Society (WFC) and Westcoast Childcare Resource Centre (WCCRC) have forged a valued alliance and kinship and have recognized the profound impact of uniting both organizations. The organizations have worked closely in partnership for several years and both organizations operate under similar missions, visions, values, and intentions.

As of October 1, the two organizations will amalgamate under the societal name Westcoast Family Centres Society (Westcoast).

“During the time our organizations have worked together, we have developed strong relationships among our Boards and staff,” says Ann Kutcher, CEO of WFC. “This opportunity to combine our skills and resources will further enhance our ability to make a positive impact on families.”

For more than 35 years, WCCRC has provided information, referrals, training and resources to families, individuals and organizations who are seeking the best child care and early learning. They offer dozens of accessible workshops and professional development opportunities for Certified Early Childhood Educators and its Library is known as the most comprehensive and publicly accessible collection of early childhood education materials in the area.

For nearly 40 years, WFC has evolved to become a multi-service hub, delivering child-centred, evidencebased, and family-focused programs and services including family preservation and reunification, parent education, clinical counselling, and several others in Vancouver, North Shore, Tri-Cities, and Ridge Meadows. Additionally, the organization runs groups like Healthy Babies, Mother Goose, and other Early Years programming as well as community workshops like Successful Co-Parenting and Parent Quest.

Westcoast’s mission will be to strengthen relationships between children and families and between families and their communities. Together, the two organizations will leverage each other’s strengths and continue to help all families reach their full potential.

“Like-minded in several ways, WCCRC and WFC stand united to offer a seamless continuum of services of care for children, families, and educators in our community,” says Crystal Janes, Interim Executive Director of WCCRC. “Together, we will find our greatest impact as we create a prototype for positive change for our community.”

Westcoast’s Child Care Resource Centre will continue to operate its website, social media, and email blasts and service to the community will not change. However, staff emails and phone numbers will change, which will be reflected on their website.