Chilliwack Community Services (CCS) is a non-profit accredited multi service agency providing support focused programming to people of all ages. For over 80 years, CCS has been dedicated to meeting social and community needs in Chilliwack and the surrounding areas. What began in 1928 with the efforts of a single woman helping a neighbour in need has continually grown to meet the increasing and changing demographics of the community.
Today, Chilliwack Community Services provides extensive social and human services that help to create opportunities with people to make positive change in their lives. There is no cost for service unless specifically noted. Confidentiality is assured.
Services Offered
Youth Services * RECONNECT - Outreach services to youth ages 12-18 who are homeless, street involved or at risk of becoming so; including possible sex trade involvement.
Our Reconnect worker seeks out and supports youth who are homeless, struggle with drugs and alcohol, street entrenched and sexually exploited. We support youth by assisting them with getting their basic needs met, addressing their lifestyle, and safety planning. The goal for the Reconnect worker is to assist youth in reconnecting with their family or securing stable and safe housing. Once a youth's basic needs are addressed, they have the capacity to explore options to make healthy and safe lifestyle choices.
* Young Parent Outreach Program - The Young Hands Parents Support Program provides support to young pregnant and parenting youth. Support includes one to one assistance, referrals to programs to ensure a healthy pregnancy, parenting groups for both parents, and support to obtain appropriate child care to support youth in completing their Grade 12 education. The Young Hands Parenting Support staff is involved in community education and awareness through partnerships, presentations, and group activities.
* Youth and Family Counselling - Counsellors offer an empathic ear and help find ways to solve problems and issues within a family.
Our youth services therapist provides therapeutic support to youth and their families. The therapist helps youth and families recognize and build on their strengths in finding creative solutions to their unique circumstances.
* REAL Program - The REAL program helps youth involved in the justice system learn life skills, new methods of communication, and ways to achieve personal life goals. The Chilliwack School District provides a part-time teacher and education assistant to support academic achievement. The REAL staff provide life skills and recreational opportunities for youth which contribute to school credits.
Family Services * Family Support - Our dedicated family support workers are trained to walk alongside parents and their children, as guides and support towards growing healthy families.
In addition, our family therapist provides counselling focusing on family of origin issues, childhood trauma, depression, unresolved grief and dysfunctional family dynamics.
Chilliwack Community Services provides in-home crisis intervention and support to families, primarily referred by the Ministry of Child and Family Development (MCFD).
* Sexual Abuse Intervention Program - Our specialized, trauma-informed counsellor works with children and youth ages 4-18 years.
The counsellor has a multi-faceted approach ready to meet the needs of the client.
Therapy is done in many ways and some of our methods are listed below: > Play Therapy > Expressive Arts Therapy > TF-CBT
Fees and Payment
There is no cost for service unless specifically noted. Confidentiality is assured.
A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.
