Archway Stories
Every year, thousands of people walk through our doors seeking support and resources. Here are a few stories of how we’ve played a role in assisting members of our community as they forge a path forward.
From Diagnosis to Purpose: Baswinder’s Volunteer Journey
Baswinder’s life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer.
Honouring Jasbir Saran, 30 Years Later: A Legacy That Raises Awareness of Intimate Partner Violence
On April 5, 1996, a tragedy unfolded in Vernon, BC, that would forever change a family and a community.
Growing Skills and Confidence: Olena’s Volunteer Journey
Olena shows how giving back builds confidence, community, and new career opportunities in Canada.
A Passionate Voice for Youth Mental Health: Alyssa’s Volunteer Journey with Foundry
Volunteering at Foundry strengthened Alyssa’s confidence and inspired mental health awareness.
Finding Strength in Asking for Help: Diana’s Journey with the Archway Food Bank
Diana hoped to rebuild a new life after losing a six-figure income.
From Surviving to Thriving: Layla’s Journey With the Stop Exploiting Youth Program
Layla was living with friends, bouncing between unstable homes, and navigating a world of hurt.
From Participant to Program Lead Through the Employment Mentors Program
Learn how a chance encounter with Archway eventually led Din to join the Archway Food Bank as an employee.
End of an Era: Honouring the Archway Recycling Program and Its Lasting Impact
A 50‑plus‑year legacy of sustainability and providing meaningful employment for those with barriers.
Smiling Once Again: A Family’s Journey with the Archway Food Bank and Christmas Bureau
Avneet’s family had just returned to Canada in October, and Christmas was fast approaching.
Building Better Fathers: Al’s Journey with Abby Dads
Through Abby Dads’ Dad Chat, Al found support and healing during a challenging time.
Bridging the Gap Between Arrival and Belonging Through the Archway LINC Program
The LINC program offers language learning that opens doors to opportunity and belonging.
From Hopelessness to Healing Through the Archway Food Bank
Archway Food Bank supported Stephen during a difficult period until he could work again and give back.
More Than a Meal: A Teacher’s Perspective on the Impact of the Starfish Pack Program
The Starfish Pack Program helped Jana keep her students fed with nutritious meal packs all year long.
Mateo’s Journey with the Legal Advocacy for Agriculture Workers Program
Learn how a legal advocate helped Mateo, an agriculture worker, understand his labour rights in BC.
From Client to Colleague: How Interpretation Services Empowered Brenda to Help Others
Learn how an ITS interpreter helped Brenda and her husband navigate healthcare and inspire a new career.
From Hardship to Hope: Lisa’s Journey with the Archway Food Bank
After fleeing domestic violence, Lisa found support at the Archway Food Bank.
Building a Better Future with Archway’s Moving Ahead Program
Learn how the Moving Ahead Program helped Varsha land a job, while securing her freedom and well-being.
From Uncertainty to Employment with Archway’s Employment Mentors Program
Learn how the Employment Mentors program helped Kavya land her first job in Canada.
Growing Community with Archway’s Urban Farm
Chantelle has learned the basics of how to harvest and grow food without chemicals.
Mayra’s Journey: From Volunteer to Community Builder
Mayra worked on oil rigs in Mexico, studied in France and now started a Latin’s women group.
Supporting Over 500 Students: A Volunteer’s Legacy
Peter has spent years in the military and decades working across the Middle East and Africa.
Finding Connection and Purpose: Volunteering at Lunch with the Bunch
At 82 years old, Paul has lived a life full of experiences working across Europe and North America.
Empowering Peers Through Foundry Ambassadors
Jaida, a senior at Robert Bateman Secondary, is dedicated to promoting mental health and well-being.
Valerie’s Journey with Archway’s Family Legal Advocacy Program
Valerie needed legal support in finalizing the divorce of her 35-year marriage.
From Conflict to Community: Nataliia’s Volunteer Journey
Volunteering at Archway has allowed Nataliia to contribute to her new community while practicing her English
From Congo to Canada: Bernard’s Journey of Hope
After unimaginable loss and narrowly escaping rebel recruitment, Bernard found refuge in Canada.
Hope at Hearthstone: Laura’s Story
Laura has found a sense of stability that was elusive during her time living on the streets.
Jill’s Journey with Archway’s Discovery Program
Jill enjoys the people and fun things she gets to do in our Discovery program.
Donna’s Journey with the Discovery Program: A New Chapter of Helping Others
Donna has been a part of our Discovery program since 1997 and is now helping her fellow participants in the program.
From STAR to Success: Bella’s Journey with Archway’s Community Living Programs
From karaoke to learning new life skills in the Discovery program
From Lebanon to Abbotsford: How Archway Helped Two Immigrant Youth Thrive
Walida and Sara develop skills and embrace their identities in the Immigrant Youth program.
The Archway Urban Farm: Growing Community Partnerships
Learn how the Archway Urban Farm has grown to provide more than just fresh food to the community.
From Struggle to Sustenance: Gema’s Journey with the Archway Food Bank
How the Archway Food Bank was able to support Gema, a single mother seeking a fresh start in Abbotsford.
From Foundry Client to Volunteer: Rahul’s Story
Learn how Rahul moved to Canada as an international student and found a community at Foundry.
Bev’s Journey to Independence with Archway’s Social Prescribing Program for Seniors
Bev’s return to Canada after the death of her husband turned into an arduous journey.
The Role of Compassionate Counselling in Brian’s Journey to Sobriety
Brian struggled with alcohol addiction for 5 years but found sobriety through the Abbotsford Addictions Centre.
Starfish Packs: Providing Nutritional Support Beyond the Classroom
Learn how the Starfish Pack Program is able to provide nutritional support to over 700 students across Abbotsford.
Finding Stability: Kerry’s Journey at Hearthstone Place
Learn how Kerry was able to find stability and purpose after moving into Hearthstone Place.
Fostering Friendships and Cultural Exchange Through Volunteerism
Friendship and cultural exchange between volunteer and newcomer in our One-on-One Match program.
Foundry Volunteer Feature: Nathan
Nathan is one of the amazing Foundry Abbotsford Ambassadors who help promote mental health and well-being.
Dr. Elizabeth Watt Retiring after Helping Transform Youth Healthcare in Abbotsford
Dr. Elizabeth Watt is retiring from her position as the Medical Director for Foundry Abbotsford.
Holiday Hours 2023
Archway’s holiday hours.
Autumn House: Setting Youth up for Success
Learn how Autumn House supports youth to ensure they are set up for success as they transition out of care.
Better at Home: Celebrating a Decade of Empowering Abbotsford Seniors
Ten years of providing home-support services to seniors in Abbotsford.
From Client to Youth Peer Support Worker: Alex’s Story
Learn how Alex was able to navigate difficult times during her youth and find a place of belonging at Foundry Abbotsford.
Archway Food Bank: Increasing Access to Food Amongst Record-high Food Insecurity
The Archway Food Bank is seeing more and more households accessing its services every month.
Donor Spotlight: Generations of Generosity
Learn how Ravi used the Starfish Pack Program to teach his children the importance of giving back.
Eagle’s Nest Early Learning Centre Enters Second Year
Eagle’s Nest addresses childcare demand with new rooms and affordable options.
Community Van – Providing Reliable and Affordable Transportation
How the Community Van provides affordable and reliable transportation to residents in Abbotsford.
From Afghanistan to Canada: Khesraw’s Journey of Resilience and Hope
Meet Khesraw: A resilient Afghan refugee who found his new home in Abbotsford.
Finding Purpose and Changing Lives: Helping People With Diverse Abilities Find Meaningful Work
Our EPIC program is changing the lives of individuals with diverse abilities through meaningful work.