Our History

Discussions about developing a community services organization began in 1967. In addition to participants from the local community, we had participation from the School of Social Work, UBC and the provincial voluntary Association of Health and Welfare, now the Social Planning and Research Council of B.C. (SPARC).

We began with a survey, printed directory, involved volunteers with seniors and youth and became a registered society in early 1969. Walter Paetkau, then on staff with the Mennonite Central Committee, was seconded half time to develop the fledgling organization.

In January 1971, sponsored by the Volunteer Association of Health and Welfare, we received a three-year demonstration grant from Health and Welfare Canada to develop a community services agency. Walter Paetkau then became the first full time employee with Helen Layton as the support staff person. Walter served the agency as Executive Director to the summer of 2000.

Today we have a large central facility on Montrose Avenue and the Old Courthouse on Laurel that house most of our services for children, family, youth, seniors, the disabled and the multicultural and immigrant services.

Our Community Law Office is off site as is the thrift store, employment services, food bank and a number of services for children and youth.

Together with the City of Abbotsford and the District of Mission, we operate the Recycling Plant on Valley Road.

When we began, the population of Abbotsford was 37,000. Today we are serving a community in the range of 110,000.

In the 21st century, we look forward to continuing to serve the community and will adapt and change what we do to meet the changing needs.Abbotsford Community Services, registered in 1969, is an interdependent, non-profit, multi-service, community based agency with a three-fold intent: