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History The Surrey Association for Community Living is a registered non-profit society formed by parents, professionals, and interested people. The society advocates for persons with developmental disabilities and assists them to reach their maximum potential. In carrying out it's mandate the Surrey Association has two main objectives. The first is to provide support services for people with a developmental disability and their families. The second objective is to develop, operate, or initiate residential, vocational, educational and recreational opportunities in the community for people with a developmental disability. These objectives, beliefs, and principles form the basis for development and maintenance of the Surrey Association's programs. It is a philosophical foundation that results in a high quality of service both to the individuals who receive direct service from the Surrey Association and to the community of Surrey in general. The following brief overview of the history of the Surrey Association quite accurately reflects its on-going commitment to this philosophy. 1958 The incorporation of SAMH and implementation of the first school program in Surrey for mentally handicapped children. 1962 Second school for mentally handicapped children in Cloverdale. 1965 First summer playground program in conjunction with Surrey Parks & Recreation Commission. 1968 First adult program for five post school-age people. 1973 Travel exchange between Surrey and Kenora, Ontario 1975 Initiated the Infant Development Program. First Holiday Options (summer camp) during months of July and August. 1976 Sponsored and organized first Drama Festival for schools serving mentally handicapped children. 1977 Moved into current Clover Valley Industries (sheltered workshop building in Cloverdale. 1979 First night school classes for mentally handicapped adults in cooperation with continuing education of Surrey School District. 1980 Opened first children's residence of the Association. 1981 Opened second children's residence. 1983 Established first residential training program leading to independent living - TIP (Training for Independent Living). 1985 Established adult residence for persons retiring from Tranquille Institution in Kamloops. Established Cedar Centre (now Community Options) day program for the more severely handicapped. 1987 Initiated Job Club and Supported Employment program. 1988 Project '88 - two adult residences for eight people, and a day program for 16 people. 1990 Travel exchange between Surrey and Orillia, Ontario 1991 Community House - a residence for four young adults currently residing within the community. 1992 Skills Enhancement Program for training and job preparedness. In order to achieve this type of success consistently throughout the years, efforts have been made to keep abreast of new and innovative technologies in program planning. General administrative and financing mechanisms are in place to support these services, and cooperative and collaborative relationships have been formed and maintained with many community groups and organizations. Today the Surrey Association for Community Living has three main avenues of service: Residential, Vocational, and Family & Individual Services. General administration of these services is accomplished by the Executive Director. Assisting him are three Coordinators, each responsible for one of the service areas. This Executive is then directly responsible to the Board of Directors who are in turn responsible to those receiving services from the Association and to the community at large. In addition to the previously outlined specific services the Surrey Association sponsors and holds special events, lobbies government, participates in community activities, and advocates for mentally handicapped individuals in general.
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Surrey Association for Community Living 17687 56 A Avenue, Surrey BC Phone 604 574-7481 Fax 604 574-4731 |
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