Family life, humanity, spirituality… these are the values at the heart of Shekinah Homes Society; a non-profit, multi-faith organization in Victoria, British Columbia that has evolved over three decades around a group of remarkable, gifted and unique individuals.

Shekinah Homes Society provides a home and family environment to adults with developmental disabilities. The original network of three heritage homes in Victoria's Fernwood neighborhood is now being replaced with a series of modern homes in the city's Gorge area, all purpose-built and tailored to meet the needs of the Core Members as they age.

Shekinah Homes Society is founded on a set of beliefs that flow from the philosophy of L'Arche founder Jean Vanier. These were embodied in the following documents when the society became independent in 2003:

	Mission
	Vision

Shekinah Homes Society is an “intentional community” that focuses on a lateral management model, seeking input from all members of the community. Shekinah Homes Society promotes self-determination, choice and free will. The team approach and consensus decision - making is pursued at all times.

The Shekinah family is comprised of 4 interdependent sets of people:

	Core Members, are those adults with developmental disabilities around whom the organization is based.
	Home Coordinators and Assistants (caregivers) are those who live with Core Members and participate in their day-to-day lives.
	Office staff are those who work for Shekinah Homes Society at large.
	Board Members

Our extended community includes families and friends of Core Members, and volunteers

Keeping pace with a relationship centered approach to providing support; Shekinah Homes Society has adopted a number of fresh strategies. “Personal Value Statements” are articulated through a comprehensive interactive process where Core Members share their personal values, dreams, goals and aspirations; then become the foundation and focus of their daily life. These statements identify Core Members by their personalities, interests and life goals not their disabilities. To make these aspirations a reality, Assistants and Staff have participated in “Essence of Life” sessions that teach new ways to empower, and support the Core Members.

In keeping with this approach, each home has a character determined by its residents that shapes the essence of home. Some are full of prayer and talk, others with laughter and music. Each is as unique as the family members.

Our main financial support is from Community Living British Columbia. Additional support comes from a variety of sources such as individual donors, Shekinah Foundation of Hope and the Victoria and Vancouver Foundations .