What is The HOPE Centre?

The HOPE Centre is a branch of Verstraete Evangelistic Association (V.E.A.)

There are three branches of V.E.A. Each branch has it own independant programs and purposes. The Verstraete Evangelistic Association is a faith based organization, founded in 1982, incorporated as a non-profit corporation in 1986, with Revenue Canada charitable status since 1987, and British Columbia Society status since 1994. Tax Deductible Receipts for all donations are issued by VEA.

The HOPE Centre is the secular outreach of V.E.A. The HOPE Centre offers counseling, resources and programs to anyone in need regardless of social, economic, religious, age or gender status, without any prerequisite of membership in any religious, non-religious or community organization, nor any pressure to become a member of any such organization.

The HOPE House - An Early Years Child Development Centre

The HOPE House is a resource centre for families with children five and under.

The Gathering Place Youth Centre - A Middle Years and Teen Youth Development Centre 

The Gathering Place is a resource centre for families with children six to nineteen years.

The HOPE Centre is dedicated to providing qualified and professional prevention services, designed and managed to meet the needs of the people of Gabriola Island.

What is HOPE?

HOPE is an acronym for "Hands On Prevention and Education".

Hands on speaks to our belief that prevention as a concept is great but too many people are confused as to how to put this concept into practice. We use every day practical strategies that are well researched and evidence based to make prevention real and do-able today for the individuals and families using our services and residing in our community.

Prevention is a proactive process of advocacy education and guidance that promotes the well being of individuals and society. Through prevention, individuals are encouraged to make healthy choices for themselves. Prevention is a conscious choice to meet the challenges and transitions of life by creating an environment that promotes healthy behaviors and lifestyles.

and Education is the process of learning how to think critically. How to draw information out of oneself in the process of becoming self determined. This process is at the heart of preventive practice and is encouraged in all of what we do and offer to individuals, youth and families.