Impact Society

The Matsqui-Abbotsford Impact Society is a community-based outpatient organization in Abbotsford, BC, dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by substance use. Located at 33228 Walsh Avenue, Impact Society operates from a trauma-informed, motivational, and community-centred philosophy — recognizing substance use as a complex issue best addressed through building conditions for resiliency, not simply managing symptoms. Services are offered to youth under 25, families, and community members, with a particular commitment to those with lived and living experience of addiction.

Trauma-Informed Counselling and Support

Impact Society’s substance use counselling services are grounded in three core principles: trauma-informed care that ensures clients always feel safe, respected, and in control; motivational dialogue that honours and activates each person’s internal drive for change; and meaningful engagement with people who have lived experience of addiction. Individual counselling for youth under 25 and family support sessions provide a confidential space to explore substance use — including alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine, and opioids — and develop practical strategies for change.

Indigenous Youth-Led Advocacy and Street Community

Impact Society goes beyond one-on-one counselling to engage communities. Indigenous Youth-Led Advocacy programming centres Indigenous young people as leaders in community change — supporting their voices and lived expertise as powerful forces for wellness in the Abbotsford community. Street Community projects connect with individuals who are actively using substances in the community, meeting people where they are with non-judgmental support and harm reduction resources. This outreach model recognizes that lasting change requires reaching people before they seek formal help.

Community Resiliency and Family Support

Impact Society’s mission is to create a community that recognizes and responds to substance use as a complex human issue. Family and support network services help the loved ones of people struggling with addiction to understand substance use, set healthy boundaries, and build their own resilience. By working with individuals, families, Indigenous youth, and street communities simultaneously, Impact Society creates a web of support in Abbotsford that strengthens the whole community’s capacity to prevent and respond to addiction.