At Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS), our dedicated team of Outreach Workers offers compassionate and confidential one-on-one support at no cost to individuals facing a wide range of challenges, including mental health issues, financial insecurity, physical health concerns, housing needs, food insecurity, substance use, employment struggles, family dynamics, and relationship conflicts or violence. These one-on-one outreach conversations are the gateway to over 30 other programs and services WCSS offers year-round.
At WCSS, we believe in the power of personal connection. By establishing a personal connection with an Outreach Worker, clients are welcomed into a trusting environment where they can feel comfortable sharing their unique stories and needs in a safe, inclusive space. Outreach Workers listen and provide tailored support, helping individuals navigate mental health resources, crisis intervention, housing assistance, employment services, and more, ensuring everyone receives the personalized help they need.
Our 2024 TOGETHER Outreach Campaign raises crucial funds so WCSS Outreach Workers can continue this vital work in our community – DONATE NOW.
Read about Christopher’s experience with WCSS Outreach and learn more about the impact Outreach has in our community.
“I had a tough upbringing in a broken family surrounded by alcoholism and drugs, which led me to start with alcohol and soft drugs before progressing to harder substances. Skateboarding and BMX were my escapes, and I excelled at these while I sold weed to support myself after quitting school in grade 10. In 1989, I became established in the Vancouver biking scene. I had great success as a professional sponsored rider in Cross Country and Downhill disciplines. Still, the partying lifestyle and hard drugs ultimately took a heavy toll on my relationships and life.
As I became more and more entrenched in drugs and this negative environment, my life continued to fall apart. I lost a lot of close friends, was arrested multiple times, lived on the street and out of shelters, and even tried suicide at my lowest point. I had lost faith in humanity.
Over the years, I have moved communities many times to reboot and get a fresh start, but I am always fighting the pull of being drawn back into that lifestyle. I have learned what really helps at these times is having that human connection to Outreach and mental health supports. It allows me to stay focused on staying positive and motivated to make meaningful changes in my life.
In 2023, I returned to Whistler after a 14-year hiatus with nothing but a backpack. I faced one of the toughest nights of my life, sleeping outdoors in the rain and snow. Realizing I needed help, I connected with Whistler Community Services Society Outreach, which provided me with essentials like a phone, bus tickets, food, a gym pass, and a tent. By visiting the Outreach Team daily, I began to rebuild trust in others and work towards getting my life back on track.
Every positive change I made in my life led to new opportunities, and I’m now in a place where I have stable, secure housing and employment, and I feel like I’m able to give back to this amazing community. WCSS was there to listen when I needed it most and is a lifeline for those who feel lost.”
– Christopher I.