Our History
In October of 2007, the Port Alberni Association for Community Living celebrated the 
50th anniversary of its incorporation as a society.
The first programs started by PAACL were a pre-school, Arrowsmith House - a large group home on Argyle Street, and Arrowsmith Services - a sheltered workshop that would provide day program opportunities for adults.
In the 1980s, the large institutions in BC were closed. People from these institutions came to Port Alberni and we opened several group homes
In 1979, The Learning Place Pre-School was opened. By 1995, thinking had changed, and the Learning Place Pre-school closed and children now went to regular day care centers with support from PAACL.
In 1988, the Community Employment Program started. In 1992 Arrowsmith Services split into two day programs (Arrowsmith Services and Community Options). Choices Day Program began in 1994.
By 1999, residents of 5th Avenue and Huff Drive had moved to individually supported living situations in the community.
In 2004, the Pathways Program was created to offer support to people on a more informal basis.
In 2005, a new group home was built in the Westporte area to provide a home for the residents of the Glenside and Russell homes, which were closed.
Also in 2005, PAACL received a three-year accreditation for a number of its programs from CARF
In 2008 PAACL purchase a new building. Choices, Arrowsmith Services, and Community Options Day Programs move to the new location and become the Connections Day Program. The new program offers more space, more choice and more opportunities for participants in the programs
In 2008 PAACL also opened Huff Drive Residence. The new Residential resource can provide housing for four individuals in the community
And in 2008 PAACL was successful in obtaining another 3 year accreditation for it's programs, including the new Connections program