Bear Essentials is a family support program that assists with the costs of health-related travel and equipment for Island kids.
The program is designed for families that struggle to afford the associated costs or that have barriers limiting their ability to access health care or equipment for their child.
Bear Essentials is a referral-only program. A health care professional familiar with a child’s needs and family circumstances must complete the online application on their behalf, with the consent of the applicant’s parent or primary guardian.
Learn more here about how we work to ensure Bear Essentials reduces these barriers to improve health outcomes for children, youth, and their families across Vancouver Island and the surrounding islands.
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for Bear Essentials, applicants must meet all of the following conditions:
- Age: 0 to 19 years old (prenatal up to 20th birthday)
- Location: Live on Vancouver Island or the surrounding islands
- Health status: Have a medical condition, health challenge, or disability confirmed by a health care professional
- Financial need: Require financial support to cover the cost of the item(s) in the application
- Funding limit: Have not exceeded the lifetime Bear Essentials maximum of $12,500
Review the full program guidelines for eligibility and learn how to apply. The appendix includes a printable consent form.
Ready to apply?
Referring professionals complete the application on behalf of a child or youth in need.
FAQ
How do I apply?
Applications for funding must be completed by a health professional. A health professional is anyone that knows the child’s health journey and can provide documentation to support the request. Examples: Social worker, public health nurse, early intervention specialist, audiologist, program navigator/coordinators, midwives and physicians/medical office assistants.
However, if a health professional or family has questions about the process or are trying to navigate multiple funding sources, our Bear Essentials team is available for information and navigation support.
What can I apply for?
The Bear Essentials application guidelines are updated on April 1 of each year. This document outlines what is eligible for funding and how funding decisions are made. If you have any questions about applying, you can also contact the Bear Essentials Program Navigators at 250-940-4948 or bearessentials@islandkidsfirst.com.
Can families be reimbursed for past travel or previously purchased equipment?
No. Applications must be received and approved in advance of travel or equipment purchase.
What can I expect after a funding application has been submitted?
The Bear Essentials team reviews applications during business hours Monday through Thursday, 8:30-4:30 pm. The program is not designed to address emergency funding needs.
One of our Program Navigators will be in touch within five business days for travel applications. Equipment applications are not reviewed immediately and may take two to three weeks before an initial response.
The Bear Essentials team reviews equipment-related funding requests bi-weekly. Applications may be deferred based on budget constraints. We work to provide updates on the status of these applications in a timely manner.
Can I expect to get 100% of my expenses covered?
The Bear Essentials program is designed to provide partial or supplementary funding to support families with challenges accessing health care or health care equipment for their child. Each application is individually reviewed and assessed, and maximum amounts are detailed in our guidelines.
Can travel funding be applied separately for two caregivers?
Supplementary travel funding covers one caregiver and the applicant. Approved funds can be split between two caregivers if requested.
Once I’ve received Bear Essentials funding, do I need to reapply for future travel or equipment needs?
For any new, ongoing or repeat travel and equipment needs, please contact us directly. You may need to have your health professional submit a new application.
If you have questions about your application or support, please contact the Program Navigators at 250-940-4948 or bearessentials@islandkidsfirst.com
Where does the money for Bear Essentials come from?
The Bear Essentials program and our Homes Away From Home (Jeneece Place and Q̓ʷalayu) are supported entirely by our generous community of donors.
Our Program Navigators work in collaboration with other funding sources to co-fund applications when and where available.
I still have a few questions about Bear Essentials funding. Who can I talk to?
Our Program Navigators can be reached at 250-940-4948 or bearessentials@islandkidsfirst.com.
Contact us
To stay connected with our Program Navigators throughout the application process or for more information about the Bear Essentials program, please contact:
Cheryl Jordan, Senior Program Navigator
Roanna McLeod, Program Navigator
- Email: bearessentials@islandkidsfirst.com
- Telephone: 250 940 4948
- Toll-free: +1 833 751 0874
Island kids need you
Thank you for supporting the Bear Essentials program.
250 940 4950
345 Wale Road, Victoria, BC V9B 6X2
With gratitude we acknowledge that we live, work, and play on the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish, Nuu cha nulth, Kwakwaka’wakw first peoples of Vancouver Island and surrounding islands.