Women fleeing violence in need of safety and support. Families and children with special needs. Indigenous communities seeking services in their own language that honours their culture. These are just a few of the British Columbians that turn to the caring professionals that provide community social services.

Once again, British Columbia has declared March to be Community Social Services Awareness Month, an opportunity to shine a light on the important work that the caring professionals in this sector do for families and people in need. Read the declaration here.

As part of Community Social Services Awareness Month in B.C. BCGEU president Stephanie Smith along with Component 3 vice president Andrea Duncan and first vice chairperson Pamela Pye will tour some of those worksites around the province to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary work that BCGEU members in community social services do every day.

Community social services professionals serve diverse communities and provide services such as transitional housing, parenting programs, support for children and adults with disabilities, and shelters for those fleeing abuse.

The many professionals in this sector work in diverse workplaces including community living facilities, family and child centres, transition housing, addictions counselling centres, Indigenous services and women's centres.

There isn't a family in British Columbia that hasn't been touched by a community social services professional. This March, we celebrate the unsung heroes that are the heart of our communities.

UWU/MoveUP