First Call puts children and youth first through research, public education, community mobilization, and public policy advocacy.
Our Letter to All BC MLAs About BC Child Poverty
FEBRUARY 19th, 2025
As the Spring 2025 legislative session begins, we want to ensure that all MLA’s are familiar with the statistics and stories about how worsening poverty is affecting families with children in our province.
Celebrating Our First 30 Years!
For three decades, First Call has been dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of children and youth in British Columbia. Through research, advocacy and partnerships, we’ve worked to raise awareness, influence public dialogue, and drive policy changes that support children, youth, and families across the province.
Reflecting on this milestone, we are so grateful for the dedication of all our board members. Gyda Chud and Cheryl Mixon, who have been with us since nearly the beginning, have this to say about why they have been involved:
“About 30 years ago, I discovered FIRST CALL, and my passion for social justice, combined with my journey in Early Childhood Education, led me to volunteer with this incredible organization. At one of the early events, a young woman approached me wit56h enthusiasm for FIRST CALL’s mission. She shared how much she valued the work being done and highlighted that Children, Youth, and their Families deserved the ‘first call’ on resources to live healthy and fulfilling lives. Her inspiration was palpable, and she eagerly wanted to sign up and donate. This moment has forever held a special place in my heart!”
“I care deeply about children and their families. As a counsellor, social worker, and therapist, I have witnessed firsthand how essential it is for basic needs to be met for parents, families, children, and youth to truly thrive. The values and mission of First Call resonate with me, and I feel that I can make a meaningful contribution in these areas. Each of First Call’s four ‘Keys’ serves as a vital pillar in supporting the well-being of children. The advocacy work done by First Call has not only educated and informed me, but has also significantly influenced policy, practices, and priorities. Moreover, First Call has built a community of like-minded and passionate advocates who are ‘at the ready’ to speak out.”
The Latest from First Call
Read First Call’s 2023 Annual Report
2023 was a milestone year for First Call, filled with new achievements and impactful strides made in our mission to support children, youth, and families across British Columbia.
Newsroom:
Opinion Piece
Vancouver Sun: Child poverty is a province-wide crisis, affecting B.C.’s urban, suburban and rural communities alike. By Adrienne Montani / First Call
Opinion: In 2021, over 126,000 children in B.C. lived in poverty. We need comprehensive policies that address the root causes of poverty.
Oct. 3rd, 2024
2023 Child and Youth Housing In BC Report
Unaffordable housing and discrimination stand in the way of BC children’s right to housing Vancouver, BC: A new report released by First Call Child and Youth Advocacy Society (First Call), and funded by the Law Foundation, highlights the difficulties faced…
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