WHO WE ARE
posAbilities is a not-for-profit association that offers community living support services to individuals across British Columbia. Our services are guided by a core set of values that describe how we work with persons served, families, community partners, and each other. They are a part of all that we do, and a reminder of the heart that is in our work.
Our vision
Inclusive communities, enriched lives.
Our mission
We assist persons with developmental disabilities to lead meaningful and healthy lives by partnering with the community to provide a comprehensive range of person-centred services for individuals and the families who care for them.
Our values
- Person-Centredness: We are person-centred in our thinking and our actions.
- Inclusion: We embrace diversity and believe every person is an equal and valued member of community.
- Learning: We encourage innovation, learning and growth.
- Excellence: We act ethically and with integrity in all that we do. We celebrate the best in ourselves and others.
posAbilities provides a variety of services in all 21 of Metro Vancouver’s municipalities, including: Vancouver, North Shore, Surrey, Delta, Richmond, Burnaby, New Westminster, Tri-Cities, Langley, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows and Abbotsford through to Hope. We also offer local services on the Sunshine Coast, Vancouver Island, and in the B.C. interior. Over the past fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, posAbilities 637 employees provided services to 2,063 persons served, some of whom were enrolled in multiple programs.
Our history
posAbilities was created in 1998 when four community living groups came together under the new name, Mainstream Association for Proactive Community Living. In 2002, another group, Laurel House, an autism treatment center, joined the association. The merger happened because the groups were small and spread out over a large area. While each offered valuable programs, some programs worked better when connected with others. Joining together helped the groups reach and support more people.
In 2010, the association changed its name to posAbilities, combining the words “positive” (pos) and “abilities.” This new name reflects our focus on the strengths and abilities of everyone we serve. The change also marked a shift in thinking, from trying to fit people into existing systems to seeing diversity as something that makes our communities stronger. Inclusion means no one is left out.