Trust, Listening, and Community at the Heart of Healing
When a community experiences a tragedy, like a wildfire, flood, or humanitarian disaster, the path to healing is rarely simple. Recovery involves not only addressing immediate needs, but also supporting long-term emotional, psychological, and communal wellbeing. At United Way British Columbia, our role in moments like these is guided by nearly a century of experience, strong governance, and a commitment to listening closely to the communities we serve.
“For Filipino and other collectivist communities, healing is rarely a private, individual journey. It requires the presence of community and the safety of shared cultural identity. Culturally rooted, trauma-informed programs create the conditions for people to process grief in ways that clinical settings alone often cannot. These programs are not peripheral- they are essential.” (David McLauren, ED, Multicultural Services)
When tragedy struck at the Lapu Lapu Day Festival in 2025, the community quickly came together to support one another through an unfathomable crisis. In the aftermath, United Way BC worked with the Filipino community to establish the Kapwa Strong Fund which would support community-based programs and services to fill a critical gap: how would people who had been traumatized be supported in the long-term to recover and heal?
We also recognized that the harm caused by this tragedy extends beyond those who were physically injured. Witnesses, first responders, vendors, friends, neighbours, and community members who were present or closely connected to the event experienced fear, shock, and lasting emotional impacts. These experiences matter. Recovery must make space for everyone who was affected, in visible and invisible ways.
Maria*, a mother affected by the tragedy, initially hesitated to seek help due to cultural stigma. After attending a healing circle where participants spoke Tagalog and incorporated traditional Filipino practices, she said, “I realized healing happens in community, not isolation.” Through our program, Maria received crisis counseling and basic needs support. She’s now connected to ongoing services and volunteers as a peer supporter, helping other Filipino families heal, demonstrating how culturally responsive support transforms individual trauma into collective community resilience. (GJ Multicultural Services Society. *Name changed to protect privacy)
Strong Governance and a Transparent Granting Process
Our role in Emergency Response & Recovery is to fill gaps not already met by government programs, insurance, or other fundraising efforts. In the aftermath of the Lapu Lapu Day Festival tragedy, this meant we focused our efforts on supporting community-based services that might otherwise go unfunded but are essential for long term healing.
“This is the first time I felt I could talk about my pain as a Filipino man without shame. I didn’t know healing could look like this: communal, tender, grounded in culture. I was taught to not show emotion, now I can go out there and be me” (H.I.M. Health Initiative for Men Society)
United Way BC’s core role is to raise and steward charitable funds and invest them responsibly through trusted community organizations. We do not operate as a direct compensation body; instead, we strengthen the network of agencies that deliver supports on the ground, from counselling and youth programs to culturally grounded healing initiatives. This model allows us to ensure accountability, reach, and sustained impact over time.
The Kapwa Strong Fund followed this established approach. Funding decisions were guided by a grant review committee made up of both United Way BC staff and external members of Vancouver’s Filipino community. These external members were identified through direct consultation with community leaders and people affected by the tragedy, ensuring cultural knowledge, lived experience, and trust were embedded in the decision-making process.
A participant shared that it was nice meeting community through the program and that she’s not triggered by reminders of the event anymore. “The Healing Art Circle has been a place of connection, friendship, and growth for me – a place where I can witness and share the experiences of others. Learning ways to center myself, and discovering what heals and grounds others has filled me with a sense of community that truly warms my heart.” (Volunteer, Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House)
All organizations who received funding were required to submit budgets and report back on how the funding was used, enabling United Way BC to verify that all donations were used responsibly, equitably, and in ways that support everyone impacted.
With a commitment to transparency, how the funds were distributed was posted on our website, along with who received grants. We also communicate regularly with donors to let them know the impact of their generosity.
Community Informed Recovery
In the early days following the tragedy, United Way BC directed funds to trusted agencies to help meet immediate individual needs, working closely with community organizations and leaders to ensure supports reached those most affected.
As supports came into place, United Way BC continued to work alongside Filipino community leaders, cultural organizations, victim services, and hospital social workers to understand what people needed most. Much of this input came directly from conversations at resiliency centres, where community members shared who they trusted, what supports they were seeking, and how recovery efforts should be shaped.
One powerful moment occurred when a young Filipino woman, herself a volunteer and a witness to the tragic car crash, spent time holding Alfie, one of the therapy dogs. As she held him for ten to fifteen minutes, tears welled in her eyes, but gradually a sense of peace settled in. She later shared that she realized she needed to be there not as a volunteer, but simply as herself to receive comfort. She expressed deep gratitude and encouraged others to attend for support. (St. John Society)
What we heard consistently was that recovery needed to address collective trauma, not just individual circumstances. People wanted safe spaces to grieve, reconnect, and begin healing together, especially children, youth, elders, and those who witnessed or were deeply affected by what occurred.
After helping agencies to meet community and individual needs in the beginning, we focused more on community capacity and long-term healing. Listening to recent feedback, we have further allocated funds to an agency who is supporting individuals directly impacted by the tragedy.
Why Alternative and Creative Therapies Matter in Trauma Recovery
After traumatic events, recovery is not only financial: it is emotional, relational, and physiological. Mental Health and Psychosocial Supports (MHPSS) combine psychological care with social and community-based supports, recognizing that trauma affects how people feel, connect, and function in daily life.
“Since the tragedy, I have not cried. It feels stuck in my chest and throat. It was such a release and relief that I was able to cry my heart out during the session.” (Participant, Formative Motion Society)
Practices such as art therapy, yoga, meditation, breathwork, and healing circles are often referred to as complementary or alternative therapies. While they may look different from traditional talk therapy, these approaches are widely recognized as evidence informed and effective tools for trauma recovery. Research shows that such practices can help improve emotional regulation, reduce anxiety and depression, lower stress responses, and support overall wellbeing, particularly when verbal expression feels inaccessible or overwhelming.
Art therapy, in particular, has a long history in trauma care. It offers a client centred way for people to process grief and distress through creative expression, supporting social, emotional, and psychological needs when words alone are not enough. These approaches are commonly used following crises around the world and are especially valuable for children, youth, and communities experiencing collective trauma.
“Since the tragedy, I have been experiencing slight PTSD when in events or crowded places. The sessions helped me in supporting my nervous system to feel safe again.” (Participant, Formative Motion Society)
Moving Forward with Humility & Reflection
We recognize that moments like this are complex and deeply emotional. We also recognize that our early communications could have been clearer, and we have taken that feedback seriously. United Way BC remains committed to transparency, accountability, and learning as we continue to support community recovery and improve how emergency funds are communicated and structured in the future.
Our guiding principle remains the same: listen to community, partner with trusted agencies, and steward resources responsibly to support long‑term healing. We are grateful to the donors, partners, and community members who continue to engage with us, challenge us, and walk alongside one another as recovery continues.
The support of United Way for the community is truly commendable and means so much more than just funds, it reflects the understanding of the situation, sensitivity towards emotional and mental health of the community and the desire to support front line service providers in a timely and affective manner. Thank you for being here when most needed. (South Vancouver Neighbourhood House)