Bear Essentials - Family Support Program
About this resource
Bear Essentials is a family support program that assists with the costs of health-related travel and equipment for Island kids. The program is designed for families that struggle to afford the associated costs or that have barriers limiting their ability to access health care or equipment for their child.
Bear Essentials is a program accessed through referral only. A health care professional familiar with a child’s needs and family circumstances should complete the online application on their behalf, with the consent of the applicant’s parent or primary guardian.
Eligible applicants must meet all the following conditions:
0 to 19 years old (prenatal up to 20th birthday)
live on Vancouver Island or the surrounding islands
have a medical condition, health challenge, or disability confirmed by a health care professional
require financial support to cover the cost of the item(s) in the application, and
have not exceeded the lifetime Bear Essentials maximum of $12,500
Bear Essentials is a program accessed through referral only. A health care professional familiar with a child’s needs and family circumstances should complete the online application on their behalf, with the consent of the applicant’s parent or primary guardian.
Eligible applicants must meet all the following conditions:
0 to 19 years old (prenatal up to 20th birthday)
live on Vancouver Island or the surrounding islands
have a medical condition, health challenge, or disability confirmed by a health care professional
require financial support to cover the cost of the item(s) in the application, and
have not exceeded the lifetime Bear Essentials maximum of $12,500
Details
Resource type
Equipment, Family Support, Financial Assistance and Grants
Disabilities
Acquired Brain Injury, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Autonomic Dysfunctions/Dysautonomia, Behaviour Disorders and Conditions (ie. ADHD), Blind / Visual Impairment, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Circadian Rhythm Disorders , Deaf / Hard of Hearing, Deaf-Blind, Down Syndrome , Dual Diagnosis, Epilepsy / Seizure Disorder, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome / Spectrum Disorders , Intellectual / Developmental Disability, Learning Disorder / Disability, Long-COVID/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Mental Health , Neuromuscular Disorders, Other / I don't know, Paraplegia / Quadriplegia, Physical Disability / Mobility Impairment, Schizophrenia , Speech Impairment / Social / Communication Disorders, Spina Bifida, Substance Use/Addiction
Age
0-19
Eligibility
Referral required.
Location
Regions
Vancouver Island Central, Vancouver Island North, Vancouver Island South
Cities
Brentwood Bay, Chemainus, Cobble Hill, Colwood, Cowichan Bay, Crofton, Duncan, Esquimalt, Galiano Island, Honeymoon Bay, Ladysmith, Lake Cowichan, Langford, Mayne Island, Metchosin, Mill Bay , North Saanich, Pender Island, Port Renfrew, Saanich, Saanichton, Salt Spring Island, Saturna Island, Shawnigan Lake, Sidney, Sooke, Swartz Bay, Thetis Island, Victoria, View Royal
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