Our vision

Our vision

A just society for all

Our vision

Our vision

A just society for all

Our mission – a just society for all

We strive to provide compassionate, trauma-informed services to men on conditional release and men who are unhoused, supporting them as they shape their own path towards stability and healing, and a life rebuilt with dignity and hope. We do this by:

for adult men on conditional release from provincial or federal institutions (20 beds at Genesis House and 15 beds at Maria Keary Cottage) and being supervised by the Correctional Service Canada (CSC). Click here to learn more.

a program for men on conditional release living with FASD that employs an intervention model that accommodates diversity and builds on strengths. Click here to learn more about the program.

for men on conditional release who need support with substance and/or alcohol misuse. Click here to learn more about the program.

for men that are unhoused or precarious housed in the New Westminster area and are in need of a safe home. Click here to learn more.

Wellbeing

we foster overall health, while helping to build a safer, more connected community.

Empathy

we met people where they are at in their journey.

Inclusivity

we embrace diversity to foster belonging and collaboration.

Authenticity

we do what we say we will do.

Heart

we do our work with purpose and passion.

Resilience

we embrace challenge and learn as we go.

Our mission – a just society for all

We strive to provide compassionate, trauma-informed services to men on conditional release and men who are unhoused, supporting them as they shape their own path towards stability and healing, and a life rebuilt with dignity and hope. We do this by:

for adult men on conditional release from provincial or federal institutions (20 beds at Genesis House and 15 beds at Maria Keary Cottage) and being supervised by the Correctional Service Canada (CSC). Click here to learn more.

a program for men on conditional release living with FASD that employs an intervention model that accommodates diversity and builds on strengths. Click here to learn more about the program.

for men on conditional release who need support with substance and/or alcohol misuse. Click here to learn more about the program.

for men that are unhoused or precarious housed in the New Westminster area and are in need of a safe home. Click here to learn more.

Wellbeing

we foster overall health, while helping to build a safer, more connected community.

Empathy

we met people where they are at in their journey.

Inclusivity

we embrace diversity to foster belonging and collaboration.

Authenticity

we do what we say we will do.

Heart

we do our work with purpose and passion.

Resilience

we embrace challenge and learn as we go.

Westcoast Genesis Society was founded in April 2000 by Andrew Boyd, a passionate advocate for positive change

As a former Program Delivery Officer for Correctional Service Canada’s (CSC) core programs—such as substance use, anger management, and violence prevention—Andrew made a significant impact in the lives of many. His dedication, along with the support of numerous colleagues and community members, led to the creation of the Society. CSC was particularly supportive, as they recognized the need for more community-based housing solutions for individuals on conditional release.

Our organization & facilities

The Westcoast Genesis Society, established in April 2000, is a non-profit organization and registered charity dedicated to supporting men on conditional release and those experiencing homelessness. The Society provides compassionate, trauma-informed services, helping individuals rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. Its goal is to guide men as they work toward stability and healing through housing and tailored programs. The Society operates two key facilities: Maria Keary Cottage and Genesis House.

Genesis House

Genesis House, the Society’s first facility, was originally built in 1898 as a rooming house. When the Society assumed ownership in 2000, the house was revitalized and opened as a residential facility later that same year in partnership with the Correctional Service of Canada. It provides housing and support services for 20 men on conditional release from provincial or federal institutions. In late 2001, Genesis House launched a pioneering residential program specifically designed for men on conditional release who live with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). FASD refers to a broad range of diversities that can occur from prenatal alcohol exposure. The program is now housed at the Maria Keary Cottage facility.

Maria Keary Cottage

Maria Keary Cottage opened in 2010 upon completion of a major construction project that involved heritage restoration of twin cottages. The cottages were originally built as rental properties for the widow Maria Keary in 1887. In addition to restoring the original houses under a Heritage Revitalization Agreement with the City, the Society joined the two houses into one and also added a two-storey addition at the rear. The facility has 15 beds for men on conditional release and 20 beds for men in need of housing. There is a mix of single and double occupancy rooms.

What is FASD?

FASD stands for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. It is a lifelong disability that affects the brain and body of people who were exposed to alcohol in the womb. Each person with FASD has both strengths and challenges and will need special supports to help them succeed with many different parts of their daily lives.Canada FASD Research Network 

FASD is a diagnostic term used to describe the lifelong impacts of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) on the brain and body.1-3 Individuals with FASD will likely experience some degree of challenge in multiple areas of daily living as well as neurodevelopmental needs.1,2,4 In addition, individuals with FASD possess unique areas of resilience and strength that can be used to support success and healthy outcomes. – Increasing Capacity to Identify and Support Individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and Complex Neurodevelopmental Needs in British Columbia: Research Summary

Check out
our admin team

Check out
our admin team

Executive Director
Direct Line: 604-521-2978
Email: [email protected]

House Manager Maria Keary Cottage
Direct Line: 604-517-2957
Email: [email protected]

House Manager Genesis House
Direct Line: 604-521-2978
Email: [email protected]

Technology Officer
Direct Line: 604-636-3582
Email: [email protected]

Our partners

We receive funding and grants from government. For more details on our funding, please contact us.