Associations & SocietiesCounseling
We are a non-profit registered charity providing social services primarily in Surrey, Delta, White Rock and Langley. We believe in helping people help themselves. We believe in collaborating with individuals, businesses, community groups and government to create focused, effective and responsive resources for the community.
We envision a healthy community as a safe and clean environment where we all have a sense of belonging. It is a place where each of us has the opportunity to work and learn and to develop and realize goals that are meaningful and fulfilling.
Effective April 1, 2009, two societies merged to create Options Community Services Society (OCS). Surrey Community Services Society had been providing services in response to the needs of Surrey residents since 1969 and OPTIONS: Services to Communities Society had been building services in Surrey since 1971. The merger allowed the new organization to be even more responsive to the needs of a rapidly growing community.
During our early years, our two former agencies operated transition houses for abused women and their children, crisis lines, counselling services, youth shelters and transportation for seniors and the disabled. Our commitment to empowering individuals, supporting families and promoting community health has resulted in many new programs and partnerships over the past 48 years.
OCS is currently governed by a volunteer Board of Directors representing the diversity of the communities we serve. We currently operate over 80 programs and projects, employ approximately 400 people and as many as 300 volunteers. All of our services meet or exceed all applicable municipal, provincial, federal and other applicable statutes, regulations and by-laws. OCS is accredited by the Council on Accreditation. These standards are internationally recognized as best practices. This is a demonstration of our commitment to quality, client centered services and our accountability to the community.
OCS also operates a sister society: Habitat Housing Society. Habitat operates affordable housing complexes for low income families and mentally ill individuals.
OCS values the positive relationships we have made and the support we have received from our community partners. We are especially proud of our tradition of hard work, caring and integrity.