The Lookout Emergency Aid Society (Lookout Society) and Mood Disorders Association of British Columbia (MDABC) have merged.
The agreement was finalized June 28. As part of this amalgamation, MDABC will retain its name and brand as a collection of mental health programs of the Lookout Society.
Both organizations are involved in Abbotsford. The Lookout Society runs the homeless shelter on Riverside Road, and the MDABC has a chapter in Abbotsford that holds regular meetings.
The two groups say that merging into one non-profit organization will better leverage the history, successes and strengths of each entity, including service delivery, accreditation and fundraising.
Both Lookout and MDABC have a long history of successfully serving vulnerable populations through services in several communities across the province.
Lookout Society is recognized for its health, housing and shelter operations across the Lower Mainland, while MDABC pioneered ground-breaking practices in treatment and support for individuals living with mental illness.
Shayne Williams, executive director of Lookout Society, said the need is expanding for non-profit organizations like the MDABC, with one in seven Canadians experiencing a mood disorder at some point in their life.
Tom Dutta, MDABC acting executive director, said the two groups together have more than 70 years of history.
“Going forward we are stronger together,” he said.