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Who is Chimo

Mission

To promote justice and address violence by providing integrated services, education and housing programs designed to foster well-being and healing for people in crisis.

Vision

Empowered communities free from injustice, violence and crisis.

Our Values

Partnership

Working collaboratively both within our organization and our community.

Respect

Recognizing each other’s differences and showing consideration for our community and one another.

Integrity

Committing to high standards of honesty, confidentiality, and accountability for our words and actions.

Diversity

Providing inclusive, culturally-responsive and equitable services with compassion and respect.

Empowerment

Devoting to positive actions and decisions that promote the well-being of our community, our organization and every individual we serve.

About Chimo Community Services

Created in Richmond, B.C. in 1973, we are a non-profit organization serving people through crisis care, transition and education.

Here at Chimo, we aim to prevent tragedies and save lives. We strengthen and empower individuals, families and communities. We build bridges of understanding and connect all clients to essential community resources.

Each year, we serve over 10,000 individuals and families from different cultural backgrounds, age groups, family lifestyles, and economic situations. Through ten program areas, we provide diverse services in twelve languages. Our services span a continuum from community building, counselling and individual crisis support, to legal advocacy, housing support and education. We engage in collaborative community planning and develop innovative resources to address emerging needs.

What Does Chimo Mean?

Chimo is a friendly way of greeting someone in Inuktitut. The word ‘Chimo’ is believed to mean a special friend for people in need of someone to talk to.

It is said that when the Inuit people would greet each other with the word ‘Chimo’, they would simultaneously circle their hearts with their left hands.

Executive Team

Executive Director – Slinder Bhatti

Director of Finance and Administration – Elba Mejia

Director of Services: Settlement & Advocacy – Khim Tan

Director of Services: Counselling & Crisis Lines – Vanessa Waechtler

Accreditation

Chimo is an accredited organization with the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) for our Counselling and Crisis Line programs. The accreditation shows Chimo’s commitment to providing the highest quality care to our clients while meeting internationally recognized standards for community, health, and human services.

Chimo is an accredited organization with the American Association of Suicidology (AAS) for our Crisis Line program. By achieving AAS accreditation, we can ensure our stakeholders that we are delivering high-quality services that align with internationally recognized standards for Crisis Lines.

Strategic Plan

2023 Strategic Plan

Performance Analysis Report

2022 Performance Analysis Report

Personal Information and Protection of Privacy Policy

Chimo’s Privacy Policy

Our Programs

We have a three-prong approach to affecting social change in our community.

Through crisis programs, we serve people in immediate need.

  • Crisis Lines
  • Nova Transition House
  • Crisis Counselling
  • Outreach and Advocacy
  • Housing Program

Through transition programs, we aid people in making meaningful, lasting changes in their lives, or establishing themselves in their new country.

  • Counselling
  • Outreach and Advocacy
  • Access to Justice Programs
  • Newcomer Settlement Service
  • Homeless Prevention Program

Through education programs, we encourage mental health awareness and emotional safety, as well as positively influence the views and behaviors of our community.

  • Community Engagement

These programs and services are supported by the Government of British Columbia, the City of Richmond, Vancouver Coastal Health, the Law Foundation of British Columbia, various community and family foundations, service clubs, and generous community and business donors.