Vancouver & Lower Mainland Multicultural Family Support Services Society (VLMFSS) was formed in September 1991. The Ministry of Social Services (now known as the Ministry for Children and Families Development) accepted a proposal submitted by a non profit organization, Vancouver Society of Immigrant and Visible Minority Women, to set up a new, culturally sensitive, multilingual agency to serve immigrant, visible minority, refugee and non-status women and their families experiencing family violence. 

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Shashi Assanand founded VLMFSS in 1991. The agency exemplifies her ability to solidify her commitment to the well-being of immigrants and refugees with a mission of providing “culturally responsible services to immigrant and visible minority women and their families facing family violence”. Shashis’ Vision is that every immigrant women should be empowered to take control of their lives and lead a violence free life. The unfolding of her vision and mission makes VLMFSS one of a kind unique organization. Shashi, who is a refugee/immigrant herself has a deep understanding of the immigrant experience and was able to reunite women from different cultures who have an understanding of the immigrant experience. In addition she was able to utilize their abilities and talents in a long-lasting workforce that’s dedicated and passionate which makes VLMFSS a powerful force in the anti-violence sector – An agency by immigrants serving other immigrants.   

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Excerpt of Shashi Assanand telling the history of VLMFSS.

 

 

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