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.
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.
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.
Celebrating Louise’s Legacy
Learn how Director of Operations, Louise helped bring various ideas and visions to life over the span of her 15 years at Archway.
Abhitha’s Story: My Life-Changing Year
Learn how Archway’s LINC program helped Abhitha gain the confidence to pursue higher education.
Abby Dads: Learning the Importance of Communication
How learning the importance of communication helped repair *Gurdeep’s relationships.
From War-Torn Ukraine to a New Life: Oksana’s Journey of Hope in Canada
Learn how Archway was able to help Oksana and her family build a new life in Canada after fleeing from Ukraine.
STRIDE Successes: Brad’s Story
Discover how our STRIDE program provides employment support to older workers in their job search and career transition.
Helping Families Settle Safely: Farhad’s Story
Learn how a donated car seat has helped a refugee family safely settle into our community.
Affordable Childcare Revolution: The Impact of $10 a Day Childcare on Working Families
Read about the impact of $10 a day daycare on Abbotsford families.
STRIDE Program – Tammi’s story
Tammi spent hours job searching but wasn’t having any luck until she connected with our STRIDE program that helps older adults find work.
Volunteer Feature: Louise
Louise began her volunteer journey by bringing her dog Chloe to the hospital to meet patients. Louise now volunteers in the community of Abbotsford seven days a week, making over 100 sandwiches daily for the marginalized populations in Abbotsford.
Volunteer Feature: Sieglinde
Sieglinde has been volunteering with Archway for over seven years. Sieglinde loves teaching and “seeing people succeed”. She designed a confidence-building course for Community Connections where more than 20 women attended. She loves volunteering because it’s rewarding to see how her actions positively affect the people she’s working with.
Volunteer Feature: Ghadeer
When Ghadeer joined the volunteer team in the summer of 2019, she was a newcomer to Canada. Since then, she has been making a significant impact as a volunteer at the Food Bank.
Helping record influx of new Canadians enter the workforce
Find out how Archway is helping new Canadians integrate into the workforce and their community.
South Asian Day Program: Friendship, Fitness, and Fun
This program means more to us than our pensions,” said Jaswant, one of the participants of the South Asian Day program. Jaswant had been insisting that her family send her back to India as she did not want to stay in Canada any longer. After becoming a regular at the...
Cannoli: Providing Calm and Cuddles
Learn about how accredited facility dog Cannoli helps participants and staff in the Family Connections and Education programs.
Breaking Bread with Food Justice
Food Justice staff identify barriers to food access and work together to limit them. They also provide the monthly bulk buy collective.
The Cabin: A Proactive and Collaborative Approach to Homelessness
The Cabin was a transformative experience, impacting approaches to homelessness in Abbotsford.
The Flood that Was
An overview of how the community in Abbotsford was able to overcome the devastation of the floods.
Homeless Prevention Program and Community Legal Advocacy – A Place to Call Home
HPP & Community Legal Advocacy are working together to assist to those dealing with housing concerns.
Food Bank: An Outpouring of Support During the Flooding
The Food Bank received an outpouring of support and donations from the community during the 2021 Flooding.