DEBRA ABRAHAM

As the Founder and CEO of the Unique Get Together Society (UGTS) for the past decade, Debra’s journey has been one driven by a passion for social justice and a commitment to serving marginalized and Indigenous communities in British Columbia. 

Debra’s personal journey aligns closely with the ethos of UGTS. With over three decades of experience in social services and a specialization in child welfare, Debra has dedicated her life to advocating for marginalized and vulnerable families, children and youth. In 2014, fueled by a burning desire to effect sustainable change and create a lasting impact, Debra resigned from her position at the Ministry of Children and Family Development and co-founded UGTS with her son Ceaser. 

Debra, along with her son Ceaser, embarked on a trajectory to help kids with special needs and behavior challenges who were often overlooked. With very mindful observing and listening, Debra and Ceaser then adapted the environment to suit the needs of the children and youth. As a result, these children and youth began to flourish.  

Guided by a calling and the mentorship of a fervent Indigenous elder named Dennis, Debra wholeheartedly immersed herself in learning about Indigenous cultural roots, therapeutic practices and historical legacy. Debra actively participates in sweat lodges, fasting, spiritual quests and Sundance. Through these practices, including IFOT (Indigenous Focused Trauma Therapy), she nurtures a profound connection to the indigenous people, their ancestral heritage, and the sacred land itself.  

UGTS has grown significantly over the years, with recent expansion to Alberta and plans for global presence. Our recent venture into holistic, inclusive, and accessible daycare services in Chilliwack embodies our commitment to nurturing future generations in harmony with nature, fostering a sense of belonging and connection. As we strive towards our vision of global impact, Debra is compelled to deepen her understanding of systemic challenges and injustices and is currently enrolled in the Master of Arts in Human Rights and Social Justice at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, BC.  

At UGTS, we have been privileged to offer opportunities for meaningful engagement in serving marginalized communities through inclusive programs and partnerships with government agencies. Operating as a non-profit registered charity since 2014, UGTS has been guided by principles aimed at addressing the needs of marginalized communities, particularly those from BIPOC backgrounds. Our mission is clear: to strengthen connections with the land, foster inclusivity, and empower women, children and youth of all cultures to reach their fullest potential. 
 

CESAR ABRAHAM

It all started with doing behavior intervention over ten years ago while attending college. I started in group homes working with kids of various ages, cognitive abilities, and physical challenges. After approximately two years of this I began to also work with children and families both in their homes and in the community. At this time my mother was working as a social worker, and we would talk about the parallels in the challenges and obstacles we both faced in providing the best service we could to the kids we worked for. Out of this frustration UGTS was born. We continued to work for and with children and families with special needs however under our own banner and with our own principles. We began our flagship summer camp program, we were able to connect with families and kids on a level which we were unable to before, and ultimately, we were able to make a more meaningful impact. Over the years we have expanded and grown to multiple programs, and areas of need however my passion remains with working with young people, teaching and learning alongside them. I am proud to say that I played a small role those first years in getting our organization up and running and am blown away by the growth of the company and the amazing tribe members who have come aboard along the way. 

SANDRA BYCHYK

Sandra is a resourceful, proactive, highly motivated professional with extensive experience in key management roles in the private sector as well as government funded provincial programs. Core values of integrity, collaboration, fairness, heart coherence and a belief in giving your best while following your heart. Sandra is also an energy worker who obtained a master level Reiki in 2020. "Everyone has been made for some particular work, and the desire for that work has been put in every heart. Let yourself be silently drawn by the stronger pull of what you really love.”~ Rumi. Sandra's background includes trainer, life skills coach, facilitator and counsellor for clients facing challenges of disabilities, anxiety, depression, toxic relationships, poverty, trauma, addictions and PTSD. Sandra is a Positive thinker with a love for advocacy, equality and social change.  Buckminster Fuller said “You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.” The opportunity to be of service and create new models of services for marginalized communities is Sandra's passionate pursuit which aligns perfectly with UGTS's goals.