High School Students
Watari Fundraising Initiative Video

News

Programs for British Columbia's most vulnerable are being squeezed as health authorities struggle to meet budget targets

Recession hits B.C. non-profits, charities - interview with Michelle

Funding Partners:

Special project funding provided by various foundations, corporations... and gaming revenue.

Statement of Diversity and Inclusion

Watari embraces diversity as an integral part of being a caring community.   We are committed to building and maintaining a diverse, accessible, civil and supportive environment by including diversity of religion, gender, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, disability, age and socioeconomic class. 

To this end, we will make positive efforts to reach out to groups that have traditionally been under-represented and who can enrich and be enriched by their experience at Watari. 

At Watari we do not tolerate harassment and other behaviours that infringe on the freedom and respect that every individual deserves.

Governance

Watari has a volunteer Board of Directors who meet every 2 months (?) to oversee the operations of the agency. Click here to see our Organizational Chart

The Board of Directors consists of individuals who have an interest in supporting or improving services for youth and families affected by substance misuse and oppression in the Vancouver area. 

If you are interested in finding out about our existing Board, or if you are considering becoming a member of the Board of Directors, please contact us for more information at info@watari.org.

Watari

Youth, Community and Family Services

Watari is a small registered non-profit organization with a volunteer Board of Directors. 

Our primary mission is to facilitate positive change in the lives of at-risk children, youth, their families and communities in the Downtown Eastside and the Greater Vancouver/Richmond areas. 

Watari was registered as a charitable society in June 1986 as a small scale service offering individualized support services to high risk youth from mobile offices (cars).  We then began operating out of RayCam Community Center in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver in 1989. 

Watari now has three permanent locations in East Vancouver and operates 5 ongoing programs.  Members of the community who access our services identify that substance misuse has been a problem in their own lives or in the lives of their families. 

For a more detailed history of the agency, see  Watari:  a brief history .

Agency Objectives

• To provide opportunities that allow clients to see themselves as competent and capable.
• To deliver respectful, client-centred services.
• To empower clients  by supporting relationships with other appropriate service providers and community members.
• To work within a community development model in order to address personal and collective change.
• To promote and participate actively in case management.
• To work collaboratively when providing prevention and education programs in response to community identified need.
• To develop and deliver accessible, community based training/education programs.

Watari Executive Director Michelle Fortin in the Vancouver Province, Friday, September 11, 2009

click for larger clipping

Mission Statement

to facilitate positive change in at-risk children, youth, families and communities through the design and delivery of innovative services.

Philosophy

based on a belief in the individual's innate strengths, capabilities and desire for wellness. With an improved understanding of self and education about lifestyle options, a person can make life-affirming choices - regardless of past or present circumstances.

Make a Difference

We rely on the help and support of our community to make a difference in the lives of the people we encounter in our work.  If you would like to make a difference you can donate online or contact the agency directly. ..read more..