Neil Arao, CEO of Options Community Services, shares insight into the organization’s wide-ranging work supporting individuals and families at every stage of life. In this interview, he reflects on community impact, evolving needs in Surrey, and how innovative, people-centred services help build belonging, resilience, and hope.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
We are a multi-service non-profit organization providing: Immigrant and Settlement Services, Employment Services, Children and Youth programs, Family support, Housing and Homelessness services, Women’s Transitional Housing, Counselling, Crisis Lines, and Mental Health and Substance Use. We provide services from Early Years and family support through to seniors, in all manners of circumstances or challenges they encounter. If we are unable to provide the service needed directly, we will walk alongside the individual or families and help find the resource relevant for them. Where the service does not exist, we will advocate.
What problem does it aim to solve?
We strive to help build communities, inspire hope and develop a sense of belonging for all.
When did you start/join it?
I started in June 2021.
What made you want to get involved?
I wanted to be part of an organization that has a deep impact and that aligns with the values I espouse. An organization that can celebrate innovation and creativity and looks at various ways to address social problems.
What was the situation like when you started?
I was hired during COVID.
How has it changed since?
We have over 80 programs, over 600 staff and over 200 volunteers. We have grown in breadth of staff and services and reach.
What more needs to be done?
Surrey is evolving and changing. Intersect the changing demographic with the changing geopolitical landscape, and you have a moving goal post. Being able to provide services is generic and broad because the services depend on the need presented. However, there have been a few issues that consistently remain present: housing – for seniors, women leaving violence and some that have children, housing for newcomers and refugee claimants; substance use programs such as detox and other intervention areas; mental health – the need for counselling for individuals who struggle with life challenges, circumstances, mental health and/or substance use issues; and supports for families.
How can our readers help?
By donating via our website, learning more about what we do, and advocating to government for more services like what we provide, including voicing your support for programs and services we provide that you find meaningful.
Where can we follow you?
Website | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
