Abbotsford ACCESS

ACCESS: Action-oriented Community Collaborative for Equitable Services & Supports

Abbotsford ACCESS is an initiative of the City of Abbotsford’s Housing, Homelessness and Community Development team to enhance collaboration between local stakeholders, which include not-for-profit organizations, local government, health care, educational institutions, law enforcement and business. The initiative builds on work already taking place to increase information dissemination in community and identify actionable areas that can be better addressed by working together to support a robust healthy community.

Abbotsford ACCESS facilitates community impact through a multi-layered structure composed of the core partner group, action-oriented topic-specific working groups and the network. Through this work there is increased service integration, reduced duplication of effort and a service provider community committed to taking action together.

For questions on how to join our network, contact abbotsfordaccess@abbotsford.ca.

About

The City of Abbotsford will provide leadership to develop and implement initiatives alongside community partners, facilitating a collaborative approach moving forward. The goal of Abbotsford ACCESS will be to fully achieve positive change, improve collaboration and synergy in community relationships and ensure meaningful community engagement on issues affecting the community.

While the focus of Abbotsford ACCESS encompasses a broad framework of upstream social initiatives, community partners - through analysis of needs and strategic planning - will determine the key areas of focus. Key areas of focus could include areas such as community mental health, substance use, poverty reduction (food equity, financial literacy, etc.), cultural diversity, or access to housing.

Abbotsford ACCESS will ensure that all of the social determinants of health across all demographics and ethnic groups in the community are at the forefront of initiatives that are undertaken, with a focus on people who are more susceptible or vulnerable than others.

Abbotsford ACCESS will focus on:
1. Increasing awareness of resources in the community: for service providers and for the community at large.
2. Increasing understanding of the issues around focus areas through promotion of national, provincial and regional health observances and the events and activities planned by Abbotsford ACCESS partners and other community agencies that mark these.
3. Creating opportunities for the formation of partnerships and collaborations to address specific needs, where they would not have otherwise.
4. Supporting the work of community groups, new and existing partnerships, and its own action-oriented Working Groups as they relate to key focus areas.
5. Supporting funding applications for specific projects, as needed, to support the goals of such new partnerships, capitalizing on this cooperation to raise more funds than would be possible individually.
6. Evaluating the impact of Abbotsford ACCESS on community and service delivery.
As a community driven initiative, Abbotsford ACCESS is made up of ‘Partners’, which are the organizations and agencies that form it. Partners are government and non-government agencies and organizations, and both not-for-profit and supporting for-profit organizations whose areas of focus and expertise align with those of Abbotsford ACCESS to have the ability to move Abbotsford ACCESS initiatives forward.

Abbotsford ACCESS Core Partner Group
The Abbotsford ACCESS Working Groups focus on specific topics, which the service provider community has identified as priorities. There are six working groups, and two subgroups, who meet monthly to help build the community response to the topic/issue they have come together on. Members all represent local agencies, with a Chair who reports on the group's activities at the monthly partner meeting.

Working Groups:

Food Security Working Group (FSWG)
Purpose Statement: The Food Security Working Group works collaboratively to champion and contribute to the development of a food secure community, while working to address poverty reduction through the food security lens.

Food Recovery and Redistribution Technical Group (subgroup of FRRTG)
Purpose Statement: The Food Recovery and Redistribution Technical Group works to support and enhance Abbotsford’s food system with the goal of increasing food security.

Seniors Resources and Supports Working Group (SRSWG)
Purpose Statement: The Seniors Resources and Supports Working Group supports seniors in Abbotsford by working to 1) increase awareness of existing services and supports, 2) identify gaps and avoid unnecessary duplication of services, 3) collaborate and partner on projects, 3) advocate for seniors and 4) support service providers in funding opportunities.

Shelter and Housing Working Group (SHWG)
Purpose Statement: The Shelter and Housing Working Group identifies housing and shelter needs, works to overcome barriers to housing and shelter, seeks opportunities for collaboration among service providers, leverages relationships to improve service delivery, advocates for streamlined processes to increase housing opportunities.

Substance Use Working Group (SUWG)
Purpose Statement: The Substance Use Working Group invites all perspectives to work together to advance a functioning and effective continuum of care, welcoming evidence based, faith based and culturally based healing-centred practices to improve access to supports for people who self-identify with problematic substance use.

Culturally Responsive Supports and Services (CRSSWG)
Purpose Statement: The Culturally Responsive Supports and Service Working Group strives to reduce barriers that may hinder individuals from accessing services due to language and culture by helping service providers to be knowledgeable and sensitive to the cultural backgrounds and experiences of the individuals they serve.

Mental Health Working Group (MHWG)
Purpose Statement: The Mental Health Working Group collaborates to increase awareness and understanding about mental health through identifying existing resources and advocating for increased support in our community.
Abbotsford ACCESS Network is made up of local health and social professionals who provide services here in Abbotsford and share a common desire to improve health and well-being in our community. Network members receive the weekly "Thursday Mail Out"; a compilation of information from the service provider community (program updates, funding opportunities, job postings etc.). Network members also receive invitations to all Abbotsford ACCESS events, workshops, training and forums.

For any questions regarding the Network or to be added to the Network, contact abbotsfordaccess@abbotsford.ca.

Projects

- The Abby ACCESS Street Card June 2024 edition
- The Abby ACCESS Street Card June 2024 edition - 8.5x11 printable PDF
- The Abby ACCESS Seniors Resources Card September 2024 edition
- The Abby ACCESS Seniors Resources Card September 2024 edition - 8.5x11 printable PDF
- November 2024 Prepared Foods and Meals Weekly Schedule
- November 2024 Free and Low-Cost Food Programs in Abbotsford
Utilizing funds from a SparcBC Homelessness Community Action Grant, the City of Abbotsford partnered with UBC’s Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes to conduct a collaborative research initiative that would identify and address barriers that exist for unhoused individuals in Abbotsford in accessing substance use services. The research compiled insights from frontline social service workers representing 25 different agencies, involving 27 interviews, focus groups, and field observations that focused on the experiences of both the service providers and clients.

The report highlights key challenges, including the lack of treatment options, toxic drug supply, and systemic delays that hinder timely access to detox and other services. These findings support the City of Abbotsford and other stakeholders in advocating for improvements to services and funding, ensuring that those in need can access critical services without delay. This project reflects Abbotsford’s ongoing commitment to addressing the impacts of substance use, homelessness, and well-being in our community.

2024 Final Report

Agency Awareness and Connections Breakfast Events

These almost monthly events are created for the service provider community for the dual purposes of providing opportunities for people meet and get to know each other, as well as to become more informed about the service agencies in Abbotsford. The events are themed around specific topics, often aligned with the working groups themselves.

View our next event

- November 21, 2024 – Substance Use
- December 4, 2024 – Culturally Responsive Supports and Services
- February 19, 2025 – Food Security
- March 12, 2025 – Special Housing Event
- April 16, 2025 – Mental Health
- May 21, 2025 – Seniors
- June 18, 2025 – Indigenous Culture and Connections

Past Events

Program: View the October 16, 2024 Program

Powerpoint Presentations:
- Community Planning Update, Heather Kauer, Director of Community Planning, City of Abbotsford
- Supportive Scattered Site Housing, Jeanette Dillabough, Executive Director, Ravens Moon Resource Society
- Prevention and Diversion, Andrea Hoefner, Acting Supervisor, and Uchenna Elekwachi, Prevention & Diversion Worker, CEDAR Outreach Society
- Housing Supports, Lexi Rose, Supervisor, Elizabeth Fry Society
- Lookout, an Overview of Who We Are, Leonard Levy, Director of Operations, Lookout Housing and Health Society
- Home at Last – Supportive Youth Transitional Housing, Adam Beardwood, Director, Cyrus Centre Abbotsford
- Supportive Housing for Refugee Claimants, Kelly Rader, Executive Director, Inasmuch Community Society
- Supportive Housing – Hearthstone, Megan Capp, Associate Director of Housing and Community Justice, Archway Community Services
- Second Stage, Supportive Housing, Paula Sharpe, Housing Manager, SARA for Women
Program: View the June 19, 2024 Program

Powerpoint Presentations:

Ey kwas emi: The Welcome Project, Allison Gardner, District Principal of Indigenous Education, Abbotsford Indigenous Education Centre
- Red Dress Day Canada – National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit + People: May 5 – Vanessa Fleury, Board Member, Fraser Valley Metis Association and Indigenous Support Worker, Abbotsford School District
- Stetis Imexstowx: Walk Beside Us, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: September 30 – Laura Schneider, Executive Director, The Reach Gallery Museum
- Cultural Nights – Vyper Monthly Pow Wow – Marcela Pruden, Indigenous Co-Executive Director Matsqui-Abbotsford Impact Society, VYPER – Visionary Youth Peers for Equity and Revitalization
- Selxwi:chel Arts and Culture Day, annual event, 2nd Sunday in June, Christina Reid, Executive Director, Heritage Abbotsford Society
Program: View the May 29, 2024 Program

Powerpoint Presentations:
- Aging in Uncertainty, Indira Riadi, Regional Community Developer, United Way British Columbia
- Demographic focused programing, Jas Cheema, Regional Mentor, BC Community Response Networks
- Government Programs Supporting Seniors, Brenda Giesbrecht, Citizens Services Specialist, Service Canada
- Programming Supporting Seniors, Ray Reynolds, Manager, Program Delivery, BC Housing
- Benefits and Credits for Seniors, Arsi Ahmed, Community Volunteer Income Tax Program and Benefits Outreach Officer, and Indigenous Services, Western Region, Canada Revenue Agency
- Low Income Seniors supports, Larry Jhaj, Community Integration Supervisor, Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, Community Integration System
Program: View the May 15, 2024 Program

Powerpoint Presentation:
- Community Living, Community Belonging – Disability Related Supports, Christy Peters, Integrated Services Manager and Robby Jeffery, Facilitator, Community Living BC (CLBC)
- Connective and CLBC – complex needs – mental health intersection – innovation and creativity, Jen Hirsch, Fraser Region Director and Miles McClean, Program Coordinator, Connective Support Society
- Community Integration, Wellness and Indigenous supports, Adam Strider, Program Manager, Connective Support Society
- Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team, Patricia Postill, Coordinator, Abbotsford/Mission ACT Team, Fraser Health
- Mobile Integrated Crisis Response Team (MICRT) “Car 87”, Inspector Kevin Murray, OIC Patrol Branch, Abbotsford Police Department
- Empowering Positive Mental Health, Anne-Mari Morrison, Executive Director and Lisa Doerksen, Vice Chair, BeMorr Society
Program: View the April 17, 2024 Program

Power Point Presentations:
- Coordinated Access System, Graham McMahon, Coordinated Access Specialist, City of Abbotsford
- Official Community Plan and new Housing Legislation, Heather Kauer, Director of Community Planning, City of Abbotsford
- HEART and HEARTH Program, Tsitsi Watt, Regional Director, Fraser Region, BC Housing
- Transitional Housing, Laura Elout, Housing and Employment Services Manager, Kinghaven Peardonville House Society
Program: View the February 21, 2024 Program

Power Point Presentations:
- Abbotsford Food Charter, Vicki Lin, Food Justice Supervisor, Archway Community Services and Gina Guo, Public Health Dietitian, Fraser Health
- Provincial food security efforts through Fraser Health, Novella Lui, Project Leader for Healthy Eating and Food Systems, Fraser Health
- Resilient Food Systems, Alex Glaros, Researcher, Food and Agriculture Institute, University of the Fraser Valley
- The Future of the Food Bank, Rebecca Thuro, Program Supervisor, Archway Community Services Food Bank
- Food Security vs Globalization, Stephen Evans, Executive Director, Mission Community Skills Centre Society
Program: View the December 6, 2023 Program

Power Point Presentations:
- Overview of Abbotsford’s Diversity, Matthew Brown, Community Health Specialist, Fraser Health
- The Experience of our Current Service Delivery in Abbotsford from the Newcomer Lens, Ranni Tolman, Program Lead Immigrant Employment Programs, Muhi Bakini, Diversity Education Supervisor, Archway Community Services Multicultural Department, Ashley Ward-Hall, Youth Peer Supervisor, The Foundry Abbotsford
- How much do you know about the different cultures in Abbotsford? – Manpreet Sarai, SACRO supervisor - In It Together Program, Coordinator - Courtyard for Men Program, Multicultural Department, Archway Community Services
Program: View the October 18, 2023 Program

Power Point Presentations:
- Abbotsford Police Approach to Domestic Violence, Sergeant Jamie Gerrits and Detective Mistral Davidson, Intimate Partner Violence Unit, Abbotsford Police Department
- Community Organization Collaboration and Awareness, Luki Virk, Committee Chair, Violence Against Women In Relationships (VAWIR), Sue Shaw, Committee Chair, Purple Lights Committee
- Overview of SARA for Women, Kathy Moodie, Manager, Counselling, SARA for women
- Coercive Control in Intimate Partner Violence, Amanda McCormick, Associate Professor, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of the Fraser Valley (UFV)
- The Healthcare Response to Intentional Violence, Tiffany Kafka, Forensic Nurse Examiner, Abbotsford Regional Hospital
- Community Collaborative, Eric VanEgmond, Committee Chair, Safe Relationships Safe Children, Simon Thomson, Administrative Crown Counsel, Abbotsford Crown Council Office
Program: View the May 10, 2023 Program

Power Point Presentations:
Program: View the April 12, 2023 Program

Power Point Presentations:
Program: View the February 8, 2023 Program

Power Point Presentations:
Program: View the November 16, 2022 Program

Power Point Presentations:
Program: View the October 19, 2022 Program

Power Point Presentations:

Alternatives During Canada Post Service Disruption

View Mail Out

Abbotsford ACCESS

ACCESS: Action-oriented Community Collaborative for Equitable Services & Supports

About

Abbotsford ACCESS will focus on:

Working Groups:

Projects

Agency Awareness and Connections Breakfast Events

Past Events

Powerpoint Presentations:

Powerpoint Presentations:

Powerpoint Presentations:

Powerpoint Presentation:

Power Point Presentations:

Power Point Presentations:

Power Point Presentations:

Power Point Presentations:

Power Point Presentations:

Power Point Presentations:

Power Point Presentations:

Power Point Presentations:

Power Point Presentations:

Alternatives During Canada Post Service Disruption

Related Contact

Housing, Homelessness and Community Development

Innovation, Strategy and Intergovernmental Relations

View Mail Out

Abbotsford ACCESS

ACCESS: Action-oriented Community Collaborative for Equitable Services & Supports

About

Projects

Agency Awareness and Connections Breakfast Events

Past Events