BeConnected acknowledges and respects the traditional and unceded territories of the Lkwungen (Songhees), Xwsepsum (Esquimalt), WSÁNEĆ (Saanich), Hul’qumi’numon (Cowichan), and K’ómoks (Comox) Nations on which we provide our services and supports. We recognize and honour the Indigenous Peoples as the original stewards and custodians of this land throughout generations.

BeCommunity

Quarterly Newsletter

June 22, 2023

JUNE CELEBRATIONS

National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada and we celebrated National Indigenous People's Day on June 21st!

This years image depicts an eagle representing First Nations, a narwhal representing Inuit, and a violin representing Métis. These illustrations are placed around the sun and surrounded by multi-coloured smoke that represents Indigenous traditions, spirituality, inclusion and diversity.

Pride Season

June marks the kick off to Pride Season in Canada! It is an opportunity to recognize, celebrate, and learn more about the countless contributions to our communities made by Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and additional sexually and gender-diverse identities (2SLGBTQI+). Check out the Victoria Pride Society's website for the upcoming pride week events!

Program Updates

Bert and Duncan went on a cruise to Alaska earlier this month! This picture was taken on Creek St in Ketchikan, Alaska.

Helen & Mary (Left) and Julia & Janice (above) enjoying the sunny weather at Butchart Gardens

Janice meeting baby Luna. Congratulations Nicole on your newest addition!

Cassie and Christina celebrating at our June 21st BBQ

Andrea wearing her orange shirt to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day

NEWS

Countdown to Accreditation!

We are now one year away from BeConnected's next visit by CARF accreditors! in 2021 we successfully achieved a three year accreditation with no recommendations.

BeConnected will be surveyed for the eighth time in May or June 2024. BeConnected's leadership team has commenced reviewing our survey preparation guide at our Strategic Planning meetings.

Find out more on our website

RECENT EVENTS

Art Show

The BeCommunity Art Show was on display for the entire month of May at the Spiral Cafe

Janice showing off her art pieces

Rosie enjoying the Grand Opening

Operation Trackshoes

Our BeConnected Trailblazers were all smiles despite the pouring rain on Saturday to celebrate the 50th and final Operation Trackshoes event at UVic. Great job Trailblazers!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Friends and Family Picnic in Celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day

Please join us THIS SATURDAY for our annual Friends and Family Picnic in celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day!

Gelato Truck Appreciation Event

Spring & Summer BBQs

We held our first couple BBQs of the season and they were a huge hit! Can't wait for our next one coming up on July 26th!

One Day 2023

Save the Date for One Day 2023. BeConnected is proud to be an organizing agency of this community event! The Committee is hard at work planning another fun filled day this September!

Other Upcoming Events

Be sure to check out our monthly calendars available on our website for upcoming events and low cost activities.

The City of Victoria also distributes a Spring/Summer guide highlighting festivals, events, music, and cultural activities available in the region. Check out the CityVibe website for more information.

PERSONNEL

Wage Lifts & Changes to the Collective Agreement

After years of lobbying by Community Living agencies across the province, employees in the field will finally be receiving wage lifts which will provide wages comparable to other public sector contracts such as education. We believe that these lifts will help us recruit and retain the personnel we need to provide quality services for the people we support.

The most recent round of bargaining has also provided some positive changes to the collective agreement including better access to mental health supports and expanded coverage for various Leaves of Absence.

BeConnected Leadership is thrilled to support these positive changes for our personnel.

Fit in Fitness Month Step Challenge

Each May we celebrate fitness at BeConnected. This year we brought back our Fit-in-Fitness Step Challenge! Thank you to all who participated and congratulations to our winners!