CSSEA is pleased to announce this year’s Community Social Services Awards of Excellence recipients. Created in 2015, the awards recognize individuals at various stages of their careers who have made outstanding contributions to the community social services sector. CSSEA thanks TELUS for its tremendous support in sponsoring these awards since the program’s inception.
On behalf of CSSEA’s member panel, which reviewed and shortlisted the nominations, and the external judging committee that evaluated and selected the four winners, we congratulate:
Rising Star – Mykola “Nick” Zrazhevskyi, Program Coordinator 2, Vernon and District Association for Community Living, Community Living Services
After immigrating from Ukraine and leaving behind his home, family and career as a teacher, Nick began rebuilding his life in a new country and community. He joined his agency as a casual Residential Support Worker in June 2023 and quickly distinguished himself through his intelligence, enthusiasm and genuine care for others. Nick secured a permanent position and, with the agency’s sponsorship through the Rural Immigration Pilot, obtained permanent residency and made the community his home alongside his husband, Max. Both have embraced their new community by volunteering with numerous local non-profits and community groups. Nick’s resilience, initiative and natural leadership soon propelled him to Program Coordinator 1 in 2024 and Program Coordinator 2 in September 2025, overseeing several programs. He also serves as a shop steward and Co-Chair of the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee, advocating passionately for colleagues while building bridges between frontline staff and management. Through his infectious humour, booming laugh and unwavering commitment to person-centred support, Nick infuses fun into challenging work and ensures everyone around him feels safe, heard and valued.
Hero – Charles Lafferty, Knowledge Keeper, PLEA Community Services Society of BC – General Services
For nearly three decades, Charles has supported Indigenous youth, adults and families through organizations including the Urban Native Youth Association, Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Services Society and Pacific Community Resources Society. In 2021, he helped PLEA explore the creation of a Knowledge Keeper position and was subsequently selected by Elders to assume the role. A residential day school survivor, Charles speaks openly about his own experiences and the determination it took to return to school, making him a powerful and relatable example to those he serves. Through patience, kindness and a deeply non-judgmental approach, he shares Indigenous teachings, ceremony and cultural practices with participants, caregivers, colleagues and organizations across the sector. His work includes tobacco planting and harvesting, cedar weaving, drum and talking circles, traditional medicines and healing ceremonies. He also supported the development of a sweat lodge and teaches firekeeping and other ceremonial practices. Charles’s ability to foster cultural safety, trust and belonging makes him a true hero to his community.
Leader – Lori-Ann Ryser, Program Director, Active Care Youth and Adult Services, General Services
Raised in and out of foster care from the age of two, Lori-Ann experienced instability, abuse and trauma that could have limited her future. Instead, those experiences gave her a deeply personal understanding of vulnerability, resilience and the importance of empathy. After becoming a mother at 18, she completed high school while caring for her young son and eventually raised three children as a single parent, determined to break the cycle of intergenerational trauma. That same determination guided her into social services and ultimately to Active Care Youth and Adult Services, where she advanced from Addiction Worker to Program Manager and, in October 2025, Program Director. Lori-Ann’s childhood in care continues to shape every aspect of her leadership. After reading the painful labels recorded in her own ministry file, she resolved that no child under her leadership would be reduced to a diagnosis or moment of crisis. She encourages staff to document and provide care with grace — as though each young person may one day read the words written about them. By transforming personal adversity into compassionate, trauma-informed practice, Lori-Ann ensures both youth and employees feel seen, safe and supported.
Legend – Bernadette Spence, Chief Executive Officer (retired January 2026), Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Services Society, Indigenous Services
A First Nations social worker from Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation in Northern Manitoba, Bernadette Spence devoted 40 years to Indigenous child and family services before retiring this past January. During her more than 20 years as CEO of Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Services Society, she transformed the organization from a service provider into a Delegated Aboriginal Agency overseeing child welfare. Bernadette was also instrumental in creating the Indigenous Services Collective Agreement and contributed extensively to CSSEA’s governance as a longtime Board and Panel member, as well as bargaining committee member. Long before Truth and Reconciliation entered mainstream discussion, she advocated for culturally grounded, restorative approaches that recognize the effects of systemic trauma. Her leadership advanced practices focused on prevention, family reunification and maintaining children’s connections to their families, communities, cultures and lands. A courageous and steady leader, Bernadette consistently pushed governments and funders for equitable resources while championing culturally informed programs and policies. Her pioneering leadership has strengthened countless children and families and leaves an enduring legacy across BC’s community social services sector.
2026 AGM and Conference
Our four recipients will be honoured at the 2026 Community Social Services Awards of Excellence, which will take place October 15 from 12:00 to 2:00pm at the Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel in Vancouver. The awards will be held as part of CSSEA’s AGM and Conference, Leading for Change, which you can register for here. Individual luncheon tickets can be purchased through the registration page. We look forward to celebrating our deserving recipients with you in Vancouver!