Communitas Supportive Care Society in Abbotsford celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
What began as a small, grass-roots initiative in 1974 has grown into an organization that serves people living with developmental disabilities, mental-health challenges, and acquired brain injury in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and Vancouver Island.
Communitas CEO Karyn Santiago said the organization is planning on celebrating this milestone in a variety of ways that do more than simply look back.
“Our theme for the year is ‘Our Story. Our Community. Our Future’ and our year-long celebrations will reflect these themes,” she said.
Communitas will hold various events throughout the year that will bring the Communitas family together with people from each community in which the organization is present.
Communitas is partnering with local organizations in both Abbotsford and Campbell River to raise awareness of its work, including with open houses at both main offices.
Each home and service facilitated by Communitas will also have the opportunity to create a celebration event, inviting their neighbours, friends and family to participate.
The year will culminate with an event at The Reach Gallery Museum in Abbotsford.
RELATED: Internship at Communitas in Abbotsford a valuable experience for student
One of the projects that Communitas has undertaken is the production of five short films, each one focused on a different aspect of the organization’s area of service. The films will be housed on the organization’s website, and live screenings are also being planned.
“One of our deep values is inclusion, and our 50th anniversary seemed like an obvious opportunity to open the doors and invite our communities to explore who we are and what we do,” Santiago said.
As Communitas looks to its future, the organization is looking to grow in several areas of service – home living options, mental health, life skills, and employment.
To that end, Communitas is launching a Communitas50 Fund and is recruiting 50 Champions who, together, will raise $500,000 to make these dreams reality.
RELATED: ‘Choosing Hope’ is theme for art and poetry exhibit in Abbotsford
Sarah De Klein, head of philanthropy and donor relations for Communitas, said she is excited to see that several champions have already stepped up to accept the challenge.
“We are so grateful to be part of a compassionate and generous community,” she said. “It is only together that we can continue to create inclusive communities where everyone has a place to contribute and thrive.”
More events are being explored to celebrate the 50th anniversary and will be announced as the year unfolds.
“We really want to take the whole year to celebrate our past, engage with our communities, and dream about what the future can hold for people of all abilities,” Santiago said. “We invite our communities to join us in this celebration.”
Visit CommunitasCare.com for more information.
