Aldergrove Neighbourhood Services’ Board of Directors, in partnership with Executive Director Lynne Topham, announce the non-profit agency’s new organizational name, Encompass Support Services Society (ESS).
The release of the agency’s new name and brand represents the final phase of a successful, multi-year society merger between two former community agencies – Aldergrove Neighbourhood Services (ANS) and Family and Youth Services Society (FAYSS).
“We are proud and excited to share this name and new look with our Langley and Aldergrove communities,” says Jeremy Lyndon, ESS Board President.
“The name Encompass was chosen after a thorough and thoughtful period of reflection and deliberation, through the collaboration of all ESS staff and board members. We believe the name is a meaningful reflection of our agency’s vision – to provide inclusive, accessible programs and services across all socioeconomic and geographic boundaries. In short, to truly encompass and support our community.”
ESS has administered community-based services to the Langley communities since 1995, formerly under the direction of both ANS and FAYSS. The community agencies partnered in 2009 to develop a successful funding proposal to address Langley’s growing issue of youth homelessness. While leading this new initiative, a deep partnership was formed between the agencies, leading to an official merger in 2011. FAYSS temporarily rolled its name, staff, and programs under the umbrella of ANS, until the agency’s new name, ESS, was announced.
ESS has since been accredited by world renowned independent health and human services accreditor, CARF International, solidifying a public commitment to providing Langley and Aldergrove with standardized, evaluated, and improved community programs and activities.
“At ESS, our goal is to identify and address the dynamic needs of our community,” says Lynne Topham, Executive Director. “Our entire team of dedicated support and leadership staff are so pleased to celebrate our agency’s new name and continue providing vital support services for our community.”
Through partnerships with a diversified group of funders and supporters, ESS provides a wide variety of free, accessible community programs and activities for all ages, with a primary focus on young families and youth. A small selection of life-changing programs and services include family mediation and reunification, youth homelessness prevention, short term youth housing, sexual abuse counselling, after school care programs, pre-and-postnatal support and training, parent-child drop-in groups, and parenting support groups.
For more information, visit encompass-supports.com