Archway News
Stay up to date on news about Archway programs, events and partnerships with other community organizations.
In Celebration of International Women’s Day
On Friday, we held our sixth annual Ladies’ Night, bringing together more than 200 immigrant and refugee women for a celebration in honor of International Women’s Day. “Our clients look forward to this event all year,” said Community Connections coordinator Andrea...
$100,000 Donation from Stattonrock to Support Youth Health at Foundry Abbotsford
Stattonrock Design & Build has committed $100,000 over a 10-year period to support Foundry Abbotsford, a soon-to-be-open youth health and wellness centre. Foundry Abbotsford will offer local youth help with everything from finding employment to mental wellness...
Home Depot Donates Time & Tiles for Kitchens
Home Depot’s volunteer force, Team Depot, came to install tile in three Abbotsford Community Services kitchens on April 26th and May 24th. One of the kitchens is part of the children’s activity room which provides a place for children to play while their parents take...
2018 Cultural Diversity Awards
Visit the Cultural Diversity Awards website to submit a nomination and find out more about the next awards night on March 14th, 2019. The 15th Annual Fraser Valley Cultural Diversity Awards were held on Friday, March 2, 2018 at the Quality Hotel & Conference...
In Recognition of our Amazing Volunteers
April 15-21st, 2018 marks National Volunteer Week - a time when we say a special "thank you" to the (literally, hundreds) of people who donate their valuable time, skills and immense energy to our various programs. From buddies for Syrian refugee families and...
In It Together: Program Coordinator Alison Speaks at National Conference
On Wednesday, March 7th, Alison Gutrath shared the successes of our In It Together program at the Summit on Gun and Gang Violence in Ottawa, hosted by the Ministry of Public Safety. As the community coordinator of In It Together, she works with an integrated team to...
15th Annual Cultural Diversity Awards Honours Local Organizations & Individuals
The 15th annual Fraser Valley Cultural Diversity Awards were held Friday night at the Quality Hotel and Conference Centre in Abbotsford. Since 2003, community members have nominated businesses, programs, initiatives, schools and leaders that work towards building an...
Rally Against Sexual Exploitation of Youth
RALLY TO MARK SEXUAL EXPLOITATION AWARENESS WEEK On Tuesday, March 6th, the Abbotsford Community Action Team (ACAT) will host a public rally to raise awareness of sexual exploitation of children and youth. “We need to be aware that sexual exploitation of our youth is...
A Chance to Start Again: Celebrating One Year at Hearthstone Place
Before Chuck came to Hearthstone Place, he was living under a bridge in Abbotsford. Once an award-winning mechanic, he wanted to “get back to reality” but felt stuck. He didn’t like the attitude on the streets and while he got along with local aid workers and police...
Tax Filing Assistance for Seniors
While nobody looks forward to tax time, for some seniors filing taxes is extra challenging due to fixed incomes or limited computer skills. While their incomes may not be high it's important that they file so can receive all the benefits they are entitled to. Income...
Mission Senior Secondary Wins the 2018 Mind Grind
Despite inclement weather which saw several teams unable to make the trek to Sevenoaks Shopping Centre, 3 teams were able to participate in the 2018 Environmental Mind Grind, run by our Recycling program. This double-elimination style tournament tested their knowledge...
ACS Charity Golf Tournament
If you love golf, this is your opportunity to have fun while supporting a great cause!Taking place June 26, 2018, the tournament will be held at the beautiful Ledgeview Golf & Country Club – the ‘Jewel of the Fraser Valley.’ Ledgeview features a premium,...
Volunteer Income Tax Preparer Wanted
Volunteer Income Tax Preparer Position Program Overview Abbotsford Community Services in collaboration with the Canada Revenue Agency hosts an annual free tax preparation service for eligible Abbotsford residents, 55 years of age and older, of modest income and with...
The Value of Partnerships
As 2017 draws to a close, I wanted to say a heartfelt “thank you” to you for your support of Abbotsford Community Services. Upon reflecting on all the events of the past year, the word that keeps coming to mind is "partnership." Being able to serve over 40,000 people...
Spreading Christmas Cheer Through Wrapping Gifts
When Robin McNaughton showed up to volunteer at the gift wrapping station at Sevenoaks Mall, she was surprised to see an old photo of her and her three children featured on a large poster. This year, the gift wrapping station is raising funds for Abbotsford Community...
Seniors Enjoy Festive Christmas Lunch
On Monday, December 11th the participants in our Seniors’ Programs enjoyed their annual Christmas Luncheon at TRADEX here in Abbotsford. Surrounded by Christmas decorations, the cozy gathering enjoyed companionship, door prize draws and entertainment by local...
Wrap Up Some Joy This Holiday Season!
Do you have a knack for wrapping presents or tying the perfect bow? Whether you can spare an hour or an afternoon, we would love your help. We're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to wrap gifts for customers at Sevenoaks Shopping Centre throughout December. Gifts...
We Are Abbotsford
November 7th at The Reach Gallery Museum. Doors open at 6 pm. We invite you to an evening of art, dialogue, entertainment, food, and friends. Abbotsford is made up of many cultures - all of which have shaped, built and enriched this community which we call home. Yet,...
Congratulations to the Recipients of the 2017 Community Builders’ Awards
On October 26th ACS staff and board of directors gathered at The Reach for our annual Community Builders’ Awards. Joining us in recognizing the recipients for 2017 were members of their families and organizations as well as the Deputy Mayor and representatives of...
Do You Have Room in Your Heart and Your Home?
Abbotsford is in desperate need of Caregivers who will open their hearts and homes to children and youth of all age.If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a foster caregiver and making a difference in the life of a child, please join us at an upcoming...
What is Area of Greatest Need?
When we see members of our community in need, we aim to provide them the best support possible; empowering them to thrive in their own lives. Your gift to Abbotsford Community Services’ Area of Greatest Need provides us the flexibility to respond to essential...
ACS Annual General Meeting, September 21st 2017
Dear ACS Members and Friends, Please save the date for the upcoming:Annual General Meeting 21 September 2017 at 5:30pm Jasbir Saran Room Abbotsford Community Services 2420 Montrose Avenue Abbotsford, BC. V2S 3S9 Member Invitation and information to follow....
2017 Community Builders’ Awards
This annual event is designed to acknowledge those who have made an outstanding contribution to Abbotsford Community Services and the community. Join us for refreshments, entertainment, and awards!When: Thursday, October 26, 2017Location: The Reach Gallery Museum32388...
Appreciating our ACS family
Our staff are the backbone of our organization. Dedicated to our vision of justice, opportunities, and equitable access for all, our staff provide exemplary service to, and compassion for, their clients and colleagues. And for that, we couldn’t be more grateful. Each...
Buy a “paper door” and help give local youth housing and hope
The Home Depot Canada Foundation is dedicated to taking action to put an end to youth homelessness in Canada through The Orange Door Project fundraising campaign. Between June 1 and July 2, purchase a $2 paper door at the checkout of the Abbotsford The Home Depot...
Vanderpol Family Donate $150,000 to Foundry Abbotsford
Fran and Pieter Vanderpol recently pledged their commitment to the health and wellness of youth in our community. They have made a $150,000 donation to Foundry Abbotsford through their Oikodome Foundation. Oikodome, the Vanderpol family’s charity, regularly supports...
Living wage. Livable future
Stories of struggles for families not making a living wage has been a regular topic in the news over the last few years. But what exactly is a living wage? And how does it differ from the minimum wage? Simply, a living wage is an hourly wage rate calculated to keep...
A Year in Review: India2Canada Celebrates Its First Anniversary
Immigrating to a new country is a life-changing decision that requires much planning and preparation – and India2Canada is here to help. Since the program launched in Chandigarh, India, in late 2015 it’s been an exciting year of firsts and successes. Funded...
Welcome, Foundry: Making Abbotsford one of the healthiest places to be a young person
From BC Gov News: Abbotsford-area MLAs joined with members of the community today to celebrate the launch of Foundry Abbotsford, a new integrated youth-service centre. Foundry will bring new and existing services under one roof so families and young people can access...
Hearthstone Place now open: 30 new supportive homes in Abbotsford
From BC Gov News: Men and women who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless are now benefiting from a new 31-unit long-term and affordable housing development in Abbotsford, which celebrated its official opening today. Located at 2719 Gladys Ave., the Hearthstone...
Tradex’s Fraser Valley First Night supports ACS
A success year after year, this year Tradex's Fraser Valley First Night raised over $500 for Abbotsford Community Services through their volunteer-run coat check. Thank you to Tradex, and the First Night volunteers, for their generous support! Pictured left to...
#InternationalDayOfHappiness: What brings you happiness?
It's International Day of Happiness, and nothing makes us happier than working within our community. We asked a few of our staff, "In your community, what makes you happiest?" Working in the community brings me the most happiness. I love working in Abbotsford and for...
Dedicated to Diversity: A Recap of the 2017 Fraser Valley Cultural Diversity Awards
Thank You Abbotsford for welcoming all the Syrian Refugee families. Twenty-two Syrian Refugee families arrived in Abbotsford in February 2016. All 160 of them, aged two months to 48 years, were placed into 44 rooms at the local Sandman Hotel. Abbotsford Community...
The Story of Abbotsford Community Services: A Book Project
A brief insight into the book Abbotsford Community Services began in the late 1960s. A time of social ferment in Canada and the United States, it was an era of activism, new beginnings, and social service development. Local citizens came together to talk about setting...
Ladies’ Night a Success – Five Years in a Row
With music filling the air and camera flashes illuminating smiling faces, Abbotsford Community Services’ Ladies’ Night was in full swing for its fifth year in a row on February 24, 2017. We had a chance to catch up with Andrea Loewen, whose Community Connections team...
Newcomers’ Fair
Are you new to Abbotsford? New to BC? New to Canada? Join Abbotsford Community Services and AbbotsfordWORKS for a Newcomers' Fair! Gather valuable information from our community’s leading service providers and bring your immigration questions for discussion a...
We Value Diversity
Statement of Diversity We are children, youth, adults, and seniors. We are of all races, all religions, all cultures, all abilities, all sexual orientations, all genders, and all economic levels. We speak many languages. We value diversity. We endeavor to...
Generous Contribution from Dasmesh Punjabi School
Abbotsford Community Services is honored to be the recipient of a $5,000 donation from Dasmesh Punjabi School. Dasmesh Punjabi School principal George Peary and student council president Abhijeet Gill visited Abbotsford Community Services January 26 to share the good...
Tax Client Relations Volunteers Needed
Do you love people? Are you good at accuracy? Then the position of Tax Client Relations might be perfect for you. We have hundreds of low-income individuals from diverse populations who come to us who need to have their taxes done by a team of volunteers who prepare...
Ladies Night 2017
Open to all immigrant and refugee women in honor of International Women’s Day. Join us for appetizers and desserts to celebrate International Women’s Day. New to Ladies’ Night this year: Participate in a break-out session and enjoy one of the following: Chair yoga...
New Workshop Series!
The Diversity Education Office is launching a new project this winter! The Urban Eco Collective is a network of young adults who are interested in food justice and food sovereignty. The Ancestral Wisdom and Urban Food Systems workshop series run from February to March...
Abby Toys for Tots – An Incredible Response
Toys for Tots Christmas Breakfast presented by Quality Hotel, has once again, left us feeling overwhelmed with gratitude toward our community. We have been blown away by our community’s heartfelt involvement and generosity towards children in need. Together we raised...
Hope for the Holidays
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...
The Inaugural President’s Circle Event
ACS celebrated and honored our President’s Circle donors. These President’s Circle members are true philanthropists and they are making a difference in this community as they help others in need. The guests at this event were just some of the inaugural members of this...
2016 Women’s Day Project
Watch this unique “YES! I Am a Woman” video. Make little popcorn, settle into your favorite chair and spend the next 30 minutes with some wonderful women – all of whom are connected to ACS.
Building Stronger, Inclusive Communities
The Discovery Program offers Community Inclusion Services to adults with developmental disabilities. The benefits of community living and inclusion are real. Given the opportunity, people with disabilities can be productive in our communities and contribute to society...
Autumn House Needs A Home
“I want cookies. Cookies always make people feel good.” The conversation in the room grew, became more animated and an idea was born. “Let’s give the cookies to people and say – Hey, we’re from Autumn House. This is who we are. Support us.” We are talking about youth...
Controlling Your Affairs
Throughout our lives, there are times when we need help in managing some of our affairs. When you need help, you can ask for assistance without giving up the right to control your own life or to make decisions. The senior services department is here to help you with...
Horses Don’t Care Who You Are
“The passion and amazing calmness I felt was incredible,” comments a teenager when asked about her experience as a participant in the Leading the Way program offered through Abbotsford Community Services thanks to funding from Telus. “The laughing felt awesome!” says...
Managing Anger
Parenting can be a difficult and stressful job at times. Getting angry with others and yourself? It happens. Here are some of the preventative steps to managing anger as taught in the Family Education’s Anger Awareness class. Developing assertive boundaries and...
2016 Environmental Mind Grind Competition
The 2016 Environmental Mind Grind competition will be held on Saturday, April 23rd, 2016 in honor of Earth Day. The winning high school team will receive $1,500 for an environmental initiative at their high school. Competition open to all high school...