In November 2000, the Umbrella Society was created because one man, struggling with addiction, found the help he needed—and wanted to ensure others could too. Gordon, Umbrella’s founder, used his personal journey to establish a peer support initiative focused on addiction. His aim was simple but vital: to offer conversations, system navigation, and peer support to those who needed it.
From these humble beginnings, Umbrella grew steadily. As its reputation and community relationships deepened, so did opportunities for funding and collaboration. Programs expanded, and the organization’s compassionate, client-centered approach was embraced throughout Greater Victoria.
By 2008, the outreach program experienced significant growth, and a dedicated team of skilled staff became essential to meeting the rising demand for services. Strengthened partnerships—including a key collaboration with Island Health—helped Umbrella expand its reach and deepen its impact across the region.
In 2015, Umbrella took over operations at Foundation House, continuing its legacy as a recovery home for men. That same year, the program expanded to include family counselling—a critical addition to Umbrella’s support network.
In 2016, longtime Umbrella staff member Sharlene Law assumed the role of Executive Director, marking a new chapter in the organization’s story. Over the next few years, Umbrella added Cooper House, Potter House, and Hudson House to its recovery housing network. In recognition of its growing housing initiatives, Umbrella was named Housing Provider of the Year by the BC Non-Profit Housing Society in 2019.
In 2018, Umbrella was offered the opportunity to purchase Foundation House. To raise the necessary down payment, the organization hosted its first-ever fundraiser—a sold-out NHL Alumni game featuring the Montreal Canadiens and Greater Victoria Firefighters, which raised $35,000. Later that year, another successful game featuring the Boston Bruins Alumni matched that total.
In 2019, Umbrella moved into its own space allowing the team to expand services and introduce new educational, drop-in, counselling, and group programs. Thanks to a series of articles by local journalist Kendra Creighton, community support surged, and Umbrella successfully purchased Foundation House on February 28, 2020. In 2022, Umbrella broadened its scope and services by taking over the operations of 30 transitional housing units on Salt Spring Island, initiating a new and significant partnership with BC Housing.
Over the years, passionate staff have driven Umbrella forward, each contributing their unique talents in training, outreach, counselling, group facilitation, podcast hosting, housing services, communications, fundraising, and the many day-to-day tasks that allow the organization to support each other, the homes and the community. While too numerous to name individually, the contributions of so many current and former staff have been vital to Umbrella’s success.
Now in its 25th year, Umbrella is strong and well-established—having weathered a global pandemic and continued to expand its reach and impact. The organization remains deeply committed to walking alongside individuals and families through the challenges of addiction and mental health.
Umbrella’s success is built on the foundation of its dedicated staff, committed Board of Directors and a supportive community that believes in the power of recovery.
As of July 2025, the Board is actively working to find the next Executive Director who will lead Umbrella into the next phase of its story.
The Umbrella Board of Directors would like to thank Sharlene for her dedication over the past several years and wish her well in her future endeavors.
Special thanks to Blake and Evan, long time Umbrella Managers who have generously agreed to co-lead Umbrella as Interim Executive Directors during this period of transition. Here’s to the next 25 years.