What We Do
Brightside is here to stop that spiral before it begins — with homes that heal, systems that support, and communities that catch families before they break.
Not every child in crisis ends up in the hospital.
Some are quietly falling through the cracks at home, in school, or in the backseat of a social worker’s car.
Why We Do it
The Current System is Reactive — We’re Flipping the Script.
Right now in BC, a child must often reach a crisis point — overdose, expulsion, arrest, or psychiatric emergency — before meaningful intervention begins. This reactive model isn’t just unethical. It’s unaffordable.
Brightside flips the script by investing before the breakdown:
• Safe housing for families under strain
• Trauma-informed care for neurodivergent youth
• Short-term support that prevents long-term institutionalization
At Brightside, we believe healing happens at home — but only when home is safe, stable, and supported. Our programs are designed to prevent family breakdown, support neurodivergent children, and give caregivers the tools they need to thrive. This is trauma-informed, community-rooted care — built for long-term outcomes, not short-term fixes.
Brightside Family Housing
Unlike traditional transitional housing programs that limit stays to 12 weeks, Brightside takes the opposite approach. We know that true healing and stability take time. That’s why families in our care can stay for up to **two years**.
This extended model creates roots — not turnover. It gives families the chance to build real relationships, contribute to the community, and experience long-term change. For example, families help maintain the Brightside community garden, where children learn the joy of service by delivering fresh food to local food banks.
From planting to purpose, we build habits of healing that ripple across generations.
Includes:
• Long-term housing (up to 2 years)
• 24/7 access to support services
• Meals, supplies, and transportation support as needed
Neurodivergent Youth Support
Onsite and virtual programming tailored to ADHD, ASD, sensory regulation, emotional trauma, and learning differences.
Includes:
• Therapeutic play
• Sensory rooms
• Educational assessments
• Individual and group mentoring, therapy and counselling.
Caregiver Stabilization & Empowerment
Programs for parents and caregivers designed to stabilize, educate, and empower — without shame or blame with real life outcomes.
Includes:
• Parenting support groups
• Trauma-informed family coaching
• Access to mental health clinicians
• Advocacy for school and system navigation
Community Navigation Services
Many families don’t lack love — they lack access. Our navigators help families apply for disability benefits, find long-term housing, access social programs, and rebuild with dignity.
Brightside Respite & Regeneration Retreats (Coming 2026)
A dedicated space for full-family renewal — weekend to weeklong immersions in rest, therapy, play, and connection — designed to reset families before burnout breaks them.
Impact Integration Philosophy
Every Brightside program is:
• Preventative, not punitive
• Family-centered, not institution-centered
• Rooted in neurodivergence, not 'bad behavior'
• Built to support dignity, not dependency