Garth Homer Society

What Garth Homer Society does

Garth Homer Society (GHS) is a registered Canadian non-profit charity (BN 107419830RR0001), founded in its current form in 1977 — evolving from the 1960 Arbutus Arts and Crafts Society — and headquartered in Victoria, British Columbia. GHS supports more than 230 adults with developmental disabilities across the Greater Victoria Region through five core program pillars: Community Inclusion (six sub-programs: Community Access Team, COSMOS, Discovery, Dreams, Mozart, STARR), Learning & Employment (ArtWorks, Employment Services, Options), LifeStreams, Residential Services (Heron House heritage home), and Geriatrics (Pathways). Service is delivered in person from five physical locations — SJ Willis School (temporary HQ, ~32,000 sq ft), Vancouver Island Technology Park, the ArtWorks studio, the Pathways site on Vernon Avenue, and Heron House — with a fleet of more than 20 vehicles supporting community-based programming.

The organization is funded through a hybrid model combining provincial government service contracts from Community Living BC (CLBC), the crown agency that determines eligibility and refers almost all clients, with philanthropic revenue channelled through the arm's-length Garth Homer Foundation (a $50,000 annual donation match, endowments, legacy giving). CARF International accreditation underpins service quality. Programming is individualized around each client's Individual Program Plan (IPP) and organized around a five-pillar learning framework (Knowledge, Body & Health, Community, Service, Self). The Employment Services team maintains 27 active employer partnerships (GFL Environmental, Country Grocer Royal Oak, Malahat Skywalk, BC Mail Plus, Cheers Vintage Collective) supporting 47 individuals in paid community employment. A flagship capital project, the Centre for Belonging at Nigel Valley, will deliver 90 mixed-income housing units (30 GHS, 60 wider Victoria) in partnership with BC Housing, with construction-enabling relocation to SJ Willis School completed in October 2025; provincial funding for the project was suspended in the 2026 budget, requiring GHS to privately replace those commitments.

GHS does not operate a technology product platform; its underlying technology footprint consists of standard non-profit operational tooling — adaptive communication tools, iPads, illustrated card systems for non-verbal participants, and standard web/email/social channels for donor and community engagement. There are no proprietary software products, APIs, SDKs, or AI/ML systems. The organization employs 48 staff and is led by CEO Geoffrey Ewert (appointed September 2021) with a small executive team including a Chief Advancement Officer (Yvette Guigueno), Executive Director of Client Services (Kevin Steeple, with the organization since 1998/1999), Director of Programme Innovation (Adrian Benedek), and an interim Director of Finance (Tommy Grant, since October 2025).

Name

Garth Homer Society

Legal name

Garth Homer Society

Website

https://garthhomersociety.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1977

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Garth Homer Society is a Victoria, British Columbia non-profit (founded 1977) that delivers person-centered day, employment, residential, and geriatric programs to more than 230 adults with developmental disabilities across five Greater Victoria locations, funded primarily through Community Living BC referrals and the Garth Homer Foundation's philanthropic matching program.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability Support Services

NAICS

Civic and Social Organizations (8134)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGAEAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Affordable Housing & Community Development (Housing, Community Land Trusts) (BPAGALAC), Senior Social Clubs & Community-Based Day Programs (Non-Clinical) (HSABANAK)

Keywords

• Developmental disability services
• Community inclusion programs
• Supported employment services
• Residential disability care
• Nonprofit social services

Headquarters

HQ city

Victoria

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Funding (CLBC): The Garth Homer Society is partially funded by Community Living BC (CLBC), the provincial crown agency. CLBC determines funding eligibility and provides options for adults with developmental disabilities. Almost all clients are referred through CLBC. This represents the primary funding stream for service delivery.
2. Donations and Foundation Support: The Garth Homer Foundation (a fully arm's-length charitable organization) raises funds to sustain and expand GHS programs. The Foundation provides a $50,000 annual Matching Fund, doubling community donations. Donations fund programs that help individuals live with greater independence, connection, and dignity. The Foundation also stewards endowments and manages legacy gifts.
3. Charitable Donations (General Public): Individual donors contribute to support GHS programs, including monthly giving and one-time donations. The Double Your Donation campaign matches every dollar donated up to $50,000. Donors can contribute to specific programs (ArtWorks, LifeStreams, Pathways, Centre for Belonging) or general operations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Garth Homer Society is a non-profit organization that provides person-centered services and opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities in Greater Victoria, British Columbia. Its core offerings include day programs (Community Inclusion, LifeStreams), employment support and job coaching (Employment Services, ArtWorks, Options), residential care (Heron House), geriatric programming (Pathways), and community-based activities that promote belonging, independence, and meaningful contribution. Services are delivered free of charge to eligible clients referred through Community Living BC (CLBC).

Product overview

Garth Homer Society offers a multi-program service portfolio organized around five core pillars: Community Inclusion, Learning & Employment, LifeStreams, Residential Services, and Geriatrics (Pathways). The Community Inclusion pillar includes six sub-programs: Community Access Team (CAT), COSMOS, Discovery, Dreams, Mozart, and STARR. The Learning & Employment pillar includes ArtWorks, Employment Services, and Options. A notable upcoming initiative is the Centre for Belonging, a purpose-built facility planned as part of the Nigel Valley redevelopment. The organization provides individualized, person-centered support through dedicated key workers and Individual Program Plans (IPPs) for each client.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Community Inclusion: Day programs that foster belonging and purpose through community involvement and meaningful contribution, including Community Access Team (CAT), COSMOS, Discovery, Dreams, Mozart, and STARR programs.
• Learning and Employment
• LifeStreams
• Residential Services
• Pathways (Geriatrics)

Products and services

• Community Inclusion Day programs that foster belonging and purpose through community involvement and meaningful contribution. Six sub-programs are differentiated by participants' interests and needs, focusing on social engagement, skill-building, volunteer work, and creative activities.
• Learning and Employment Day programs and life supports that focus on independence and community integration through employment and post-secondary learning. Includes ArtWorks (visual arts programming), Employment Services (job coaching and employer matching), and Options (employment and learning opportunities with individualized support).
• LifeStreams Programs providing social activities, hobby clubs, and community engagement opportunities for adults with careers and those seeking connection, with a focus on building practical skills and confidence.
• Residential Services (Heron House) Residential support services delivered at Heron House, a beautiful heritage home providing an inviting and nurturing environment that creates belonging for residents.
• Pathways (Geriatrics) A retirement-style day program for aging adults with developmental disabilities, providing opportunities to age with dignity while receiving the necessary support as needs evolve. Daily activities include art, gardening, light exercise, music therapy, and community outings. Supports 30 to 33 clients with median age 65.
• Employment Services Employment support services providing job coaching, skills training, employment coaching, and connecting employers with skilled employees with developmental disabilities. Includes on-site job training, ongoing support, worksite assessments, and job carving. Currently supports 47 individuals in meaningful paid employment across 27 employer partnerships.

Quantifiable outcome

• 47 individuals supported in meaningful paid employment in the community
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• Together in StridecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2025A partnership offering equine-assisted learning for GHS clients. Guided, non-riding interactions with horses develop leadership, teamwork, and relationship-building skills. Horses read participants' physiological states and co-regulation occurs naturally. The program uses illustrated horse cards to help non-verbal participants communicate feelings. Funded by generous donor support.
• Sidney North Saanich Yacht Club / Able Sail VictoriacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 September 2025Eleven Discovery team members participated in accessible sailing experiences. Able Sail Victoria provides accessible sailing opportunities for people with disabilities. The Sidney North Saanich Yacht Club provides facilities and trained instructors (4 have completed Sail Canada's 'Coaching Athletes with a Disability' training). Sailors enjoyed scenery, wildlife, and time on the water with staff-controlled sails. Club plans to install a dock lift for wheelchair users.
• Oak Bay Arts Alive ProgramminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 20 June 2025GHS ArtWorks program contributed a painted 1896 piano to Oak Bay's Arts Alive program. 17 ArtWorks artists collaboratively painted the piano in Art Nouveau style, featuring botanicals, animals, and hidden 'easter egg' surprises. The piano is placed in outdoor locations around Oak Bay for public playing, with special pop-up performances planned.
• GFL Environmental Inc.coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 April 2025Jordan works in GFL's Blue Box Collection Division as a recycling truck driver, progressing from sorting yard labourer. GHS provided weekly coaching while Jordan earned his Class 3 commercial driver's license over a year. Jordan teams with an experienced coworker to learn his route. Represents career advancement through inclusive employment.
• School District 61coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 March 2025School District 61 leased the SJ Willis School building to GHS as a temporary home while the Centre for Belonging is constructed. GHS occupies almost the entire first floor (~32,000 sq ft). The school district has been described as 'fantastic' and supportive. The shared space includes community integration opportunities with other tenants like Community Living BC and Kardel.
• Country Grocer Royal OakcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 February 2024Ryan has worked in Country Grocer's Produce department and Garden Centre since February 2024, with ongoing GHS Employment Services support. General Manager Shaun Erdei called the experience 'everything an employer would hope for.' Recognized as a welcoming, inclusive workplace that matches Ryan's career goals.
• Malahat SkywalkcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 October 2023Meghan celebrated a two-year anniversary at Malahat Skywalk as a member of the janitorial team. GHS Employment Services provides ongoing support as needed. Meghan earns her own income and receives positive customer feedback. Skywalk represents a stable, long-term employment partnership.
• Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association (VTRA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVTRA hosts GHS's equine programs at its facility. GHS clients participate in both the Together in Stride non-riding program and popular riding programs at VTRA. Horses like Cherry and Vala are favorites among participants. VTRA facilities also house Together in Stride sessions.
• BC HousingflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerBC Housing is a key partner in the Nigel Valley Redevelopment, collaborating on the Centre for Belonging project. BC Housing's $775M Community Housing Fund (CHF) was suspended in the 2026 Budget, putting the Centre for Belonging at risk. GHS must now raise millions originally pledged by the province.
• Garth Homer FoundationflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerFully arm's-length charitable foundation that sustains GHS programs and impact. Governed by an independent volunteer board. Provides a $50,000 annual Matching Fund, stewarding endowments and managing legacy gifts. Each dollar donated to GHS is matched by the Foundation up to $50,000. Together, the Society and Foundation create a community where everyone belongs.
• Community Living BC (CLBC)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCLBC is the provincial crown agency that determines funding eligibility for adults with developmental disabilities and refers individuals to GHS. GHS is partially funded by CLBC, and almost all clients are referred through CLBC services. The organization works with CLBC as part of each individual's care team.
• BC Mail PluscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBC Mail Plus is an inclusive employer partner through GHS Employment Services. Linda Weathered of BC Mail Plus stated: 'Together, we have not only changed lives but also enriched our workplace, fostering a culture of inclusion, respect, and belonging.' Recognized on GHS website and in newsletters.
• WildArc Animal RescueminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLaurie Fairweather volunteered at WildArc Animal Rescue as part of her Community Access Team (CAT) program participation, building community connections and practical skills.
• Saanich Peninsula HospitalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLaurie Fairweather worked in the kitchen at Saanich Peninsula Hospital as part of her diverse employment history documented through GHS programs.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Inclusion Canada: National federation advocating for and supporting people with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families. Thematic incumbent across Canada with broader advocacy/standards role rather than localized service delivery.
• Inclusion BC: Provincial non-profit providing advocacy, training, and network support across the BC developmental disability sector. Broader portfolio and policy/advocacy focus rather than direct service delivery.

Direct peers

• PosAbilities Association: Vancouver-based non-profit providing community living, employment, and individualized supports to people with developmental disabilities. Directly comparable service portfolio and CLBC-referral model.
• Community Living Society (Vancouver): CLS provides residential, day, and community-based supports for people with developmental disabilities across Greater Vancouver. Comparable non-profit operator with shared CLBC-referral model.
• Communitas Supportive Care Society: Fraser Valley (Mission/Abbotsford) non-profit delivering residential, community inclusion, employment, and respite services to adults with developmental disabilities. Highly similar service model and BC context.
• Developmental Disabilities Association (DDA): DDA operates community inclusion, employment, and residential programs for adults with developmental disabilities across the Lower Mainland of BC. Closest peer in terms of service mix, mission, and CARF-accredited operations.
• Easterseals BC/Yukon: Long-standing BC/Yukon disability charity providing a range of social services, employment supports, and inclusion programming. Comparable mission, fundraising model, and adult disability focus.
• Delta Community Living Society: Delta, BC-based non-profit operating residential, day programs, and community inclusion services for adults with developmental disabilities. Regional BC peer with directly overlapping service mix.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/garthhomer
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/garthhomersociety
• Instagraminstagram.com/garthhomersociety

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Garth Homer Society