SOS Children’s Village British Columbia (Canada) Society (SOS BC) was incorporated in 1986 and has operated our site since 1999. The Village, our flagship program based in Surrey, was created as a grass roots response to the unmet needs of children and youth in the provincial foster care system; namely the frequent placement breakdowns and moves for children and youth in foster care, and the separation of siblings into different homes. The Village’s unique model is based on dynamics implemented by Hermann Gmeiner, the founder of SOS Children’s Villages International. Our elements for success continue to be based on Gmeiner’s beliefs that a loving consistent family, home, and community create a circle of belonging and positive growth for children in need. This allows children to develop resilience and renewed hope leading to future successes. SOS BC's wraparound support provides counselling, art therapy, neurofeedback training, and more to help youth heal from their traumatic pasts. We also provide specialized support to Village caregivers. Our Village comprises 10 homes. We own and oversee five foster homes with 30 children and a Village Centre on our wooded 2.5 acre site, with the other five homes in the surrounding community. We also have 5 high-demand transition suites for youth who age out of the foster care system at age 19. Our model of care keeps siblings together, is trauma-informed, and is based on lifelong engagement and embracing the cultural heritage of each child. Our outreach programs to foster children and vulnerable youth in the local community - including Transition to Adulthood, Learning Clubs, Sounds of Learning, and Camps/Recreation/Culture - reach an additional 100 children. SOS BC is nationally accredited by COA.
