It’s March. It’s a time to honour and appreciate the invaluable contribution Community Social Services workers make to the lives of individuals, families and their communities in every part of the province.
But despite the skilled and caring support they provide for so many of our most vulnerable citizens, their work is often invisible, undervalued, and rarely gets the recognition it deserves.
That’s why each year the B.C. government proclaims March as Community Social Services Awareness Month. It provides an important opportunity to increase public understanding about the vital role these services provide and salute the workers in this sector who are essential to building a healthier, stronger and more stable society.
People with developmental disabilities, youth in conflict with the law, individuals struggling with substance use issues, women fleeing abusive relationships, aboriginal families, new immigrants and many others are some of the people who rely on the caring, compassionate support these workers provide.
The fact is, at some time in their lives, most British Columbians will turn to a community social service for help when they have a special need or when they are facing a critical life challenge.
We thank HEU’s 1,500 community social services members for being there for the people who need them – when they need them – and for the skilled, compassionate support they provide.
As part of the multi-union Community Social Services Bargaining Association, HEU continues to advocate for the funding needed to lift workers’ wages, improve their working conditions and address the ongoing retention and recruitment problem that impacts the vast majority of B.C.’s community-based social services agencies.
And throughout March, we salute all members for the extraordinary dedication and commitment they bring to supporting their clients every single day.