Strength in Service
Since 1974, Beacon has been dedicated to providing social support, and today, our impactful services extend their reach to thousands of people in the South Island and Gulf Islands, creating a lasting and positive impact across every phase of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How was Beacon started?
In 1974, a small group of volunteers, called the Citizens’ Advisory Committee, registered an organization to plan and administer social services in Saanich Peninsula communities, initially offering a limited number of programs. Over the years, our charity evolved, expanded and changed its name a few times. Eventually, we became Beacon Community Association – better known to our partners, communities and the people we serve as Beacon Community Services. Today, Beacon boasts almost 600 volunteers and 300 staff members who serve Southern Vancouver Island and the outer Gulf Islands. Would you like to know more about our history? Check out the history articles below.
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Who does Beacon Help?
We provide a comprehensive range of services to a diverse population of people in need. We call the support we give “wraparound services”—this term reflects our commitment to assisting individuals throughout their entire life, from birth to the end.
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How does Beacon help?
We dedicate ourselves to:
- Helping keep children, youth and families healthy, strong and connected;
- Offering shelter and housing supports to youth and young adults;
- Sheltering seniors and people with disabilities in safe, affordable housing;
- Supporting seniors to stay social, active, healthy and energized;
- Equipping people to develop skills and find opportunities in the world of work;
- Supporting emotional wellness;
- Connecting volunteers with our community; and
- Caring for those in need.
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How do I access Beacon’s services?
Each of our departments has a different method of referral, whether that’s through a case worker or self-referral. Please take a look at the page for the program you are interested in—there is contact information listed for each program.
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Do you have a directory for all the departments?
Yes! Please refer to our directory page, which includes contact information for all of our departments.
History Articles
Introduction
2024 marked Beacon Community Services’ 50th year of service – Helping People, Empowering Communities, Improving Lives…
Welcome the Board!
The Society has always been governed by a volunteer Board elected at each Annual General Meeting (AGM)…
Who’s the Boss?
Although the Society was formed in 1974, it wasn’t until 1982 that an Executive Director was put in place…
What’s in a name?
How did Beacon start? Well, in 1973 a group of concerned citizens formed the Citizens Advisory Committee…
Oh dear, do we have to move again?
Offering more services meant more staff and volunteers, resulting in the need for more office space…
Helping Seniors Live Independently
Providing services for seniors was the third service to be offered in 1974…
Volunteers – Thank you for all you do!
Volunteers make their own communities stronger by providing services to thousands of people and raising money for local programs…
Beacon Thrift Shops – What a success story!
Net proceeds from the Thrift Shops are used to fund Beacon’s programs, helping thousands in the community…
Our Values: CARE
At Beacon, we are guided by CARE—Compassion, Accountability, Responsiveness and Excellence. These principles inform our work with clients, families, volunteers and staff.
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Compassion
- Care for people through all stages of life
- Respectful, inclusive, and kind
- Community enrichment through volunteerism
- Enrichment of volunteers’ lives through volunteer opportunities
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Accountability
- Prudent stewardship of all our resources
- Effective governance
- Sound environmental stewardship
- Commitment to client, staff and volunteer safety
- Trustworthy and ethical practices
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Responsiveness
- Client-centred
- Consistent, respectful, fair and equitable
- Constant evolution and successful adaptation to changing circumstances
- Engaged with community, partners and funders
- Responsive to community needs, clients and opportunities to serve
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Excellence
- Innovative, decisive organization, recognized and sought out for the work we do
- Accredited for quality and committed to continuous improvement
- Sustainable, premier quality programs, services and supports
- Committed, engaged, supported staff and volunteers
Our Mission
We deliver compassionate, innovative community services that foster self-sufficiency, volunteerism and well-being.
Our Vision
Helping people. Empowering communities. Improving lives.
Awards
BC Care Provider of the Year
BC Care Awards
2023
Readers’ Choice
Peninsula News Review
2023
Spirit Award
United Way Spirit Awards
2022
Business Awards
Victoria Chamber Awards
2023
