The Abbotsford ACCESS Working Groups focus on specific topics, which the service provider community has identified as priorities. There are six working groups, and two subgroups, who meet monthly to help build the community response to the topic/issue they have come together on. Members all represent local agencies, with a Chair who reports on the group's activities at the monthly partner meeting.
These are the working groups:
Food Equity and Distribution Working Group (FEDWG)
Purpose Statement: The Food Equity and Distribution Working Group works to ensure equitable, inclusive, sustainable, and culturally appropriate access to food in Abbotsford in the short, medium and long term. We do so through building collaborative community partnerships, increasing awareness of food resources and food production, connecting environmental impacts to food security, and supporting integrated service delivery.
Food Recovery and Redistribution Technical Group (subgroup of FRRTG)
Purpose Statement: The Food Recovery and Redistribution Technical Group works to support and enhance Abbotsford’s food system with the goal of increasing food security.
Household Food Waste Reduction Team (subgroup of HFWRT)
Purpose Statement: The Household Food Waste Reduction Team is dedicated to facilitating community efforts in reducing food waste and promoting ways that everyone can reduce food waste.
Seniors Resources and Supports Working Group (SRSWG)
Purpose Statement: The Seniors Resources and Supports Working Group supports seniors in Abbotsford by working to 1) increase awareness of existing services and supports, 2) identify gaps and avoid unnecessary duplication of services, 3) collaborate and partner on projects, 3) advocate for seniors and 4) support service providers in funding opportunities.
Shelter and Housing Working Group (SHWG)
Purpose Statement: The Shelter and Housing Working Group identifies housing and shelter needs, works to overcome barriers to housing and shelter, seeks opportunities for collaboration among service providers, leverages relationships to improve service delivery, advocates for streamlined processes to increase housing opportunities.
Substance Use Working Group (SUWG)
Purpose Statement: The Substance Use Working Group invites all perspectives to work together to advance a functioning and effective continuum of care, welcoming evidence based, faith based and culturally based healing-centred practices to improve access to supports for people who self-identify with problematic substance use.
Culturally Responsive Supports and Services (CRSSWG)
Purpose Statement: The Culturally Responsive Supports and Service Working Group strives to reduce barriers that may hinder individuals from accessing services due to language and culture by helping service providers to be knowledgeable and sensitive to the cultural backgrounds and experiences of the individuals they serve.
Mental Health Working Group (MHWG)
Purpose Statement: The Mental Health Working Group collaborates to increase awareness and understanding about mental health through identifying existing resources and advocating for increased support in our community.