Company Info
Founded in September 2019, Creative Diversity Friends Club is a member-funded nonprofit society located in North Surrey, BC. We are funded primarily by our members and provide programs and activities for their benefit.
There is a small annual membership fee to join, and then members pay for services and programs that they use.
Our Story
We are two families with a dream to create a flexible and welcoming space for support programs, with a focus on life skills & creative arts. As parents of neurodivergent 2SLGBTQ+ teens and young adults, we are especially interested in supporting diversity and building a community of like-minded individuals.
We aim to create a safe inclusive place for those who might see the world a little differently. We dabble in music, art, sewing, fibre arts, gardening, woodworking, and culinary arts, and offer workshops & private sessions for Life Skills & Creative Arts.
Here is a place where you can be your true self and learn in the ways that work best for you. We believe that everyone has something to offer and support diversity in all forms. We are open to adults, teens & tweens, and encourage different ages and skill levels to participate together. Our workshops are limited to small groups with emphasis on being flexible and low-key.
Our Vision
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To support diversity and inclusivity for older kids, teens and adults of all ages
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To provide a friendly welcoming space for creative arts, socializing and life skills development
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To maintain an atmosphere sensitive to the needs of socially marginalized individuals, including but not limited to LGBTQ2S+ and Neurodiverse persons
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To support alternative education options by celebrating and encouraging individual student-led learning style
Founders
Dave Brook
Founder, Mentor, General Operations Manager
Dave is a father, philanthropist, musician and classically trained chef with 20+ years in the food service industry. As a cook with The Children’s Foundation for 6 years, he managed the kitchen and prepared a variety of healthy and nutritious meals for underprivileged youth.
He’s handy in the workshop and more than just a guitar guy - he can also rock out on the bass, mandolin, & ukulele, and will happily noodle around on any other instrument type object. Currently exploring djembe drumming and the harmonium.
Dea Brook
Founder, Mentor, Executive Director
Loving mom of neurodivergent LGBTQ+ kiddos (2 young adults and a tween) who inspired me to explore my own neurodivergence (AuDHD), embrace my artistic self and live life in colour. In my previous life I managed clinical trial databases at the BC Cancer Research Centre, and worked with online training modules in the Learning Hub at Fraser Health Authority. I love art and music and learning new things, and in between I still enjoy the computer admin side of things (yes, spreadsheets are fun!)
Current interests include watercolour painting, sashiko embroidery and vintage sewing machines.
Danna Casto
Founder, Board Member
Talented photographer & artist, nature lover, and mom to an autistic non-binary young adult.
I have been at home since becoming a mom at 39 and my free time has been spent gardening or taking photographs. Before that I worked in the IT dept. at YVR doing computer support, training and website design. I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and did post graduate work in teacher training. We have recently opened our space to use for support programs and are looking for innovative ways to assist parents of autistic and special needs kids.