Category: Uncategorized

Connections doesn’t miss a beat: Supports 109 families in April 2020

Connections reached a remarkable milestone in April – 30 years of supporting families in which a parent has a cognitive challenge. Like many non profits, Connections began at a kitchen table responding to a new need. Adults with cognitive challenges were beginning to live independently in the community, choosing to be married and have children, yet were having their children taken away. With just a little bit of… Read More

Connections shares expertise for Alberta Government policy brief – RDSPs

Connections’ Financial Coach program hit the ground running four years ago and has made a difference in the financial well-being of over a hundred families. The families Connections, and our Financial Coach, support include a parent with a cognitive challenge. These are parents who love their kids, just like anyone else, but they need a bit of support to be successful.  Connections’ Financial Coach helps families… Read More

Connections is hosting free screening of “Gabrielle” – Please join us!

Connections is pleased to be participating in EMPATHY WEEK in Calgary by hosting a free screening of the remarkable Canadian film, “Gabrielle.” To join us, please reserve your seats through connectionsmovie@brownpapertickets.com What: “Gabrielle,” a Canadian film by Louise ArchembaultWhen: Tuesday, June 4th at 6:30 pmWhere: Glenbow theatre – 130 9th Ave. S.E. “Gabrielle” is a wonderful film that is funny, sweet and yet challenges our thinking. Lead actress, Gabrielle Marion-Rivard,… Read More

Barriers and confusion for people with disabilities accessing the Disability Tax Credit

These stories are examples of confusing and challenging barriers keeping eligible people from accessing the Disability Tax Credit. Connections is an advocate for families in which a parent has a disability and in our role of providing support, we identified and communicated these experiences to Canada Revenue Agency. We offered simple solutions to make the process easier for applicants and improve the success of eligible Canadians accessing… Read More

Highest provincial honour to Lauren Raymore, Founder

Connections’ Founder and Program Director, Lauren Raymore, was honoured with the highest award presented by the Alberta Government, Premier’s Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities on Friday, December 1st. At an event marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Lauren Raymore was presented with the Gary McPherson Leadership Award by Minister Irfan Sabir.  Many present and past employees and Board members of Connections were… Read More

Celebrating Women who are Moms with Alberta Status of Women Grant

A group of dedicated, hard-working mothers supported by Connections had an amazing experience in a workshop, thanks to a grant from Alberta Government’s Status of Women Ministry, and incredible expertise and partnership with Making Changes and the Calgary Sexual Health Centre. These are women who have cognitive challenges that they’ve lived with all of their lives. That challenge often causes vulnerability to abuse, and a life of hiding the disability… Read More

Financial Coaching for Family Stability

Connections and the 100+ families we support are grateful for support from FCSS so that we could add a Financial Coach. Our new Financial Coach and program are already helping families with budgeting, entitlements, and making better financial decisions.  “I feel safer” was the first thing one of our Moms said after spending some time with Connections’ Financial Coach. Worrying about money was part of her daily… Read More

Christmas bustle – Connections is busy, thankful and hopeful this season

Connections team is well into the Christmas bustle, helping client families get to their appointments, attend workshops on Christmas budgeting and enjoying our own small traditions. This was the 4th annual United Way Silent Auction and Potluck. Our creative team made cool and cozy things to auction and there was friendly competition to get a coveted item — with all proceeds to support the United Way Campaign…. Read More

Connections responds to new Child and Family Services policy

Connections is pleased by and supportive of the new Child and Family Services (CFS) position paper, “Foundations of Caregiver Support.” Not only is it a solid, clear and supported rationale that can underpin programming and investment by CFS, but built in a consultative process, this guidance will ensure government and community start from the same point and head in the same direction. In other social service… Read More

25th Anniversary present delivered by grateful aunt

Connections received a visit today from Del Proctor and her daughter, Chelsea. Together, they arranged the donation of 10 Baby Brezza Formula Pro makers for us to donate to new moms we support. Del and Chelsea are the aunt and cousin to a woman who has been a client of Connections for over 10 years. Del has often expressed her appreciation of Connections and, inspired by… Read More