Cowichan Lake Community Services Society (CLCSS) was founded in 1972 and formally registered as a society in 1974. In 1997 we embarked on a large fundraising project to erect our current building. We were successful in raising over $600,000 and had many community partners, HRDC being one. For more than 50 years, CLCSS has been a part of the Cowichan Lake community, growing and adapting alongside the people and families we serve.

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Today, CLCSS delivers more than twenty programs and services that respond to the diverse and evolving needs of our community. Our work includes employment services through WorkBC, counselling and mental health supports, child and youth programs, family and community supports, food security initiatives, recreation, and other programs that promote connection, wellbeing, and access to resources.

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Our 2026–2029 Strategic Framework provides the foundation for our work moving forward. Our mission is to provide responsive programming that resources the communities of Cowichan Lake, and this is guided by our 4 core values: dignity, inclusion, connection, and adaptability. These values are reflected in how we deliver our programs, engage with community members, work with partners, and support our staff and volunteers.

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Our strategic framework identifies three organizational goals:

• A Trusted and Reliable Organization

• Adaptable and Responsive Programs

• Effective and Diverse Community Engagement

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Together, these goals provide direction for how CLCSS will continue to strengthen the organization and build meaningful relationships within the community. CLCSS is overseen by a Board of Directors who play an important role in supporting this direction. The Board provides governance, oversight, leadership, and accountability while helping to ensure that CLCSS remains sustainable, responsive, and connected to the community it serves.

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Our services are funded by a variety of federal, provincial and municipal governments, as well as on-going fundraising, fees for service, facility rentals, entrepreneurship, local donors and memberships. CLCSS operates well within their budgetary restraints.

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