Many families earn too much to qualify for legal aid but still struggle to afford private legal representation. For such households, nonprofit legal advocacy can be a lifeboat. And this is exactly what the Burnaby Family Life offers to local residents.
In 2023, Burnaby Family Life received a three-year grant of $330,000 annually to build a team of legal advocates. This team now offers community law (also known as poverty law) to Burnaby residents, but its family legal advocacy services extend to residents of New West and Vancouver.
“I’m grateful that the Law Foundation gave us this opportunity. It was an extension of who we are,” says Navreen Gill, the executive director of Burnaby Family Life.
Burnaby Family Life was founded by Burnaby residents looking to support the needs of the city’s changing demographics. The organization has deep ties to the local community, with hundreds of residents relying on their services annually.
Women make up 88% of its legal advocacy clients. This is partly because of Burnaby Family Life’s other programming, which includes pre- and post-natal services and $10 a day childcare. The legal advocacy team helps integrate public legal education into these programs, covering topics like the Canada Child Benefit and child support, and understanding their legal rights and processes in case of family violence.
Many seeking legal advocacy are newcomers as well. To ensure that language isn’t a barrier for the region’s diverse population, Burnaby Family Life can offer its services in several languages thanks to a partnership with interpretation services funded by the Foundation.
Preventing burnout through a culture of well-being
Having worked extensively alongside legal advocates, Gill understands the emotional toll of the work. From day one, Gill prioritized building a team culture that fosters resilience and well-being to reduce burnout.
The key to sustaining this model is a culture of well-being and mutual support. “You can’t do this by yourself. It’s tough work,” says Gill.
Connection can help reduce the impacts of a bad day, as well as the likelihood of staff experiencing vicarious trauma. The legal advocacy team’s structure reflects this.
Helena Bazemore is a Family Law Advocate Coordinator who acts as a support system for her team of advocates, helping them process challenges and stay positive at work. It’s built into her job description, so that no one goes through a tough day by themselves. In turn, Gill provides dedicated support for Bazemore.
“We’re often supporting clients going through the worst thing they’ve ever experienced. So we can burn out if we’re working in isolation all day,” says Bazemore.
By building a strong, supportive work environment, Burnaby Family Life can sustain its team of legal advocates to keep working towards a safe and inclusive community for all.
