Careers
Grateful For A New Career
For five decades, Abbotsford/Mission Recycling Depot not only took care of recycling for the region, it also provided meaningful employment for people who experienced barriers to traditional work.
When Archway’s operation of the depot came to an end at the end of December 2025, more than 60 people lost their jobs. One of those people was Bhinderpal Grewal.
Bhinderpal had worked as a line worker at the depot for nearly six years, sorting recycling into categories. It was work she enjoyed because of the camaraderie that had been built with her coworkers over the years.
“I miss that the most,” she reflects.
When the end of Archway’s contract was announced, Bhinderpal began looking for other work. She attended a job fair and met Laura Severn who works in Human Resources at Communitas Supportive Care Society.
Bhinderpal learned that Communitas also serves people who experience barriers in life and thought that she’d be able to make a positive contribution. She decided to give Laura her resume. Bhinderpal was accepted as a Support Worker and began working with Communitas in the fall of 2025.
Support Workers help people who live with disabilities live successfully in a home living arrangement, ensuring that their various needs are being met so that they can grow to their full potential. One of the bigger requirements that support workers must meet is getting a Class 4 Driver’s License, which is needed to drive accessible vans. Bhinderpal met this requirement within three months of being hired, adding to her skill set.
Hardeep Kaur is the manager of the home where Bhinderpal works. She says that Bhinderpal has been a wonderful addition to the staff team, bringing positive energy and genuine care to all that she does.
“Bhinderpal has shown incredible dedication in her journey from a recycling depot role to becoming a support worker,” Hardeep says. “Transitioning to a new field is not easy, but through her strong work ethic, compassion, and determination, she’s achieved her goals.”
While the work differs from her work at the recycling depot, the camaraderie is the same; Bhinderpal is grateful for her coworkers. Bhinderpal says that her favourite part of her job is helping the people she serves with their daily activities and supporting their independence.
“I enjoy helping people in their daily life and making a positive difference,” she says. “It makes me happy to support them and see them improve.”
Although Bhinderpal misses the work she was able to do at Archway, she loves that she can make a positive impact on the lives of others.
“All in all, I am very grateful for this great new career!” she says.
Related Stories
Room to Grow
If there’s one thing that Joshua Dahl learned during his 15 years of working at Communitas Supportive Care Society, it’s that there’s always room to grow.
Never Give Up
Barbara knows first-hand what it means to live with a physical disability and mental health challenges. As a Peer Support Worker, she shares her journey with others.
New Things Every Day
After a decade of working with Communitas, Laureen still finds that the unique individuals she supports makes her work engaging.