Pioneer Community Living Association - PCLA

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Pioneer Community Living Association - PCLA

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Pioneer Community Living Association (PCLA) is a non-profit, mental health organization that provides innovative services and housing options to persons with mild to complex mental health symptoms.

06/18/2026

Stronger Connections, Better Mental Health

Recently, residents and staff from Pioneer Community Living Association gathered at Hume Park for our annual Mental Health Walk in support of this year's theme, "Come Together Canada: Stronger Connections, Better Mental Health."

The day began with movement and stretching before residents set out on both short and long walking routes through the park. Afterwards, everyone came together for lunch, activities, and meaningful conversations focused on mental wellness and community connection.

While the walk itself was important, the most powerful part of the day was seeing residents connect with one another. Throughout the event, residents were laughing, socializing, sharing stories, and celebrating the friendships they have built within the PCLA community.

At PCLA, we know that connection is an essential part of well-being. Events like this help foster belonging, reduce isolation, and strengthen the supportive communities that help people thrive.

Thank you to our Activity Coordinators, Leah, Amber, Jacklyn, and Mira, as well as the many staff and residents who helped make this event such a success.

06/11/2026

Thank you, Scott Roberts

Today, we extend our sincere thanks to Scott Roberts as he steps down from his role as Board Chair of Pioneer Community Living Association.

Since becoming Board Chair in 2023, Scott has provided calm, steady, and thoughtful leadership during a period of significant growth and investment for PCLA. His strategic guidance, dedication, and consistent presence helped support several important milestones, including the acquisition of Henderson House, the implementation of major accessibility upgrades across our properties, and the completion of a significant bedroom refurbishment project to enhance the comfort and quality of life of the individuals we serve.

Beyond these accomplishments, Scott was a highly engaged and supportive leader. He brought valuable insight to Board discussions, remained deeply committed to our mission, and consistently championed efforts that strengthen housing, recovery, and mental health supports in our community.

Reflecting on his time with PCLA, Scott shared:

"Serving as Board Chair of PCLA has been both an honour and a privilege. I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such passionate and dedicated people who are committed to supporting individuals living with mental illness. I leave knowing the organization is well-positioned for the future and will continue to make a lasting impact in our community."

We are grateful for Scott's leadership, service, and commitment to PCLA over the past three years. His contributions have helped strengthen our organization and position it for continued success in the years ahead.

Thank you, Scott, for your dedication and support. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

06/05/2026

We're Hiring: Manager of Care (RN/RPN)

Join a team that is transforming mental health care in the community.
Pioneer Community Living Association is seeking a Manager of Care to lead operations at Pioneer House, our 20-bed residential mental health program in New Westminster.

✅ $15,000 Hiring Bonus
✅ Unionized position (BCNU/HSA)
✅ Competitive compensation and benefits
✅ Meaningful leadership role supporting adults living with mental illness

We're looking for an RN or RPN with 3–5 years of psychiatry nursing supervisory experience who is passionate about recovery-oriented, person-centred care and leading multidisciplinary teams.

This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact while working alongside a dedicated team committed to supporting residents on their journey toward wellness and independence.

📍 New Westminster, BC
⏳ We are hoping to fill this position within the next 2–3 weeks.

Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Please email your resume to [email protected].

05/26/2026

Walter’s Journey to Independence

Just a few years ago, Walter was experiencing homelessness and facing an uncertain future. Today, he is employed full-time in the construction industry, pursuing additional certifications, and actively working toward the independent life he envisioned for himself.

When Walter arrived at Pioneer House in 2022 following a hospital discharge, he had nowhere else to go. Stable housing provided the foundation he needed to focus on rebuilding his life, setting goals, and creating a plan for the future.

"I started putting my wants, my needs, and my ambitions into a plan," Walter says.

With support from the PCLA team, Walter earned forklift and skid steer certifications, connected with employment services, and secured a position with a construction company. His dedication and work ethic quickly stood out. After several months on the job, Walter approached his employer about becoming a permanent employee and was hired on full-time.

Beyond employment, Walter credits the friendships and support he found at Pioneer House for helping him move forward.

"Making friends here and getting my life together really gave me happiness and satisfaction and made me feel like I could actually accomplish something in my life again."

Today, Walter is already looking ahead. His plans include earning additional heavy equipment certifications and continuing to build the skills and experience needed to achieve long-term independence.

For Walter, success is not only about finding a job. It is about reclaiming his future.

"My goal has always been to be independent again."

Stories like Walter's remind us that recovery is possible. With stable housing, meaningful support, and determination, people can overcome significant barriers and build the lives they want for themselves.

Congratulations, Walter. We are proud of everything you have accomplished and excited to see where your journey takes you next.

05/19/2026

From Canvas to Television: Mollie Shares Her Story on OMNI TV

Art has the power to tell stories, build connections, and create understanding. We are proud to share that Mollie, a resident at Pioneer Community Living Association (PCLA), was recently interviewed by OMNI TV in recognition of her participation in the annual “Portrait of My Heart” Special Needs Art Exhibition.

The interview focused on artists living with disabilities and explored Mollie’s journey as an artist, including how living with schizophrenia influences her creative process and artistic expression. During the segment, two of Mollie’s art pieces were showcased on television.

Reflecting on the experience, Mollie shared:

“My art helps calm my mind and put focus into something creative, instead of leaning into the negative side of my illness. The opportunity to share my story on television was both exciting and comfortable for me. I had a good time and feel it will lead to other opportunities in the future.”

At PCLA, we believe creative expression can play an important role in recovery, confidence-building, and community inclusion. We are incredibly proud of Mollie for sharing her story so openly and authentically, and for helping challenge stigma surrounding mental illness through art and conversation.

Thank you to OMNI TV and the organizers of “Portrait of My Heart” for creating space to celebrate the voices and talents of artists with disabilities.

PCLA is supported by Health and by

05/14/2026

Spring in Bloom at Lina’s Place

Residents from Lina’s Place, one of PCLA’s supportive housing programs, recently visited the Abbotsford Tulip Festival for a day of fresh air, connection, and community.

Surrounded by millions of colourful tulips and the beautiful Fraser Valley landscape, residents had the opportunity to spend time outdoors, socialize, and enjoy a meaningful shared experience together. Moments like these play an important role in supporting wellness, reducing isolation, and building community within our programs.

One of the highlights from the day was a beautiful piano performance by one of Lina’s Place residents, adding another meaningful moment to an afternoon centred around community, creativity, and connection.

At PCLA, we believe recovery is strengthened through connection, inclusion, and opportunities to experience joy in everyday life.

Supported by and .

05/04/2026

Jack’s Story: Finding Stability, Confidence, and Purpose

When Jack talks about life at Henderson House, he keeps coming back to the people and the environment around him. “I like how it’s very supportive, and the residents are all nice,” he says. “I’ve learned a lot since I got here and gotten a lot better.” After just over a year at Pioneer Community Living Association’s Henderson House, that sense of support has translated into real change, with steady routines, growing confidence, and a stronger sense of direction in his day-to-day life.

That progress is evident in how Jack now engages with the world around him. Through regular participation in activities, community programs, and volunteer opportunities, he has become more comfortable in unfamiliar situations and more confident around new people. Outside the house, he stays active through walks, hikes, workouts, and clubhouse programming, and has become a regular volunteer with the City of Coquitlam at Little Carpenters, where he supports woodworking activities for young children. “I really like helping the kids,” he says.

His interest in woodworking has also become something he is building on more intentionally. After a year of stability and routine, Jack has applied to a carpentry program at BCIT, an interest he first developed alongside his father and now hopes to pursue more seriously.

When asked what he would tell someone considering Henderson House, Jack doesn’t hesitate. “Henderson is a very supportive place, and you can grow a lot easier.” Jack’s experience reflects what is possible for many residents at PCLA, where stable housing, consistent support, and a strong sense of community create the conditions for people to build confidence, develop skills, and move forward in meaningful ways.

04/20/2026

Growing Connection through Gardening

There’s something powerful about working with your hands, being outdoors, and creating something of your own.

A few weeks ago, residents from across our homes came together for a flower arrangement Art Therapy session led by our PCLA staff. With soil, plants, and a bit of guidance, the space quickly turned into something more than just an activity; it became a place for connection, creativity, and calm.

For many of the individuals we support, traditional forms of therapy can feel challenging. Creative, hands-on experiences like this offer another way to express, engage, and simply be present.

It was a great turnout, with residents from multiple homes participating, sharing conversation, and taking pride in what they created.

Moments like this are a reminder that healing doesn’t always happen in structured settings. Sometimes, it looks like sunshine, flowers, and a group of people creating something meaningful together.

04/15/2026

We’re recruiting Board Members

Pioneer Community Living Association (PCLA) is looking for individuals who want to make a meaningful impact in mental health and supportive housing.

If you have experience in legal, finance, HR, or fundraising and want to contribute at a governance level, we’d love to hear from you.

Start June 2026
Apply [email protected]

Please see the full job posting here: https://lnkd.in/gM8jqw_9

02/26/2026

Celebrating the Lunar New Year

Residents from across Pioneer Community Living Association (PCLA) came together to celebrate the Lunar New Year in a vibrant and meaningful way.

Each home contributed dishes inspired by Chinese cuisine, with residents actively participating in both the preparation and sharing of the meal. The celebration featured wonton soup, fried rice, chow mein, and spring rolls, along with a traditional “togetherness tray,” where each item carries symbolic significance for the Lunar New Year.

Throughout the gathering, residents explored traditions within Chinese culture, discussed Zodiac signs, and learned about the Year of the Horse. The celebration was filled with learning, connection, and shared joy.

At PCLA, supportive housing is about more than providing a safe place to live — it is about fostering belonging, cultural appreciation, and opportunities for residents to build community.

Address

220 Sherbrooke Street
New Westminster, BC
V3L3M2

Telephone

+16045252084

Website

https://www.pclaservices.ca/

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