Community-based programs ensure that the quality of life in Nelson improves for all people.

Advocacy for victims of crime, people living in poverty, people with disabilities, and those in conflict with social systems is vital. The Advocacy Centre provides legal information, education and advocacy. 

Residential options for people experiencing barriers, including poverty, is a challenge in our community. Ward Street Place is a 38 single-room occupancy apartment block. Stepping Stones provides 17 short-term emergency beds and assists residents with immediate crises. Services for Community Living provides residential support services to individuals with disabilities. 

Environmental and Employment options include Earth Matters, a youth-driven environmental program that focuses on community gardening, waste reduction, education, and ecological restoration and Supported Employment that provides employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities as a way to contribute to their community and the economy. 

Services such as ours continue to enrich life in our community.

Nelson CARES Society may be Nelson's most diverse non profit organization. We've been a long term catalyst (since 1974) for initiating community services and resources that respond to emerging needs. Not only has our origins as Nelson District Community Resources Society created crucial services, but hundreds of jobs for the Nelson area and generated millions of dollars for the local economy as well. The finest products of course are the results of our project and program work for the Community – some very visible and some simply ongoing and quietly invisible. 

We chose Nelson CARES Society as our new name in 2008 to better reflect who we have grown to be since Nelson District Community Resource Society began in 1974. Similarly, our new logo represents the community work do: advocacy, residential, environmental, and employment services. 

Nelson CARES Society sponsors a wide variety of community programs and services such as The Advocacy Centre – including Victim Services; Earth Matters; Services for Community Living – supported housing and supported employment; Ward Street Place and Stepping Stones emergency shelter. 

Nelson CARES Society achieved accreditation from CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) in October 2007.