PLAN’s Lifetime Membership Program began nearly forty years ago in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. It was started by families who came together to plan for the future of their loved one with disabilities — not just for services, but for lasting connection, belonging, and peace of mind.
As PLAN’s work has grown, so has our desire to make these kinds of conversations accessible to as many families as possible — whether they are Lifetime Members or simply wanting to know more about what it means to plan for a good life in community.
With so many curious families inquiring, Jule Hopkins, PLAN’s Family Advocate, responded to their desire to share stories and information with each other in a low-barrier conversation. The Family Network convenes a space for families to share ideas as well as wisdom around advocacy and family support. Since then the Family Network continues to grow and be led by families who join the monthly conversations and the staff (Claire and Shelley) who host the calls.
Are you curious about PLAN or would you just like to connect with other families on Zoom who share similar experiences? The group meets monthly, on the 3rd Tuesday from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, and responds to what families want to talk about, here are some examples of recent conversations:
Our July Family Network gathering began with a reading of Praise Song for the Day by Elizabeth Alexander and led into a thoughtful discussion on the complexities of friendships. Families shared insights on the emotional and practical challenges of building and sustaining meaningful relationships, the importance of natural connections, and the need to plan for transitions with care—especially when trusted support staff move on. One family member reflected, “Let the network and support workers help make the relationship connections. Let them walk this path. If they stumble, then help them out.” The group also highlighted valuable resources that support inclusive social connection, including Best Buddies UBC, Real Talk, Recreational Respite, and Curiko.
In September, families in the Family Network came together for an evening of connection and conversation. We began by reading Who Holds Your Story? by David Pitonyak, which reminded us how important it is to feel seen and understood. In small groups, families shared both joys and questions, with common themes like the stress of caregiving, the importance of relationships, and planning for the future. Informal meet-ups, like coffee chats, were celebrated as meaningful ways to build support. Families also talked about preserving and leveraging memories—through traditions, recipes, and photos—as a way to share love and help networks and support staff understand what is and has been important on their journey. We ended the evening with Practicing Joy by Thich Nhat Hanh, a gentle reminder that joy grows when we share it together.
Want to learn more or get involved with the PLAN Family Network? Email hello@plan.ca.