Our History
While our agency has taken several different forms over the years, and has had several different names, we have always maintained a firm commitment to providing the highest quality of Information and Referral Services. As we prepare for an exciting future as BC211, we look proudly on our history, and strive to continue the legacy that has been built over the last half century.
Information Services Vancouver began in 1953 under the name Community Information Service. In 1958 we published the first edition of the Directory of Health, Welfare and Recreation Services in Metropolitan Vancouver, which later became the Red Book. Over the next 30 years, we continued to expand our information and referral services, and to publish yearly directories. In 1985 we officially became Information Services Vancouver, and moved into our present offices at Heritage Hall in Vancouver.
We began offering specialized help lines in the late 80's with the Victim's Information Line and the Alcohol and Drug TRYLine. Over the next 20 years we continued to grow, and added the Problem Gambling Help Line, Youth Against Violence Line and Shelter and Street Help Line to the services we offer.
Information Services Vancouver has been instrumental in advancing information and referral standards in BC (through the BC Alliance of Information and Referral Systems), in Canada (through Inform Canada), and in North America (through the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems)
In 2001, Information Services Vancouver was the first Canadian I&R agency to be accredited through the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS). Our accreditation was reaffirmed in 2008. In addition to the agency accreditation, our Information and Referral Specialist and Resources and Publications Specialists must become certified through AIRS.
On April 10 2010, the Information Services Vancouver Society officially became the 211 British Columbia Services Society, operating under the name BC211. Starting in June of 2010, BC211 looks forward to operating 211 services in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and Squamish-Lillooet.
Mission Statement
BC211 is committed to enabling British Columbians to access and use community resources through quality information and referral services.
In support of this statement, BC211 is committed to:
· Operating information and referral services in Greater Vancouver and British Columbia by providing information on, and referring persons to government, private or community services and resources.
· Providing special services relating to information and referral for the public or for particular parties, whether or not with charge, or on a contract basis or for a fee.
· Assisting and co-operating in the provision and development of information and referral and community communications services in British Columbia.
· Carrying out public education and encouraging group and individual self-development in the matter of developing access to information.
· Supporting just access to information on government, private or community services.
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