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.
Meals on Wheels – Serving Nutrition and Connections
The Meals on Wheels program at Archway is celebrating 50 years of serving members in our community.
Foundry Abbotsford Health Centre Marks 4th Year of Helping Youth
Foundry Abbotsford marked it’s fourth anniversary this year since first opening its doors to youth in 2018.
Volunteer Opportunities at Archway
At Archway Community Services we offer multiple volunteer opportunities for all individuals.
A Proactive and Collaborative Approach to Homelessness
Archway provides homeless individuals with multiple resources such as the Cabin and the Lodge.
Life Coaching: Abbotsford Mission Recycling Program Offers a Supportive Workplace
The Abbotsford Mission Recycling program provides both a flexible and supportive environment for its staff.
How Senior Services are Going the Extra Mile to Connect with Vulnerable Older Adults
The Senior Services team provides a variety of services such as delivering meals, income tax help, and more.
How the Opioid Agonist Treatment Centre is Tackling the Opioid Crisis in Abbotsford
The OAT Centre works hard to tackle the increase of intakes due to the effects of COVID on the opioid crisis.
It Takes a Village – Parenting Through a Pandemic, PSTD and Cancer
The Best for Babies team helped support a mother while her husband faced various health concerns.
Food as the Ultimate Community Builder
Archway’s Food Bank supports the community with various partnerships to ensure everyone has access to food.
Employment Programs Help Job Seekers Navigate the Changing Economy
How different employment programs at Archway have helped job seekers during the pandemic.
Syrian Refugees Families Thriving and Giving Back
Syrian refugee families are giving back to the community in ways they were supported when they first arrived.
The Diversity Education Program sees a Spike in Incident Reports
A look into the increase of incident reports of both racism and discrimination towards minorities.
Providing Youth Mental Health Services in Challenging Times – Youth Resource Centre (YRC)
The Youth Resource Centre provides youth with a variety of mental health services during difficult times.
Providing Youth Mental Health Services in Challenging Times – Foundry
Youth mental health services during the pandemic were provided through virtual sessions at Foundry.
Providing Youth Mental Health Services in Challenging Times – Basic Life Skills Training (BLT)
BLT mental health services were provided during the pandemic through various outdoor visits.
How Community Partnerships are Helping Local Youth Thrive
Partnerships through the community allow youth to thrive by assuring them that the community cares.
Social Prescribing Program Links Vulnerable Seniors to Health Supports
The social prescribing program is able to support seniors who are needing access to available heath supports.
Stories from Male Survivors of Sexual Assault
Male survivors of sexual assault share their stories and bring awareness to the impact of sexual abuse.
How Archway Continues to Pivot to Meet Community Needs
Archway is now focusing its services and programs on four different types of areas that meet community needs.
A Year in a Pandemic: Reflecting on COVID-19’s Impact
Reflecting on the impact the pandemic has had on services and programs at Archway.
ITS: Translating the Essentials During a Global Pandemic
ITS overcame challenges with Covid, ensuring individuals still had access to services in languages they understand.
Behind the Scenes at Archway
Staff at Archway took precautions to ensure programs and facilities would continue to run during the pandemic.
Abbotsford Youth Health Centre: Partners in Wellness
How the AYHC has transitioned from a part-time clinic to a instrumental part of Foundry Abbotsford.
Right Now It’s Like This: Counselling Services During a Global Pandemic
The pandemic increased the demand for counselling, leading to a variety of services now being offered.
Family Connections & Family Education: Support and Education During Unprecedented Times
Family Connections and Family Education have provided vital services to clients during the pandemic.
Legal Advocacy: No Adjournment of Services During COVID-19
Archway’s legal advocacy programs found innovative ways to serve clients during the pandemic.
Archway Food Bank: Open in Tough Times
The Archway food bank adopted new ways to meet the increased demand during the pandemic.
Fraser Valley Human Dignity Coalition: 20 Years of Responding to Hate and Honouring Diversity
The FVHDC is marking 20 years of responding to discrimination within the community.
Rod Santiago Marks 10 Years as Archway Executive Director
Executive Director, Rod Santiago, marks 10 years at Archway Community Services.
Abby Dads: 10 Years of Supporting Fathers in Active Parenting
Abby Dads has supported fathers for over 10 years, helping create healthy relationships with their families.
STRIDE: Stepping into a New Program During a Global Pandemic
During the pandemic, STRIDE has continued to help people over the age of 55 gain employability skills.
LINC: A Celebration of Learning Online and Overcoming Obstacles
The LINC program made a successful transition to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Career Paths Helps Mansi Fulfill Graphic Design Dream
Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants helps a client get a full-time job at a local design company.
Discovery Staff ‘Parade’ for Participants
Discovery staff paraded through participants neighborhoods after activities were suspended.
Supporting Victims of Abuse
How the Specialized Victims Assistance Program is able to support those dealing with abuse.
Meet Runjan: Archway Recruitment & Engagement Specialist
How newcomer, Runjan used the employment services available at Archway to support her career goals.
Banking on a New Life in Canada: Gurdas’ Story
Gurdas’ story of how Archway’s programs for newcomers helped him find career success at Prospera.
Darlene’s Story: Love and Boundaries
Darlene’s story of how Archway provided her with resources, learning opportunities, and emotional support.
Program Helps Skilled Immigrants Find Related Employment
Careers Paths for Skilled Immigrants has allowed newcomers to enter the job market in their former careers.
A Journey Through the History of Recycling
Lear how Archway’s recycling program has become a staple within the community of Abbotsford.
Overcoming Addiction and Homelessness
Kal’s story of overcoming addiction and homelessness to now becoming a food bank volunteer.
Keeping Busy and Being Helpful at Discovery: Betty Lou’s Story
Betty Lou is a long time participant of the discovery program and takes pride in volunteering at Archway.
Fun and Friendship at Discovery: Donna’s Story
Donna’s reflects on the fun and friendships she has created attending Discovery for the past 15-20 years.
Creative Pursuits at Discovery: Martin’s Story
Martin reflects on the creative pursuits he has been able to take part in while attending the Discovery program.
Share Your Thanks
Megan is thankful she found Archway’s Family Centre and received support when she found out she was pregnant.
Walter’s Story: Starting and Growing Community Services
Walter Paetkau started Archway Community Services after identifying multiple community needs.
30 Years of Serving the Community
Over time, Manpreet Grewal has helped grow the Multicultural and Immigrant Integration Department.
Leslie’s Story – Adjusting to a New Reality
Leslie’s story of gaining support and finding employment through the EPIC program.
Three Friends Join Forces To Make A Difference
Three Community Connections volunteers share how they make a difference in the community.
A Mother’s Struggle to Save Her Son from Gang Life
A mother’s story of how the In It Together program helped save her son from gang life.
Danielle Miller shares Brave Story
Danielle Miller story of overcoming post-traumatic stress disorder through the support of counseling and CVAP.