VAST Healing Community

VAST Healing Community We support refugee mental health through counselling, documentation, education, and referrals

VAST supports the mental health of refugees who arrive in British Columbia with psychological trauma as a result of torture, political violence, and other forms of persecution on the basis of race, religion, gender identity, and sexual orientation. We work with refugees from over 100 countries in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. Our programs and services are offered in over a dozen languages, including Arabic, Farsi, French, Mandarin, and Spanish.

🌱 ROOTED & RISING 🌱A creative and therapeutic space for youth (ages 12–24) from underrepresented communities to connect,...
04/23/2026

🌱 ROOTED & RISING 🌱

A creative and therapeutic space for youth (ages 12–24) from underrepresented communities to connect, express, and share stories.

This group is inclusive of youth with diverse ethnocultural identities, different abilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ identifying folx. Come as you are—this is a space to be heard, supported, and rooted in community 💛

📍 Foundry Langley
🗓 Every third Tuesday of the month
⏰ 3:30–5:00 PM
🧠 Facilitated by Gabriel Marcomini, RCC (he/him)
🔗 Registration required — scan the QR code or visit link in bio

Are you passionate about shaping conversations, leadership, and community impact? 📢The Women Survivors Resource Network ...
04/09/2026

Are you passionate about shaping conversations, leadership, and community impact? 📢

The Women Survivors Resource Network (WSRN) is officially calling for new members to join our Advisory Committee!

Established in 2018, WSRN is a grassroots initiative created by and for women from conflict-affected contexts now building their lives in Canada. We are looking for dedicated voices to help us bridge the gap between lived experience and systemic change.

As a committee member, you will:
✨ Attend up to 8 meetings per year.
✨ Help shape agendas and recommend key topics.
✨ Suggest speakers and support community outreach.
✨ Strengthen WSRN’s direction and policy influence.
Join us in building a space grounded in solidarity, trauma-informed care, and collective leadership.

🔗 How to apply: Scan the QR code in the images or email [email protected] to learn more!

Today, March 31, we recognize International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV). 🏳️‍⚧️✨Founded in 2009 by Rachel Cranda...
03/31/2026

Today, March 31, we recognize International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV). 🏳️‍⚧️✨

Founded in 2009 by Rachel Crandall, TDOV is a day to celebrate the resilience and achievements of transgender and non-binary people worldwide. At VAST, this day holds deep significance as many of the refugees we support have faced persecution due to their gender identity.

Visibility is more than just being seen—it’s about challenging harmful systems and creating spaces where everyone can live with dignity and belonging. We remain committed to providing safe, affirming care and uplifting the voices of the trans community.

Cedar and Olive Support Group 🌿🌲VAST is offering a safe, supportive environment for women who have recently arrived from...
03/24/2026

Cedar and Olive Support Group 🌿🌲

VAST is offering a safe, supportive environment for women who have recently arrived from Gaza. This 6-week group is a space to share experiences, express yourself through the arts, and learn practical tools to cope with stress and trauma.

🗓 Dates: Every Friday, April 17th – May 22nd
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
📍 Location: VAST Vancouver, 2610 Victoria Drive
🗣 Language: Arabic
👥 Facilitators: Deemah Al-Omari (RCC) & Elena Hack (Expressive Arts Therapist)

Eligibility: Open to newcomers from Gaza who have been in Canada for three years or less.

📩 To register: Email [email protected]
‎مجموعة أرز وزيتون للدعم 🌿🌲
‎تقدم VAST بيئة آمنة وداعمة للنساء اللواتي وصلن حديثاً من غزة. توفر هذه المجموعة (لمدة 6 أسابيع) مساحة آمنة للتعبير عن الذات ومشاركة التجارب، بالإضافة إلى تعلم أدوات للتعامل مع الضغوط النفسية.
‎🗓 المواعيد: كل يوم جمعة، من 17 أبريل إلى 22 مايو
‎⏰ الوقت: 10:00 صباحاً – 11:30 صباحاً
‎📍 الموقع: مقر VAST في فانكوفر، 2610 شارع فيكتوريا
‎🗣 اللغة: ستكون المجموعة باللغة العربية
‎📩 للتسجيل: يرجى إرسال بريد إلكتروني إلى [email protected]

On April 1st at 10 AM, a Mandarin virtual ‘Welcome to VAST’ orientation will be hosted for those interested in learning ...
03/19/2026

On April 1st at 10 AM, a Mandarin virtual ‘Welcome to VAST’ orientation will be hosted for those interested in learning more about VAST services, the approaches we apply, and VAST‘s client population.

Participants can send an email before March 30st to [email protected] to register for the orientation.

在4月1日上午十点，我们将举办一场以普通话进行的线上“欢迎加入VAST”说明会，欢迎有兴趣了解VAST服务、服务方法以及服务对象群体的人士参加。

有意参加者请于3月30日前发送邮件至[email protected]进行注册。

“When you go through trauma, you lose your voice.” 🗣️✨Healing isn’t always found within four walls. Our outdoor programs...
03/18/2026

“When you go through trauma, you lose your voice.” 🗣️✨

Healing isn’t always found within four walls. Our outdoor programs at VAST create a safe, natural space for clients to reconnect—not just with the world around them, but with their own voices. 🌲👣

There is an incredible strength that comes from walking this path together. We are so grateful to our clients for sharing their journeys and finding the confidence to speak their truth again.

International Women’s Day is more than a date on the calendar—it’s a recognition of the incredible strength found in the...
03/09/2026

International Women’s Day is more than a date on the calendar—it’s a recognition of the incredible strength found in the voices of women impacted by forced migration and conflict.

At VAST, we believe healing happens in community. That’s why we’ve built dedicated spaces where women can find connection, share their lived experiences, and lead the way for those arriving after them.

From our Cultural Brokers for women from Afghanistan to our support groups for women from Gaza and conflict-affected regions worldwide, we are honored to witness your resilience every day.

✨ How to get involved:
If you or someone you know is interested in joining one of our safe, trauma-informed spaces, please reach out
📧 Email: [email protected]

TraumaInformed CommunityHealing

Healing Disrupts Cycles of Violence. ✨For nearly 40 years, VAST has stood with survivors of torture and political violen...
02/24/2026

Healing Disrupts Cycles of Violence. ✨

For nearly 40 years, VAST has stood with survivors of torture and political violence. On March 5th, we gather not just to reflect, but to act.

Join us for a day of powerful dialogue focused on:

🌍 Global realities & prevention

❤️ Survivor leadership

🌱 Indigenous ways of knowing & land-based wisdom

✊ Anti-racism & systemic change

Details:
🗓 Date: March 5, 2026
🕐 Time: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Arrivals & coffee at 12:30 PM)
📍 Location: 2160 Victoria Drive, Vancouver
🍽 Bonus: Community dinner & drumming circle included!

🎟 FREE event | Registration required
📧 Register/Inquire: [email protected]

SocialJusticeBC TraumaRecovery

Small actions matter. 🌍 Today is World Day of Social Justice.At VAST, we stand for:✅ Fair work✅ Respect for human rights...
02/20/2026

Small actions matter. 🌍 Today is World Day of Social Justice.

At VAST, we stand for:
✅ Fair work
✅ Respect for human rights
✅ Equitable outcomes for survivors

Justice is built in our everyday choices. Whether it‘s signing a petition, supporting a mutual aid fund, or journaling for self-reflection, your contribution counts.

Check out our slides for ways to get involved today! ➡️

HumanRightsDay

After forced migration, connection can start small.A walk. A garden. A moment outside.And slowly, belonging grows there....
02/19/2026

After forced migration, connection can start small.
A walk. A garden. A moment outside.
And slowly, belonging grows there.

Every Friday, we offer VAST Outdoors where we take community members to experience connection in nature If you are interested, please contact us.

Address

2610 Victoria Drive
Vancouver, BC
V5N4L2

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 9:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+17783726593

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when VAST Healing Community posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to VAST Healing Community:

Shortcuts

Share