Help When you Need It
The Lower Columbia region is home to many community-based organizations whose mandate is to support local families and individuals. These organizations are staffed with caring individuals who are here to help. If you know of any other resources that have been helpful to you and your family but don’t see them listed here, please contact the Family Action Network.
Crisis Services & Programs
West Kootenay Boundary Crisis Line
Need to talk? Looking for supports in our community?
Operated by trained staff, the crisis line provides 24-hour support in an anonymous and confidential manner. If you are experiencing feelings of hopelessness, have or are considering suicide, feeling overwhelmed and stressed, you can call and speak to someone at any time – day or night. The service provided is non-judgmental and gives you support in challenging times. The program also offers Suicide Prevention information and educational workshops in area schools.
Contact Information
Phone: 1- 888-353-2273
Website: kb.fetchbc.ca/service.html?i=253
WINS Transition House
For women with or without children needing a safe place to stay when leaving abusive and/or violent situations. Services at the shelter include crisis intervention and referral supports, meals, bedding, laundry, toiletries and access to clothing. There are drop in and outreach services for women who have chosen not to enter the transition centre but who may still require support.
Please call anytime for support and information. The transition house is a program of the Trail FAIR (Family and Individual Resource Centre) Society.
Contact Information
Contact: Program Coordinator
Phone: 250-364-1543
Email: winsth@shaw.ca
Website: n/a
Trail RCMP Victim Services Program
Serving the entire Greater Trail region, this program provides local support for victims of tragedy and crime.
Trained staff provide support services including:
- Assistance completing paperwork associated with crime (victim impact statements, program applications etc.)
- Referrals to local community services
- Orientation and accompaniment to court dates
- Emotional support
- Crisis intervention
Contact Information
Address:
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) – Trail
3601 Laburnum Dr.
Trail, BC
V1R 2S9
Contact: Program Coordinator
Phone: 250-368-2184
Provincial Victim Services Line: 1-800-563-0808
Website: www.policevictimservices.bc.ca
Trail Family and Individual Resource Centre Society (FAIR)
Serving our local area for many years, the FAIR Centre provides counseling services for families and individuals in times of conflict and/or crisis. These services are provided at no cost.
Available assistance to families includes counseling around:
- Parenting
- Parent/teen communication
- Blended families
- Relationship issues
- Abuse
- Assertiveness
Other programs available include:
- Childcare Resource and Referral Services – See directory listing under Crisis Services and Programs
- WINS Transition House – See directory listing under Crisis Services and Programs
In addition, FAIR offers three programs that provide counseling for those who are recovering from the emotional effects of violence or abuse.
Children Who Witness Abuse Program provides counseling for children and youth (age 4-18 years) who have witnessed family violence. Also offers support for the non-offending parent.
Sexual Abuse Intervention Program provides counseling for children and youth (age 4-18 years) who have reported sexual abuse, and support for their families.
Stop the Violence (Victims of Violence) Program offers counseling for women who have experienced violence or abuse in adult relationships, sexual assault or childhood sexual abuse.
Contact Information
Address:
Family And Individual Resource Society (FAIR)
2079 Columbia Ave.
Trail, BC
V1R 1K7
Contact: Trail FAIR Main Office
Phone: 250-364-2326
Email: admin@trailfair.ca
Website: trailfair.ca
Rise Women’s Legal Centre
Family law is the most significant unmet legal need in BC.
Rise Women’s Legal Centre is helping to change that.
Rise is a pro bono community legal clinic and teaching facility, based in Vancouver and serving women and gender diverse people all over BC.
Contact Information
Contact: Program Coordinator
Phone: 236-317-9000
Email: info@womenslegalcentre.ca
Website: https://womenslegalcentre.ca/
iHEAL App
Finding support for a safe and healthy path forward.
Backed by years of research and testing, the free, private and secure iHEAL app helps Canadian women who have experienced abuse from a current or past partner to find personalized ways to stay safe and be well.
Contact Information
Email: iHEALapp@uwo.ca
Website: https://ihealapp.ca/en/
Community Services
Trail Food Bank
The Trail Food Bank offers nutritious food Monday to Friday. Please call for an appointment. Call for other community services that are offered.
Trail Food Bank Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:00am – 4:00pm
Thursday: 11:00am – 7:00pm
Contact Information
Address:
The Salvation Army
730 Rossland Ave.
Trail, BC
V1R 3N3
Contact: Program Coordinator
Phone: 250-364-0445
Trail United Church Food Bank
This program offers nutritious food every Tuesday except the second Tuesday of the month.
Contact Information
Address:
Trail United Church
1300 Pine Avenue
Trail, BC
Contact: Program Coordinator
Phone: 250-368-3225
Email: cifoffice@telus.net
Website: cifpc.ca/
Sally’s Place (formerly Kate’s Kitchen)
Offering drop-in coffee & snacks from 9:30 on and the free lunch will be served from 11:30am to 2pm.
Contact Information
Address:
The Salvation Army
730 Rossland Ave.
Trail, BC
V1R 3N3
Contact: Program Coordinator
Phone: 250-364-0445
Rossland Food Bank
The Food Bank is supported solely through the generosity of Rosslanders.
Rossland Food Bank Hours
Tuesday: 10am – 12pm
Monday: 5pm-7pm
Contact Information
Address:
Rossland Food Bank
1860 2nd Avenue, Box 167
Rossland, BC
V0G 1Y0
Contact: Program Coordinator
Phone: 250-362-7635
Beaver Valley Food Bank
The food bank is open once a week (Thursdays) for Beaver Valley residents only. Please call for an appointment.
Contact Information
Address:
Beaver Valley United Church
1917 Columbia Gardens Rd.
Fruitvale, BC
V0G 1L1
Contact: Program Coordinator
Phone: 250-367-6481
Email: bvuc@telus.net
Trail Family and Individual Resource Centre Society (FAIR)
Serving our local area for many years, the FAIR Centre provides counseling services for families and individuals
in times of conflict and/or crisis. These services are provided at no cost.
Available assistance to families includes counseling around:
- Parenting
- Parent/teen communication
- Blended families
- Relationship issues
- Abuse
- Assertiveness
Other programs available include:
- Childcare Resource and Referral Services – See directory listing under Child Care Service and Programs
- WINS Transition House – See directory listing under Crisis Services and Programs
- Programs that provide counseling for those who are recovering from the emotional effects of violence or abuse
Contact Information
Address:
Family And Individual Resource Society (FAIR)
2079 Columbia Ave.
Trail, BC
V1R 1K7
COINS
Services include:
- Metis Traditional Parenting
- Drum circles and talking/sharing circles
- Community Drum Making ceremonies
- Case planning and cultural case management
- Liaison with the Ministry of Children and
- Family Development
- Coordinated service interventions with other service providers
- Referrals and Information about other community services programs (both aboriginal and non-aboriginal)
Contact Information
This program is delivered in various locations, please call to book an appointment.
Contact: Program Coordinator
Phone: 250-231-4968
Email: coinations@gmail.com
Website: https://www.coinations.net/
Ministry of Social Development
A Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation program.
Provides families and individuals in need support to move towards sustainable employment when possible.
Services at this location include:
- Employment programs and services (including EI)
- Family Maintenance Enforcement Program
- Assistance for persons with disabilities
- Income Assistance
- Information and access to the Healthy Kids dental program for children and health
and dental services for adults
Contact Information
Address:
1520 Bay Avenue
Trail, BC,
V1R 4A9
Affordable Housing
Welcome to the Non-Profit Affordable Housing Directory for the Lower Columbia Region, which extends from Fruitvale through to Trail to Rossland and surrounding communities in the southern end of BC’s West Kootenay Valley. This directory provides details of the non-profit affordable housing options available in the region. There are also links to useful information about affordable housing and relevant programs in British Columbia.
Contact Information
This service is available throughout the Lower Columbia Region
Contact: Please check website for contact information
Website: https://skillscentre.ca/how-we-help/affordable-housing
FETCH
FETCH is an online service directory for the BC health service Kootenay Boundary delivery area. The listings include a variety of services such as:
- Health Services
- Mental Health
- Addictions Support
- Health Clinics
- Abuse/neglect services
- Children, Youth and Family information
- Senior resources
- Education/Employment services;
- and much more
Contact Information
Website: kb.fetchbc.ca
myCommunity BC
myCommunity BC is an online map that identifies inclusive friendly spaces across the province.
Contact Information
Website: findsupportbc.com/map/
Recreation Respite Services
Recreation Respite services offers fun therapeutic recreation for children ages 4 through to adult. Their services can be found throughout Canada. They provide those with “cognitive impairments (memory, or other mental health), physical challenges or disabilities” to actively participate in their communities. By removing barriers that may otherwise prevent them from enjoying the amenities in a community, the services aim to increase each clients quality of life.
Contact Information
Contact: 1-877-855-7070
Intercultural Kootenays
Our Mission: Address the root causes of racism, hate and discrimination in our communities by working to build intercultural competencies while supporting people experiencing inequitable treatment.
Services include:
- Intercultural Kootenays is here to listen, provide resources and support you as you choose the best option for you. Anyone who has experienced or witnessed discrimination or harassment, whether it occurred recently or in the distant past can get support with Intercultural Kootenays. Everyone who seeks support from Intercultural Kootenays will be treated with respect and dignity.
- Our services are free, confidential, and available to all community members in the Kootenay region. We are here to support you.
Unfortunately, most discriminatory actions are not recorded and therefore this leads to problems being unidentified and solutions not being actively sought after. Help us, change this. Please note data collected from this report will be used for statistical purposes.
Contact Information
Email: hello@interculturalkootenays.com
Website: https://interculturalkootenays.com/
Community Safety Net
Community Safety Net is a revolutionary safety awareness and education initiative that creates a network of concerned individuals who want to protect children and help save lives. It’s been embraced by thousands of communities in the United States and Canada, forming an extensive safety net that stretches across the continent. But the real magic comes from the ability of our resources to increase awareness, while bringing communities together for the benefit of children.
Our Mission: Protecting kids for LIFE.
Our Vision: To create a global community of “Partners in Safety” committed to protecting kids.
Our Commitment:
• Considering, first and foremost, “What’s best for the kids?”
• Assuming a leadership role in the research, development and promotion of child safety initiatives.
• Instilling a sense of fairness, integrity and honesty in all that we do.
• Striving to continually improve our programs and processes.
• Treating others with fairness and respect.
Contact Information
Phone: 1-800-665-6167
Foundry Virtual BC – Groups & Workshops
Foundry Virtual BC offers free groups and workshops for youth and caregivers across BC! This webpage provides an overview of current & upcoming groups and workshops- please keep checking back as we continue to add new offers, often!
Interested in joining an in-person group at your local centre? Please check in with your local centre for more information.
Please ensure that you check your junk/spam folder once you have registered for a group! Sometimes your registration confirmation and group link will be sent there. If you have registered for a group and have not heard from us within 3 days, please email online@foundrybc.ca
Family Support Institute
At the Family Support Institute of BC, we are passionate about empowering families and fostering inclusion. Our free, family-to-family support network connects communities, amplifies voices, and champions the rights of individuals with disabilities. Through advocacy, research, and special projects, we address emerging needs, develop innovative solutions, and open doors to new opportunities.
Together, we create lasting impact—strengthening families and shaping a more inclusive society.
Child Care Services & Programs
There are quality childcare options in the Lower Columbia region. If you are looking for childcare, contact the Childcare Resource and Referral agency for our region (see listing below). The Family Action Network does not endorse any individual childcare centre. It is up to parents and caregivers to choose which childcare option is best for their family. The Licensed Group Childcare facilities in the Lower Columbia region are listed below.
CCRR
Services for both parents and caregivers in Trail, Castlegar and surrounding communities. Access to the book, toy and equipment library, plus additional services for parents and caregivers for a small yearly fee.
Services include:
- TOY LIBRARY – rents out age-appropriate toys on a monthly basis to families in the Greater Trail region
- Referrals for a wide range of child care options
- Information on different types of child care
- Information on selecting and assessing child care providers
- Child care subsidy information
- Parenting information and support
- Weekly playgroup in Trail
- StrongStart Program at Fruitvale Elementary School
- Educational and training opportunities
- Newsletter every 3 months
Contact Information
Child Care Resource & Referral (CCRR)
2079 Columbia Ave.
Trail, BC
V1R 1K7
Phone: 250-364-2980
Toll Free Phone: 1-800-223-8966
Email: ccrr@trailfair.ca
Website: n/a
Sunshine Children’s Centre – Trail
Contact Information
Address:
1583 5th Ave.
Trail, BC
V1R 1T9
Contact: Program Coordinator
Phone: 250-368-3166
Sunningdale Children’s Centre – Trail
Contact Information
Address:
625 Isabella Crescent
Trail, BC
V1R 1B1
Contact: Program Coordinator
Phone: 250-551-5011
Website: n/a
Little Scholars Children’s Village & Montessori Preschool – Trail
Contact Information
Address:
1555 McLean St.
Trail, BC
V1R 1Z1
Contact: Program Coordinator
Phone: 250-368-6789
Email: contact@trailchildcare.com
Website: www.trailchildcare.ca
Warfield Preschool – Warfield
Hours
Monday through Friday: 9:00 am – 11:30 am
Contact Information
Address:
James L Webster Elementary School
395 Schofield Hwy.
Trail, BC
V1R 2G5
Contact: Warfield Village Office
Phone: 250-368-8202 (Warfield Village Office)
The Four Winds Daycare – Rossland
Contact Information
Address:
2294 1st Avenue
Rossland, BC
V0G 1Y0
Contact: Program Coordinator
Phone: 250-362-5233
Website: n/a
Golden Bear Child Care Centre – Rossland
Contact Information
Address:
2058 Spokane St.
Rossland, BC
V0G 1Y0
Contact: Program Coordinator
Phone: 250-362-5856
Beaver Valley Nursery School – Montrose
Contact Information
Address:
1122 Highway 3B
Montrose, BC
V0G 1P0
Contact: Program Coordinator
Phone: 250-367-7887
Email: bvnurseryschool@gmail.com
Little Saints Jr. Kindergarten
Little Saints Jr. Kindergarten program is open for children ages 3-5. The program is located at St. Michaels School and as such is fully integrated within the school therefore we have access to the school’s gymnasium and library.
Contact Information
Address:
1329 4 Ave
Trail, BC
V1R 1S3
Contact: Program Coordinator
Phone: 250-231-6173
Email:kidscarecenter@smces.ca
Financial Support & Services
Income Assistance
A Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation program. Provides families and individuals in need support to move towards sustainable employment when possible.
Services at this location include:
- Employment programs and services (including EI)
- Family Maintenance Enforcement Program
- Assistance for persons with disabilities
- Income Assistance
- Information and access to the Healthy Kids dental program for children and health and dental services for adults
Contact Information
Address:
1520 Bay Avenue
Trail, BC,
V1R 4A9
Contact: Program Coordinator
Phone: 1-866-866-0800
Website: www.eia.gov.bc.ca/fs.htm
West Kootenay Boundary Legal Aid
Services for financially eligible applicants with certain types of legal problems may be funded through Legal Aid.
Office Hours:
Monday and Wednesday: 9:30am – 3:30pm
Contact Information
Address:
William Westcott
1402 Bay Ave
Trail, BC
V1R 4B1
Contact: Program Coordinator
Phone #1: 250-368-9171
Phone #2: 1-866-577-2525
Website: www.lss.bc.ca/legal_aid
BC Affordable Child Care Benefit
The BC Affordable Child Care Subsidy is a monthly payment that helps eligible families with the cost of childcare. Monthly payments will vary depending on the family’s circumstances. Eligible families can sign up once they have selected a childcare provider.
To determine your eligibility or to apply online, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/caring-for-young-children/child-care-funding/child-care-benefit
Child Care Programs and Services Branch, BC Provincial Government
Phone: 1-888-338-6622
Website: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/caring-for-young-children
Local Contact Information
For local assistance with child care subsidy information, go to the CCRR office at the FAIR building.
Contact Information
Address:
FAIR Office
2079 Columbia Avenue
Trail, BC
V1R 1K7
Contact: CCRR Trail Office
Phone: 250-364-2980
Website: kb.fetchbc.ca/service.html?i=504
Autism Funding
For families who have a child designated with Autism, can access up to $22,000 per year per child under six and $6,000 per year per child 6-18 years, for intervention services.
To find out more information or to apply online, visit: www.2gov.bc.ca
Contact Information
Contact: Autism Funding, BC Provincial Government
Phone: 1-877-777-3530
Jump Start (Canadian Tire)
A financial subsidy for eligible families looking to get their kids involved in organized sports, dance teams and other activities. In addition to the cost of registration, additional supports may also be available for equipment and uniforms.
Families with children between 4 and 18 can apply online through the Canadian Tire website: https://jumpstart.canadiantire.ca/pages/apply.
Contact Information
Phone: 1-844-YES-PLAY
Website: https://jumpstart.canadiantire.ca/
Kidsport
A community-based program for funding children’s sporting activities. Provides assistance with registration fees and equipment for eligible families with kids up to the age of 18.
For more information and to apply, click here: www.kidsportcanada.ca/find-a-chapter.
Contact Information
Address:
c/o Trail Aquatic and Leisure Centre
1875 Columbia Ave.
Trail, BC
V1R 4T8
Contact: KidSport
Phone: 250-364-0852
Website: www.kidsportcanada.ca/british-columbia/greater-trail
athletics4kids
All across BC, hundreds of children and youth are denied the opportunity to participate in amateur sports due to one simple fact: lack of funds.
As a privately funded charity, we are able to get dollars into the hands of those who need it most, quickly and effectively. We help families bear the expense of having their children participate in organized sports because we believe that all kids should have the chance to play.
The support of A4K is available province-wide for children ages 5 to 18 who are currently enrolled in school. Basic registration fees are paid for a multitude of approved sports, up to an annual maximum of $350 per child (which is considerably higher than other sport funding charities)
For more information and to apply, click here: https://www.a4k.ca/.
Contact Information
Contact: athletics4kids
Phone: 604-221-PLAY (7529)
Website: https://www.a4k.ca/
Special Olympics
Enriching lives of persons with intellectual disabilities through sport. Special Olympics BC offers opportunities for training and competition through year-round programs. Athletes gain more than just physical benefits and through their participation increase social skills, make new friends and experience the joys of meeting goals.
Contact Information
Contact: Special Olympics BC
Phone: 1-888-854-2276
Email: info@specialolympics.bc.ca
Website: www.specialolympics.bc.ca
Common Access Card
Everyone should have equal access to recreational and cultural amenities in our communities. Another of our poverty reduction initiatives is the Common Access Card. It is a simple, streamlined way to offer low-barrier access to recreation, leisure, and cultural activities in our communities to people living with low income.
The Common Access Card allows people to enjoy these services with dignity and a single vetting process: show the card and you get the discount rather than having to apply at each place. Getting the card means the person or family has been vetted and qualifies for the discounts. No extra questions, no fuss.
We will be launching the Common Access Cards very soon with the recreation services of Trail, Rossland and Beaver Valley (run by RDKB) participating. We’re planning to add other recreational and cultural organizations as we go.
Contact Information
Contact: Skills Centre
Phone: 250-368-6360
Email: hglenn-dergousoff@skillscentre.ca
Website: https://portal.skillscentre.ca/programs/common-access-card/
Literacy Services & Programs
CBAL Programs for Children – Greater Trail
Books for Babies gives new babies in Greater Trail a reusable bag containing a new book and information about local programs for families. Bags are given out at the Public Health Centre (Kiro Wellness Centre).
Kindergym is an active time with parents and children that helps to teach physical literacy through movement and games.
Literacy Lending Library is located at the CBAL Office (1160 Cedar Avenue, Trail). Families can borrow resources such as games, children’s books, parenting books and DVDs. Drop in to have a browse.
Mother Goose uses using rhymes, songs, and stories to help parents/caregivers and their babies and young children develop literacy both in the program and at home.
Parents as Literacy Supporters (PALS) gives parents the opportunity to join their children in the kindergarten classroom and part in activities that support children’s language, literacy and numeracy development.
StrongStart is a drop-in program for parents and/or caregivers attending with their pre-school aged children. It is offered in Rossland at the Rossland Summit School.
All services are offered free of charge!
Contact Information
Address:
Columbia Basin Alliance For Literacy (CBAL)
1160 Cedar Ave.
Trail, BC
V1R 3V1
Contact: CBAL Trail Office
Phone: 250-368-6770
Email: trailcoordinator@cbal.org
Website: www.cbal.org
CBAL Programs for Adults – Greater Trail
Adult Literacy Program trains volunteers to work with English speaking and/or ESL adults wishing to improve their reading, writing, speaking, math and/or computer literacy skills.
Together to Learn offers parents a chance to work on English, Math and Study Skills with a Selkirk College instructor at the CBAL’s office. Childcare and a healthy snack are also provided while you study.
Adult Tutoring Program trains volunteers wishing to work with English speaking and/or ESL adults to improve their reading, writing, speaking, math and/or computer literacy skills.
Community Learning Place a drop-in time for adults who would like help with basic computers, reading, writing, math, English language, test preparation, skills upgrading and citizenship applications.
English as a Second Language Classes offer small group sessions for persons seeking to improve their English, including reading, writing and speaking skills.
iPad User Group is a class for adults who want to learn basic iPad use and who want to explore iPad applications. Classes are self-directed in that the users in the class decide what they wish to learn about.
All services are offered free of charge!
Contact Information
Address:
Columbia Basin Alliance For Literacy (CBAL)
1160 Cedar Ave.
Trail, BC
V1R 3V1
Contact: CBAL Trail Office
Phone: 250-368-6770
Email: trailcoordinator@cbal.org
Website: www.cbal.org
Settlement Services – (CBAL)
Newcomers can get help with community information, citizenship, language training, referrals and more.
Contact Information
Address:
Columbia Basin Alliance For Literacy (CBAL)
1160 Cedar Ave.
Trail, BC
V1R 3V1
Contact: CBAL Trail Office
Phone: 250-368-6770
Email: trailsettlement@cbal.org
Website: www.cbal.org
Trail & District Public Library
Library Hours:
Monday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday to Thursday: 10:00am – 8:00 pm
Friday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturdays: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sundays: Closed
Contact Information
Address:
Trail & District Public Library
1505 Bay Ave
Trail, BC
V1R 4B2
Contact: Trail Library Director
Phone: 250-364-1731
Email: director@traillibrary.com
Website: www.traillibrary.com
Beaver Valley Public Library – Fruitvale
Library Hours:
Monday: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Tuesday: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Thursday: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Friday: closed
Saturday: closed
Sunday: closed
Contact Information
Address:
Beaver Valley Public Library
1847 – 1st St.
Fruitvale, BC
V0G 1L0
Contact: Beaver Valley Library Director
Phone: 250-367-7114
Website: beavervalley.bc.libraries.coop
Parenting Support Groups and Programs
Parent Support Services Society
To realize our vision and mission we create opportunities for parents and grandparents that foster independence and personal responsibility, and by creating cost-effective and comprehensive community-based services in cooperation with public and private partners. Our staff is dedicated to providing these services with respect, compassion, and accountability, and to championing the Canadian Charter of Rights and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
We support families and their rights in this way because we value inclusion, social justice, and collaboration. We believe that, when we work together and learn from each other, these values can transform conflict into understanding; that understanding can transform hurt-filled households into healthy homes; and that healthy families can transform unjust societies into strong communities. That is why, at PSS, our goal is to build healthy communities, one family at a time.
Contact Information
Phone: 1-877-345-9777
Email: office@parentsupportbc.ca
Website: https://www.parentsupportbc.ca
Parent Support Groups Online: Virtual Groups