About the Coastal Family Resource Coalition
Our mission is to foster collaboration among health and social service providers, ensuring that the needs of children, individuals, and families in our region are met with compassion and competence.
Our Region
Approximately 6,000 people live on the west coast of Vancouver Island, across nine communities spread over more than 350,000 hectares of Nuu‑chah‑nulth territory. These communities include the District of Tofino, the District of Ucluelet, Macoah, Hitacu, Esowista, Ty‑Histanis, Opitsaht, Ahousaht, and Hot Springs Cove.
Within this region are five Nuu‑chah‑nulth Nations: hiškÊ·iiÊ”atḥ (Hesquiaht First Nation), Ê•aahÌ£uusÊ”athÌ£ (Ahousaht), Æ›aÊ”uukÊ·iÊ”atḥ (Tla‑o‑qui‑aht First Nations), YuuÅ‚uÊ”iÅ‚Ê”atḥ (Ucluelet First Nation), and tukÊ·aaÊ”athÌ£ (Toquaht Nation). The Coalition recognizes the deep connections between people, land, culture, and community that shape life across this territory.
Why We Exist
Serving a small population across a large, remote area presents real challenges for delivering essential community services equitably. In 2003, local service providers saw this not as a barrier, but as an opportunity to work together more effectively. By joining forces, they formed the Coastal Family Resources Coalition (the Coalition) to share local knowledge, coordinate efforts, and strengthen services for west coast communities.
Who We Are
The Coalition is a multidisciplinary network of health and social service providers working collaboratively across the region. Together, we aim to:
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Address the needs of children, youth, individuals, families, and communities
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Strengthen communication and coordination among service providers, agencies, communities, and funders
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By working collectively, the Coalition reduces duplication, improves service delivery, and supports stronger connections across the region.
What We Do
The Coalition’s overall goal is to advocate for and advance health promotion efforts on the west coast of Vancouver Island. From September through June, the Coalition holds monthly meetings in alternating communities.
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Community members and partners are encouraged to stay connected by subscribing to the Coalition’s email list to receive updates on activities and meeting locations.
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Every 2 years, the Coalition hosts the Coming Together Forum, inviting partners, decision makers, and community members to identify gaps and priorities in order to plan collaboratively around health and service provision in the West Coast Central Region.
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The Coalition’s three dynamic working groups bring regional partners together to share information and resources in response to evolving local needs, with the goal of improving health outcomes.
Network and Build Relationships
Share Resources and Local Knowledge
Identify Emerging Health Priorities
Coordinate Services and Reduce Duplication
Our Governance and Coordination
The Coastal Family Resources Coalition is coordinated and administered by the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust (CBT) and guided by the CFRC Executive Committee.
The Clayoquot Biosphere Trust is a registered charity based on the west coast of British Columbia. Established in 2000, CBT is the only organization in Canada that is both a community foundation and a UNESCO biosphere region.
CBT works to foster sustainable development, community wellbeing, and environmental stewardship. CBT oversees the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region, one of Canada’s 18 UNESCO biosphere regions, and implements the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to reduce poverty, end hunger and to protect the environment.
The Coalition supports CBT’s mission by facilitating the sharing and exchange of local knowledge and experience, contributing to strong, connected communities and culturally grounded, sustainable social development across the west coast.
Coordinator
Brooke Wood (she/her) is the Coordinator of the Coastal Family Resource Coalition, bringing more than a decade of experience in community development, health initiatives, and cross-sector collaboration. A Tofino resident for 25 years, Brooke began her health-focused work with the Rural and Remote Divisions of Family Practice, supporting the development of the West Coast’s first successful rural Primary Care Network plan. She continues to advocate for improved access to primary care, mental health and substance use supports, and other health and social services for rural and remote communities. Through the Coalition, Brooke brings health and social service providers, community organizations, Nations, and local partners together to identify shared priorities and turn community needs into action.
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Executive Committee
The CFRC Executive Committee serves as the network’s advisory and leadership body, bringing together representatives from the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust, Westcoast Community Resources Society, the Alberni‑Clayoquot Health Network, and the Ministry of Children and Family Development. Working collaboratively, the Committee provides guidance and practical support to the Community Developer to advance the CFRC’s priorities and carry out the work of the network.
ABOUT THE COALITION
SERVICE DIRECTORY
CONTACT THE COALITION