We're Excited!
On July 22, 2021, Nanaimo Association for Community Living (NACL) celebrated its 35th Anniversary! It was a time for the community of Nanaimo and surrounding area to join us in celebrating our history, progress, and achievements.
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How We Started, and How We've Evolved...
In 1986, a small group of parents and interested citizens from the Nanaimo area came together to explore the idea of providing services to adults with diverse abilities ("diversabilities"). A new era was emerging, with the emphasis on community-based programs as opposed to institutional services – and they believed that additional programs would provide people with more choices.
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The time was right for such a society in the Nanaimo area. As a result of the group’s combined beliefs and vision, NACL was formed under the Society Act of British Columbia on July 22, 1986.
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NACL initially started with two day programs in the Fall of 1986, followed shortly thereafter by staffed homes as a result of continued de-institutionalization of people with diversabilities. Since then, NACL has grown by leaps and bounds – expanding its program offerings over the years to include our Home Share Program, Employment Services, a Youth Staffed Home, and our multi-sensory environment known as the Snoezelen Room. We also proudly opened our 28-unit townhouse complex on Uplands Drive in October 2020, and have commenced outreach services (in partnership with both Ballenas Housing Society and Woodgrove Senior Citizens Housing Society), as well as on our own!
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And Now...
Today, NACL provides services to over 200 people – both youth and adults – operating several Staffed Homes, Community Inclusion services, plus the other programs/services mentioned above!
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To ensure the best possible care for those we serve, NACL employs about 200 people – including casual and permanent Community Support Workers, Child and Youth Care Workers, Senior Residence Workers, and Program Coordinators – plus our Administrative Team of managerial and support staff.
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Time to Share!
NACL has had a positive impact on many people over what is now 35+ years – and we have so many people within the community to thank for their support. We also have many people within NACL and those closely associated with us, who have made what we do so rewarding!
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And with that, our people have stories to tell – so we’re excited to share their Amazing Stories with you, featuring aspects of their lives within our NACL family – and in turn, sharing information about our programs and services they are or have been involved with!
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We’ll be sharing pieces of these stories on our social media as well, so be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn!
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Check out the links below as we proudly share NACL’s AMAZING STORIES!