During the recent heavy snowfall, our daughter and son-in-law decided to stay overnight at our place. Late Saturday morning, as I held my sleeping granddaughter in my arms, everyone else sauntered into the living room still in their pajamas. With the snow falling outside, and my loved ones together in my home, it felt like Christmas!
There’s no place like home for the holidays. A safe, warm home is more than a Christmas staple – it’s fundamental to a healthy community.
Justice for all is the first of three pillars in Abbotsford Community Services’ new vision statement. We strive to help people achieve what is right and appropriate for them. Affordable, supported, and safe housing gives members of our community a chance to succeed. Thanks to you, and in partnership with the City of Abbotsford and BC Housing, next month we’ll see the launch of our 31-unit housing first initiative. We at Abbotsford Community Services thank you for standing with us as this residence brings us closer to achieving justice for all.
A new year, a new opportunity.
The second pillar in our vision is opportunities for all. This coming year we will open Foundry, our community’s new integrated youth health centre. We are one of five provincial pilot sites, and we will be offering any youth (aged 12-24 years old) health, mental health, substance use and/or social services supports all under one roof. Foundry Abbotsford will house 15 community partners (including the Abbotsford Youth Health Centre, Fraser Health, Ministry of Children and Family Development, Ministry of Social Development & Social Innovation, School District No34, Division of Family Practice, IMPACT, Fraser Valley Aboriginal Children & Family Services, Fraser Valley Youth Society, and Abbotsford Community Services). Services have been designed for youth and their families by youth and their families. Thank you for partnering with us. Offering crucial services like this new integrated youth hub helps us to achieve our vision of opportunities for all.
The gift of hope. For many, holiday festivities aren’t complete without gifts under the tree and a turkey with all the fixings. Sadly, this isn’t a reality for everyone.
Equitable access for all is the final pillar in our vision statement. Because of you, our Abbotsford Food Bank and Christmas Bureau continue to offer hope to our neighbors in need. This year, the annual Toys for Tots Christmas Breakfast was able to raise a record 1,600 toys and over $32,000 in financial support. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to you for this success. Community-mobilized initiatives like this help ensure that everyone among us has the opportunity to take part in the traditions we hold dear, and help provide equitable access for all.
On behalf of Abbotsford Community Services, I extend my warmest wishes to you and yours. May you have a Merry Christmas and a joyous New Year!
Warmly,
Rod Santiago
Executive Director
Abbotsford Community Services
A safe, warm home is more than a Christmas staple – it’s fundamental to a healthy community.