Our Story

Abilities was founded in 1998 with a primary goal of supporting individuals who have diverse abilities. We emphasize the empowerment of people with diverse abilities through community inclusion.

Abilities started as a small day program and has grown to include residential support and a social enterprise that we call, ShopAbilities. As an accredited agency, Abilities provides services in cooperation with various community members and professionals. Our services are guided by a person-centred planning process that focuses on individual goals and preferences. Access to our services is directed and funded by Community Living British Columbia.

Our Motto

No Challenge Is Too Great

The mission of Abilities is to support people with diverse abilities to reach their individual goals through choices and planning and to participate and contribute as equal members of the community.

The mission of a support worker at Abilities Community Services is to provide support for individuals with behavioural & developmental challenges. We do this by assisting our participants to achieve their goals through teamwork, community inclusion and empathy.

 

We believe that inclusive communities include everyone and people with diverse abilities are treated as equal members of society. Our motto is ‘No Challenge Is Too Great.’

To promote, organize and support the education, training, development and welfare of all people with diverse abilities in a manner consistent with our Mission Statement. We are committed to enhancing the quality of life for the people we support through:

  • Respect
  • Community Inclusion
  • Human Connection
  • A Person Centred Approach
  • Open and Transparent Communication
  • High Standards and Quality Assurance

Our Services

DAY PROGRAM SUPPORT

We operate two day programs at Abilities providing options for full inclusion into the community. Our day program focuses on recreation, life skills and leisure activities.

We operate Monday – Friday 9am to 3pm

RESIDENTIAL SUPPORT

We provide 24 hour support and care to adults with diverse abilities. Each individual has their own private room. Residential support is offered 7 days a week

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

In 2018 we created a new business that offers opportunities to learn new skills and earn income we call this – ShopAbilities.

Our Policies

We have a full policy manual to make sure that your rights are covered and being followed.

Abilities Policy Manual

Meet Our Leadership Team

Bill Doorschot

Director

Bill founded Abilities in 1998 with a focus on providing services that support individuals with diverse abilities. As a Social Worker, Bill works with community stakeholders to provide dynamic services that meet the needs of the program participants.

Jane LaFleur

General Manager

For 26 years Jane has been dedicated to supporting individuals with diverse abilities both as a front-line worker and a manager. She brings a wealth of knowledge in the following areas: Applied Behaviour Analysis, Augmentative Communication, Sensory Integration, Self Regulation, Social Stories and Transitions, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention and Nonviolent Crisis Intervention

Jordan Hainsworth

Manager

Rosa Toste

Scheduling & Staff Development/Appreciation

Alexi Ortega

Program Coordinator – Day Program

Rhonda Black

Program Coordinator – OHS

Janelle Simoneau

Program Coordinator – ShopAbilities