FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

[Calgary, 2024] – Launching a movement to “Plant Inclusion” is what Vecova, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to creating inclusive communities and empowering individuals of all abilities, is excited to do. The “Plant Inclusion” campaign aims to raise vital funds to support youth programming initiatives through monetary donations and the sale of their “Inclusion Mix” seed packs.
Vecova has been at the forefront of championing inclusion since 1969, providing innovative programs and services that empower individuals with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives. From employment support to recreational activities, Vecova’s holistic approach addresses the diverse needs of the community.

The “Plant Inclusion” funds are needed for Vecova’s youth programming so they can continue to provide opportunities for youth of all abilities to develop essential life skills, realize their full potential while celebrating their differences and most importantly have fun. With your help, Vecova can remove barriers that hinder engagement to programs and together, we can cultivate a future where our diverse youth have multiple opportunities, regardless of their abilities, to thrive.

“We are excited to launch the “Plant Inclusion’ campaign and continue our mission of creating a more inclusive community,” said Michelle Thompson, Fund Development Manager at Vecova. “With the support of our community, we will make a difference in the lives of youth with disabilities.”

Vecova’s goal is to sell 500 seed packs and raise $10,000, which will be matched up to 50% through Birdies for Kids. To get involved and support Vecovas youth you can purchase your seed pack at Vecova; 3304 33st NW or donate at www.vecova.ca/donate. Join us in sowing the seeds of inclusion and empowering youth of all abilities to thrive!
To learn more about Vecova and how you can show your support, please visit www.vecova.ca or contact [email protected].

About Vecova: Vecova is a leading edge, registered and accredited charitable organization that has been meeting the lifelong and changing needs of persons with disabilities and the community since 1969 through our programs and services, social research and innovation and enterprises.

For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact: Mikaela Kirton, Marketing & Communications Manager | [email protected]

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image source=”featured_image” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1492008828909{margin-top: 40px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]December 15, 2022[/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][vc_column_text]FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Vecova Centre for Disability Services and Research seeks public support after vandalism attack

Calgary, Alberta (December 16, 2022). Vecova Centre for Disability Services and Research will begin its clean-up process in the coming weeks after its facility was vandalized on December 15, 2022. Damage to the facility includes parts of its main building and its on-site property, such as Recycling Services’ trailer and donation bins. A police report has been filed and we are in the process of reviewing available security footage.

Vecova’s programs and services support persons of all abilities, some of whom are among Calgary’s most vulnerable. The vandalism may have further negative impacts on community initiatives, as the organization will have to potentially divert funds to clean, restore and replace the damage.

“We’re disappointed to have to deal with this, especially during the holiday season,” shares Kyla Martin, Vecova’s Chief Development Officer. “We provide a place of belonging to persons with disabilities and the community. The building itself has been part of some of our consumers’ lives for over fifty years – many of whom lived at our main facility for several years. To see this senseless act of vandalism on a place they love may be upsetting and confusing.”

Vecova is proud to be a community hub where everyone can feel welcomed and that they belong. If any individuals or businesses would like to offer support, donations can be make online at www.vecova.ca or by call 403-284-1121 ext 308. If anyone would like to help us in the cleanup process please get in touch with the Development team at [email protected].

About Vecova – vecova.ca

Vecova® is a leading edge, registered and accredited charitable organization that has been meeting the lifelong and changing needs of persons of all abilities and the community since 1969 through our programs and services, social research and innovation and enterprises.

For media requests:
Kaitlyn Pecson
Communications Manager at Vecova
[email protected]
403-605-2683[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image source=”featured_image” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1492008828909{margin-top: 40px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]September 18, 2021[/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][vc_column_text]FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Vecova’s commitment to reducing the impact of the COVID-19 fourth wave

Vecova to implement Restriction Exemption Program and mandatory vaccinations for employees, volunteers and contractors

Calgary, Alberta (September 18, 2021). In response to the current stage of the pandemic, Vecova is announcing the implementation of Alberta’s Restriction Exemption Program (REP) and a mandatory vaccination policy for all employees, volunteers, students and contractors.

Vecova has consistently done its part to ensure the health and safety of our community throughout this pandemic. As a social purpose-driven organization, Vecova has a duty to ensure that our workplaces are safe for employees, volunteers and individuals accessing Vecova’s programs, services and enterprises. Vecova is choosing to model for our community the role that every individual can play in ensuring the safety of others.

We must take this leadership role at this critical time to do our part to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on our employees, our operations and the individuals who depend on us every day, many of whom are at higher risk to severe outcomes – seniors, persons with disabilities and people with pre-existing health conditions.

This is simply the right thing to do.

Details of the implementation of the Restriction Exemption Program and the mandatory vaccination policy is available at vecova.ca/fourthwave.

About Vecova – vecova.ca

For media requests:
Kaitlyn Pecson
Communications Manager
Vecova
[email protected][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image source=”featured_image” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1492008828909{margin-top: 40px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]June 28, 2021[/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][vc_column_text]

Introducing Vecova’s New Vision and Mission

Today, we are excited to share with you Vecova’s new and necessary change for our future: Our new Vision and Mission.

This marks an incredibly important moment for our organization. Our Vision and Mission is critical to everything that we do. It anchors who we are as an organization and reflects the types of programs, services and enterprises we provide.

Watch the video announcement:[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/Tfj6Xb8CkCY” align=”center”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-medal” color=”custom” size=”lg” align=”center” css_animation=”fadeIn” custom_color=”#4b4f54″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Vision: Inclusion for everyone.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-flag” color=”custom” size=”lg” align=”center” css_animation=”fadeIn” custom_color=”#4b4f54″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Mission: Building a future for people of all abilities where everyone is valued, belongs and thrives.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]Vecova is already living our new Mission and working towards our new Vision. As an organization, we are taking a bold and audacious step forward and putting our mark on the world.

We are proudly stating who we are, as a diverse group of people, all working towards a common and noble goal of inclusion. Together, we can make this a reality.

We are Vecova.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”30″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image source=”featured_image” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1492008828909{margin-top: 40px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]June 16, 2021[/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]

Vecova’s 2020 Vision: Annual General Report Is Now Available

Calgary, Alberta (June 16, 2021). Vecova is proud to share its 2020 Annual General Report, reflecting April 2020 to March 2021, now available at vecova.ca/2020vision. Encapsulating a time of unprecedented reflection and change, this annual report demonstrates the organization’s drive to become Canada’s leader in the abilities community.

“Throughout this year, Vecova remained strong. We thrived because our employees and supporters brought inspiration and led the way in our resilience,” Joan Lee, Vecova’s CEO shared. “Together we charted a course to a future that is sustainable and will forever influence how society thinks about disability.”

Vecova’s Annual General Report highlights key activities and stories of how the organization continued its work towards inclusion, innovation and impact during this unique period of time and details on how it will continue to grow and evolve in the years to come. [/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3986″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://vecova.ca/2020vision”][vc_column_text]

ABOUT VECOVA – VECOVA.CA

For media requests:
Kaitlyn Pecson
Communications Manager
Vecova
[email protected]

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”30″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image source=”featured_image” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1492008828909{margin-top: 40px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]February 19, 2021[/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Vecova’s Housing Services Works to Resolve COVID-19 Cases

Calgary, Alberta (February 19, 2021). Vecova’s Housing Services has experienced COVID-19 cases in one of our Vecova-operated residences. With Alberta Health Services, we are managing the situation to ensure the safety of the community.

We are following all recommendations from Alberta Health Services, including the testing of all individuals and employees at the affected location. Additionally, our team has completed thorough contact tracing in collaboration with Alberta Health Services. We have directly contacted all individuals, families/guardians and employees who may have been in close contact with those affected.

The individuals who have tested positive have gone into mandatory self-isolation. They will remain in self-isolation until all Alberta Health Services recommendations regarding the end of their quarantine period or their return to work have been met. We wish them all a quick recovery.

We thank all of our employees for their continued efforts to keep our Housing Services safe for all individuals who live and work within those residences.

Vecova’s top priority is to ensure the health and safety of our community. Our Housing Services has an extremely high standard of health and safety measures and protocols in place to minimize the risk for COVID-19 and to manage a positive result. We remain diligent in the enforcement of proper PPE usage in all Vecova facilities, which is critical to the health and safety of all of our employees and individuals. We also continue to follow the guidance and recommendations provided by Alberta Health Services, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health and Alberta Occupational Health and Safety.

We thank you for your patience, understanding and continued support during this time.

About Vecova – vecova.ca

For media requests:
Kaitlyn Pecson

Communications Manager

Vecova
[email protected][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”30″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image source=”featured_image” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1492008828909{margin-top: 40px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]November 10, 2020[/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Vecova’s Housing Services Continued Efforts to Resolve COVID-19 Cases

Calgary, Alberta (November 10, 2020). Vecova’s Housing Services has seen an increase in COVID-19 cases, as with the increased cases within the general population. These cases have occurred in both Vecova operated and at private residences and not at Vecova’s main facility location. With Alberta Health Services, we are managing the situations as they arise.

Alberta Health Services has advised Vecova that some individuals living within the affected homes will need to be tested. Alberta Health Services has also recommended that the employees working in those residences receive testing. Additionally, our team has completed thorough contact tracing in collaboration with Alberta Health Services. We have directly contacted all individuals, families/guardians and employees who may have been in close contact with those affected.

The employees who have tested positive have gone into mandatory self-isolation. They will remain in self-isolation until all Alberta Health Services recommendations regarding their return to work have been met. We wish them all a quick recovery.

Additionally, we are pleased to confirm that the original COVID-19 case, confirmed on October 21, 2020 by Alberta Health Services, has now been resolved. Additional cases since then have also been cleared. These employees have recovered from COVID-19 and are safely back at work.

We thank all of our employees for their continued efforts to keeping our Housing Services safe for all individuals who live and work within those residences.

Vecova’s top priority is to ensure the health and safety of our community. Our Housing Services has an extremely high standard of health and safety measures and protocols in place to minimize the risk for COVID-19 and to manage a positive result. We remain diligent in the enforcement of proper PPE usage in all Vecova facilities, which is critical to the health and safety of all of our employees and individuals. We also continue to follow the guidance and recommendations provided by Alberta Health Services and Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health.

We thank you for your patience, understanding and continued support during this time.

About Vecova – vecova.ca

For media requests:
Kaitlyn Pecson
Communications Manager
Vecova
[email protected][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”30″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image source=”featured_image” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1492008828909{margin-top: 40px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]October 22, 2020[/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Confirmed COVID-19 Case at a Vecova Housing Services Residence

Calgary, Alberta (October 22, 2020). On October 21, 2020 Alberta Health Services confirmed that there was one (1) confirmed case of COVID-19 involving an employee within Vecova’s Housing Services. This employee worked at two Vecova operated residences, not at Vecova’s main facility location.

Alberta Health Services has advised Vecova that all individuals living within the affected homes are to be tested. These tests will occur immediately. Alberta Health Services has also recommended that the employees working in those residences receive testing.

In collaboration with Alberta Health Services, our team has also completed thorough contact tracing. We have directly contacted all individuals, families/guardians and employees who may have been in close contact with the employee.

The employee who tested positive has gone into mandatory self-isolation. They will remain in self-isolation until a negative test result is received and all Alberta Health Services recommendations regarding their return to work have been met. We are pleased to share that the employee is currently feeling well with no serious symptoms. We wish them a quick and full recovery.

Health and safety is Vecova’s top priority. Our Housing Services has an extremely high standard of health and safety measures and protocols in place to minimize the risk for COVID-19 and to manage a positive result. We continue to follow the guidance and recommendations provided by Alberta Health Services and Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health.

We thank you for your patience, understanding and continued support during this time.

About Vecova – vecova.ca