Healing through community: Archway Community Services’ commitment to mental wellness
For over five decades, Archway Community Services has been a cornerstone of support and advocacy in British Columbia, offering essential programs and services to individuals and families in need. As one of the first community service agencies established in the province, Archway had built a reputation for inclusivity, compassion, and excellence, guided by a mission to foster community well-being and social justice through positive action and leadership.
“From newborn babies to seniors, from individuals escaping violence to those struggling with addiction, from newcomers to individuals with diverse abilities — we help people feel like they belong,” says Shairose Jinnah, MA, Executive Director for Programs and Services at Archway Community Services.
With a network of over 500 staff and more than 2,000 volunteers across 28 locations in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission, Langley and even as far as Chandigarh, India, Archway continues to expand its impact. Each year, thousands seek support from Archway’s 90+ programs, which range from crisis intervention to long-term community development initiatives.
Prioritizing mental wellness: addressing a critical need
One of the areas in which Archway demonstrated remarkable leadership is in mental health services. Jinnah explains that through an extensive consultation process for the organization’s 2019-2023 strategic plan, mental wellness emerged as a top priority. Recognizing a significant gap in accessible mental health resources, Archway took bold steps to create innovative solutions to meet community needs.
“We started counselling programs with very limited funding, but we knew there was a desperate need,” Jinnah recalls. “Through persistence and partnerships, we have been able to secure additional funding not only to sustain but also expand these programs since 2019. The model has evolved as we learned what works and what needs to change.”
Archway now offers a diverse range of free counselling services designed to support individuals facing various challenges. These include short-term counselling for community members who cannot afford private therapy, men’s trauma counselling for adult male survivors of sexual abuse and counselling for victims of recent sexual assault in collaboration with Archway’s victim services program. The expansion of the Sexual Abuse Intervention Program (SAIP) has also allowed Archway to extend services beyond Abbotsford into Mission, significantly reducing waitlists.
Another key development has been the integration of mental wellness support for Archway’s own staff. “We recognize that our team members are doing incredibly difficult work, and they need support, too,” Jinnah emphasizes. “We’ve introduced paid wellness days and expanded resources to ensure our staff have the tools they need to maintain their own well-being while serving others.”
Making a lasting impact in the community
The growing waitlist for Archway’s short-term counselling highlights both the urgent need for mental health support in the community and the value of the services being provided. While this demonstrates the trust and demand for Archway’s counselling, it also underscores the need for greater capacity to meet the increasing demand.
One of the most significant milestones has been making specialized trauma counselling accessible to men in Abbotsford. “Previously, men who had experienced sexual abuse had to travel to Vancouver [about one hour away by car] to receive specialized services,” she explains. “Now, they have an option right here in their own community. That accessibility is life-changing.”
Similarly, the expansion of the SAIP program has reduced barriers for young people in need of intervention services. “By bringing these services to Mission and Abbotsford, we are helping to reduce the overall waitlists and ensuring that children and youth receive timely support,” Jinnah adds.
The integration of counselling services into schools through Foundry Abbotsford has also been a game-changer. “By offering counselling directly in school settings, we are increasing accessibility for youth who may not otherwise seek out these services,” Jinnah explains. “Meeting young people where they are makes all the difference.”
Archway has also implemented a Community of Practice for counselling staff from various programs, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment. “It’s important for counsellors to have a space where they can learn together, share best practices, and support each other,” Jinnah says. “This enhances the quality of care we provide to clients and strengthens our collective expertise.”
Looking to the future
As Archway moves forward with its 2024-2028 strategic plan, the organization remains committed to enhancing mental health resources for the community. “We will continue advocating for sustainable funding and expanding our services to meet the growing demand,” Jinnah affirms.
Reflecting on Archway’s journey, she emphasizes the importance of adaptability and innovation in the social services sector. “Our work is never static. We listen, we learn, and we respond to the needs of our community. That is what makes Archway special—our willingness to evolve and our unwavering commitment to those we serve.”
Through its comprehensive mental wellness initiatives, Archway Community Services is not only addressing immediate needs but also fostering long-term resilience in the communities it serves. As the organization continues to grow, its vision remains clear: justice, opportunities and equitable access for all.
For more information about Archway and its programs, visit: https://archway.ca/
If you are a member of the Federation, liked the article and want to see your organization featured in this series, send an email to giovani@fcssbc.ca.