Craig Summers, Executive Director of PAACL

Craig Summers

Executive Director
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About PAACL

We advocate with and for persons with diverse abilities to have choices and to live inclusively in the community

The  Port Alberni Association for Community Living (PAACL) has been a registered non-profit society incorporated under the Society Act of BC, since 1957.

PAACL has a long and highly respected reputation in the community for advocacy and service to people with developmental disabilities and their families. Our history reflects the significant contribution of individuals, their families and friends, our employees, and other concerned citizens for over 60 years.

Vision

The Port Alberni Association for Community Living (PAACL) advocates with and for persons with diverse abilities to have choices and to live inclusively in the community.

See our Strategic Plan Pillars and Priorities

Mission

We engage the community in including people with diverse abilities for the benefit of everyone.

Values (the backbone of all that we do):

  • Person-centered:   The people we serve and their needs are the primary focus of PAACL programs and services;
  • Inclusive:  Each individual’s unique qualities are valued at PAACL; we actively create and maintain an environment that promotes diversity and inclusion;
  • Accessible:  PAACL is responsible for eliminating barriers to support by ensuring that all programs and services are accessible to all;
  • Respectful:  Board members, employees, and self-advocates behave in a manner that reflects the dignity and potential of all human beings;
  • Safe and Supportive:  All PAACL sites are safe, supportive, and caring environments for the people we serve, staff, volunteers, and other stakeholders;
  • Collaborative:  PAACL works in partnership with agencies, stakeholders, and funders to meet the needs of the individuals that we serve;

Funding

Our programs are primarily funded by Community Living British Columbia, Ministry of Children and Families, and BC Housing.  Additional funding for our Pathways Clubhouse has been provided by BC Community Gaming Grants.

Accreditation

CARF LogoPAACL is accredited by CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities), an independent accrediting body that measures PAACL’s conformance to standards pertaining to the services we provide; assisting us in enhancing the quality of our services, demonstrating value, and meeting internationally recognized organizational and program standards.

PAACL was awarded our sixth consecutive Three-Year Accreditation by CARF to May 31, 2023  (view Accreditation Report).