CAI’s funded programs change lives in profound ways. Behind every data point is a person, a family, and a community impacted by the work we support. These stories capture the human side of that impact—showing the courage, resilience, and transformation made possible through CAI’s investments.
Community Counselling Fund (CCF)
For the past five years, CAI has stewarded the Community Counselling Fund, which supports 44 community-based organizations to deliver free or low-cost, culturally relevant mental health care in communities across every health authority—urban and rural. Our equity-focused approach ensures that adults from all walks of life can access quality mental health supports.
Between 2019–2025, more than 362,000 counselling sessions were provided, and over 72,000 people accessed counselling for the first time. During this time, the Province also saw a reduction in suicide deaths.
Here are two stories from individuals whose lives were transformed through the CCF:
- A Journey of Healing and Leadership – “‘S.C.’ is an Indigenous man from the Nisga’a Valley. He is a multi-generational trauma survivor from his parents being in residential school. He is also a survivor of Indian Day School, survived sexual abuse and violence. He was a youth worker in his hometown when the RCMP came to his work to tell him that they had arrested a man who was his Elementary School Teacher and was being charged with sexual abuse. He charged him as well. That same year ‘S.C.’ had another visit from RCMP this time to let him know that his father was killed in police custody. He started drinking heavily, trying to cope with all the pain. He lost his job because of this. He came to Vancouver and found himself in the DTES and started using crack-cocaine. He hit bottom and got into recovery tapped into culture and spirituality and started coming to Watari for counselling. Attended Talking Circles, smudging, drum making. ‘S.C.’ has finally found forgiveness for all including himself. He is now 4 years into his sobriety. He has completed his adult Education Diploma from Native Education College and was on the Dean’s List and he is currently in his 3rd year at SFU. (‘S.C.’s initials are fictional to protect confidentiality).”
- A Transformation Through Counselling & Stable Housing – “One of our clients was a homeless Metis person with PTSD and numerous medical and disabling challenges. When she first became our outreach workers’ client, she would frequently have interactions with the police, the criminal justice system & would get kicked out of social services & evicted from housing as she would get triggered and act in a way to protect herself, which was interpreted as violent without an understanding of the reasons for this behaviour. While in treatment, this client thrived and moved into a leadership role. She has also successfully secured a spot in transitional housing for up to two years and is now involved in peer work. Being able to see her transformation when she has stable housing, basic needs being met and access to support staff, has been exciting and moving.”
Community Action Tables (CATs)
CATs bring together health authorities, public health, nonprofits, government representatives, peer groups, and others to co-create action-oriented strategies tailored to local substance use needs. CAI provides annualized funding and capacity-building support to 35 CATs across BC.
Here are two stories that highlight the impact of CAT-led initiatives:
- Horsepower for Healing – “At the ‘Horsepower for Healing’ car show, the crowd was quiet at first—stigma keeps many men from speaking openly about mental health and substance use. But after a powerful traditional welcome from Tseshaht First Nation, people began to move. Men walked around, spoke with one another, and stopped by outreach booths. One service provider noted with a smile that naloxone kits kept disappearing when her back was turned—‘They don’t want to ask for them, but they’re taking them.’ In a space built for connection, even quiet gestures spoke volumes about the need and readiness for support.”
- Youth Engagement – “We have a member of our Youth CAT who does screen printing. They did a session at International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) 2024 with our peers, and it was a huge hit, so this year they have offered to print 100 shirts for us, with a new design they’re creating. This youth also requested to join me at our city council delegation this month, to speak to Overdose Awareness. Going public with their personal story is going to be a huge step for them, and it’s amazing to see their enthusiasm being nurtured by their involvement in the CAT!”