Our Story

Welcome to the EmpowerLiving Community Society Blog

We are excited to welcome you to the official blog of EmpowerLiving Community Services Society (ELCSS).This space is created to support families, caregivers, and community members by offering practical guidance, trustworthy information, and meaningful stories about developmental disability services, senior home care, and community inclusion across the Metro Vancouver Region.

To begin, we want to share who we are — and the mission that inspires every service we provide.

Who We Are: A Community-Driven Non-Profit

ELCSS was founded by a team of professionals, caregivers, and community members — including both immigrant families and long-time local residents — who shared a common concern: too many individuals were struggling to access truly personalized and culturally aware care.

Through our work and personal experiences, we saw the same patterns across the community:

• Adults with developmental disabilities needed meaningful, engaging programs—not just supervision.

• Seniors required companionship, dignity-centered support, and a sense of safety in their own homes.

• Immigrant families, as well as Canadian-born families, often found it difficult to navigate available services or find care that respected their culture, communication style, or traditions.

• Caregivers of all backgrounds were burning out without enough help.

These shared challenges shaped the foundation of ELCSS.

EmpowerLiving Community Services Society was created to fill this gap — to provide care that is compassionate, flexible, culturally understanding, and welcoming to every family, whether immigrant or local.

Our purpose is simple:to support individuals with dignity, independence, and a genuine sense of belonging within their community.

Our Services: Comprehensive Support for DD & Senior Care

We proudly serve Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, Port Moody, Burnaby, Vancouver, Surrey, Langley, Maple Ridge, and Pitt Meadows — offering programs that are flexible, culturally sensitive, and deeply personalized.

Below is a detailed overview of all ELCSS programs.

PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

We aim to make every day meaningful, empowering individuals to grow, participate, and enjoy life within their community.

1. Daily Living Skills & Independence Programs

These programs focus on building confidence and essential life skills, including:

• Money management & budgeting

• Cooking and basic meal preparation

• Time management

• Public transit training

• Healthy routines & hygiene skills

• Decision-making & problem-solving

Each skill is taught slowly, visually, and hands-on to ensure comfort and success.

2. Structured Day Program (Community Inclusion)

Our Day Program is built around engagement, growth, and belonging. Activities include:

• Recreation (swimming, bowling, skating, walking clubs)

• Art sessions & music activities

• Community volunteering opportunities

• Social skill-building

• Job-readiness activities (resume help, workplace expectations, interview practice)

• Indoor activities such as board games, crafts, puzzles, and exercise

Everything is individualized — clients choose goals and activities meaningful to them.

3. Health & Wellness Programs

Designed to promote physical, emotional, and mental health:

• Anxiety management workshops (12-week program)

• Art therapy program (24-week curriculum with facilitator guides)

• Physical activity plans (gentle stretching, walking, fitness adapted to ability)

• Emotional regulation and coping strategies

• Safety awareness (crossing the street, stranger awareness, personal boundaries)

4. Language & Communication Development

A 12-week language & AAC communication program focused on:

• Basic conversation skills

• Vocabulary building

• Understanding instructions

• Reading everyday signs

• Using AAC tools, visual boards, or communication apps

We use simple, friendly materials specifically designed for adults with developmental disabilities.

5. Community Participation & Inclusion

We believe every individual deserves to feel part of the world around them.We facilitate outings such as:

• Libraries

• Community centers

• Local events and festivals

• Fitness classes

• Shopping trips

• Museums and parks

These outings help build confidence, strengthen life skills, and create joy.

SENIOR SERVICES: DIGNITY, COMFORT, AND COMPASSION

Our senior programs are designed to support aging in place, reduce loneliness, and ensure safety — while honoring cultural backgrounds, languages, and traditions.

1. Home Support & Companionship

Our trained caregivers provide:

• Assistance with daily tasks

• Light housekeeping

• Meal preparation

• Medication reminders

• Safety monitoring

• Companionship and conversation

• Accompaniment to appointments

We match seniors with caregivers who understand their cultural background whenever possible.

2. Dementia & Alzheimer’s Support

We help families navigate memory loss with patience and skill through:

• Gentle redirection

• Memory-friendly routines

• Safety supervision

• Sundowning support

• Calm communication strategies

• Emotion-focused care

Our dementia support is rooted in compassion and cultural awareness — essential for immigrant seniors who may revert to their first language.

3. Respite Care for Families

Short-term or scheduled relief for caregivers.This prevents burnout and supports the whole family, not just the senior.

4. Support in Senior Living Facilities

ELCSS also provides companionship and one-on-one support for seniors living inside facilities.This includes:

• Personal engagement

• Walks and mobility support

• Reading, music, and conversation

• Emotional support

• Cultural or language-specific connection

We ensure seniors feel seen and valued — even within large care homes.

LOOKING AHEAD

ELCSS is building programs that bring seniors and adults with developmental disabilities together, including:

• Intergenerational art programs

• Group cooking and baking activities

• Music and cultural storytelling

• Gentle fitness and walking groups

Our long-term vision is a fully inclusive community where people of all ages and abilities learn, work, create, and thrive together.

Thank you for joining us as we continue to grow and serve our community with compassion and purpose.

Join Our Community

If you or your loved one is looking for a supportive, inclusive day program in the Tri-Cities area, we would love to meet you.

Email: contact@elcss.org

Phone: 604-945-2117

Website: https://www.empowerlivingsociety.org/

Together, we can create a community where every individual — regardless of ability — is empowered to live, learn, and belong.