Our Story - QASL - Providing Choices - Providing Opportunities

1992 - The organization made an application to open the first Children's Small Option Home in the Province. We ended up opening the doors as the second. This Small Option home was home to three children. With the effort, the Board of Directors took on a Strategic Planning commitment for residential service development in Queens County. We eventually expanded the residential options to include Supervised Apartments where individuals can access support to live independently.

2002 - The organization reached another major crossroad. We opened two Developmental Community Homes licensed by the Department of Community Services. These residences became home to 10 people (5 in each home). The project doubled the size of our operation. Over the years, as the residents aged, the Small Option home became another Developmental Community Home supporting five adults. It is with pride that we celebrate our many years of residential service.

2003 - The Vocational and Life Skills Training Centre has been the hub of our activity and administrative structure . In 2003 we embarked on a twofold expansion plan. We needed to address the needs of the clients that were applying for service. A personal care room was attached to the Life Skills training area. Training space, storage space, offices and bathroom facilities were needed for the organization. We opened this expansion in June of 2003 as Queens Association for Supported Living.

2008 - The Department of Community Services, our partner in services provision, awarded us a one-time funding opportunity to enlarge our Day Program capacity at Penny Lane Enterprises. After extensive board discussion, research and assessment it was determined that we would purchase and operate a business as we were charged with ongoing operational costs.

2010 - Using the capacity building funding, QASL purchased the only existing general store in Mill Village and renamed it the Riverbank General Store. The venture was an effort to provide people more opportunities for training and work in the retail and hospitality fields. QASL staff along with the clients, Riverbank staff and community volunteers worked diligently to renovate the store into what it is today; an independent small business comprised of an old-fashioned general store, cafe, and gift shop.

Present - QASL is constantly evolving to meet the needs and interests of the people we support as well as our many community partners. We now have in excess of 70 staff in five locations within the community. We are proud to be celebrating over 50 years of providing choices and opportunity to people with diverse abilities in our communities.