Our Story

In 1977, Ellen Sinclair (now Kennett), Ida Miller, Joyce Kennett, Joyce Palmer, Muriel Brodie, and Reverend Howard Filsinger recognized that dedicated services were needed to support their older neighbours who struggled with feelings of loneliness and isolation. The founding members, four of whom would become our first board of directors, learned about the Adult Day Program that was offered in a couple of neighbourhoods in Vancouver, and they determined that a similar program would have a huge impact in White Rock/South Surrey.

Knowing that the federal government provided funding under the New Horizons for Seniors initiative, they obtained the application package and met at the White Rock Health Centre to write the first grant application. To their delight, they received word from the government that their submission was successful. The White Rock Come Share Society was born, and the first Adult Day Program for Older Adults opened in White Rock.

The initial grant from New Horizons only extended for one year, but that was sufficient time to demonstrate the value of the Day Program. The Board went into high gear writing grant applications and making presentations to potential funders. Their efforts were rewarded by receiving long-term contracts from, initially, the Ministry of Health and, eventually, the Fraser Health Authority, whose financial support continues to this day.

Over the decades, the Adult Day Program evolved from being provided two days a week to six days and expanded to include three locations: South Surrey, Newton, and Guildford. The White Rock Come Share Society was renamed Seniors Come Share Society to reflect its expansion outside the geographical boundary of White Rock and to underscore the integration of new services under the Community Support Program, and now Brella Community Services Society to demonstrate inclusiveness and embrace the changing needs of our community. At present, Brella offers services under three banners: Adult Day Program; Community Services; and Dementia, Caregiver and Family Services. 

While our organization has progressed over the years, the foundational ideology is still relevant. Our founding members articulated objectives back then that remain in our lexicon today. These include:

• to connect isolated adults,

• to develop social skills,

• to provide recreational activities,

• to delay institutionalized living, and

• to contribute to emotional and physical well-being.

Our community can always count on Brella’s 59 team members and over 90 volunteers to empower aging adults, friends and family members and support them in their lives journey. Our person-centred services are nimble and responsive to address the unique needs of the people we serve.

Together, we can create a caring community!