At TAVANCA, we’re deeply inspired by the work of organizations that remind us what community truly means. This month, we’re proud to feature Journey Home Community as our Client of the Month—a nonprofit that welcomes refugee claimant families with safety, stability, and connection in Metro Vancouver.
Their work begins at a moment of vulnerability. Many families arrive in Canada due to difficult circumstances, without a support network, without housing, and without clarity on what steps to take next. Journey Home steps in right there—with shelter, guidance, and a community that extends a hand.
A Challenging Arrival
Unlike government-assisted or privately sponsored refugees, refugee claimants arrive in Canada independently and must navigate a complex legal process—often without access to the supports others receive. Many face housing and food insecurity, and arrive unsure of where to turn. “There’s no organized reception process,” explains Brad Kinnie, Executive Director.
That’s where Journey Home steps in. They offer transitional housing, settlement support, and— most importantly—a caring community that walks alongside families during their first critical months, helping them find stability, connection, and the dignity of a new beginning.
BRAD KINNIE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
From the Classroom to Community Leadership
Before leading Journey Home, Brad was a high school social studies teacher. He taught about conflict, inequality, and social justice— topics that led him to ask how he could engage more directly. “I wanted to be where mercy and justice meet,” he shares.
Sixteen years ago, Brad joined Journey Home when it was a small team supporting just a few families each year. Today, the organization has grown, but its essence remains: every team member knows the people they serve. They share stories, challenges, and moments of hope. “It’s not just about services, ” Brad says. “It’s about being a friend.”
Ride for Refuge: Moving Together with Purpose
On Saturday, October 4, Journey Home Community will host their local Ride for Refuge event at Richmond Christian School – Elementary Campus, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
This family-friendly walk and bike event is part of a national initiative that unites communities in support of people seeking safety. For Journey Home, it’s a deeply meaningful moment—raising vital funds to welcome newly arrived refugee claimant families into safe housing and a caring network.
This year, TAVANCA is proud to join as a supporting sponsor, standing with Journey Home in their mission to build a future of dignity and belonging. Whether you join on your own or with a team, every step counts. Because when we move together, we create real change.
Here’s how you can take part:
- Walk or ride as part of their team
- Start a team of your own
- Sponsor a participant
- Volunteer on event day
Technology That Protects
The same commitment that drives Journey Home to host Ride for Refuge—protecting, uplifting, and welcoming those starting over— also shapes how they operate behind the scenes.
Technology quietly supports their mission, helping the team stay focused on people through tools for case management, translation, secure backups, and compliance. As their impact grew, so did the risks around data handling—an area where even small vulnerabilities matter.
With TAVANCA’s support, Journey Home strengthened their IT infrastructure, ensuring systems are secure, reliable, and aligned with Canadian standards.
“It gives us peace of mind knowing we’re protected and supported at all times.”
Journey Home believes everyone deserves to feel safe, connected, and valued. At TAVANCA, we’re honoured to support that mission—not just through technology, but as committed allies in community wellbeing.
Ready to make a real impact?
Join Journey Home in creating a future of safety and belonging.
Get involved at journeyhomecommunity.ca
Discover how TAVANCA supports impact-driven organizations.
Visit us at tavanca.ca
