The Story of a
Forever Home
In 2017, a group of parents in Hope, BC, connected through the Tillicum Centre, began asking a tough question: Who would look after their adult children with cognitive challenges when they no longer could?
In 2020, they formed the Fraser Inclusive and Supportive Housing Society (FISH). With a generous land donation from Olga Kwas and a partnership with Anhart Community Housing, the dream of Kwas House became possible.
"Let's look past the disabled part and think about their wants, their needs and desires like everybody else does. Let's give them a forever home."
— Naomi Bergstrom, Executive Director at Tillicum Centre
"He's got to be set up for the future, for his independence. It would be better for him to live with people that he has a connection with."
— Garry Vath, Parent & FISH Director
FISH Board of Directors
Garry Vath
Retired VPD officer and former firefighter.
Frank Wise
President of the Hope Lions Club.
Naomi Bergstrom
Executive Director at Tillicum Centre for 15+ years.
Jan Bentley
Long-time Hope resident, retired from Victim Services.
Marlene Schmidt
Treasurer for the Tillicum Centre.
Anhart Development Team
Gordon 'Keith' Wiebe
Executive Director of Anhart Community Housing Society.
Crystal Wiebe
Financial oversight and tenant support database developer.
Marcie Good
Communications and website content lead.
Vy Nguyen
Executive administration and Sustainable Villages lead.
Christine Wang
Housing consultancy and financial management.
Join the
Dream of Home
We are building a future where no one is left behind. Your support provides the stability and kinship needed for adults with cognitive challenges to thrive in their own community.
