[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]March 21, 2023[/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][vc_column_text]Thanks to Global Calgary for celebrating and highlighting the great work of our Bottle Depot team – like Noah, Jason and Kyle – and our Applaud a Depot event! This aired on Friday, March 17.

Read the full article on Global Calgary’s website here and watch the segment below.[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]JTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZnbG9iYWxuZXdzLmNhJTJGdmlkZW8lMkZlbWJlZCUyRjk1NjExNDglMkYlMjIlMjB3aWR0aCUzRCUyMjY3MCUyMiUyMGhlaWdodCUzRCUyMjM3MiUyMiUyMGZyYW1lYm9yZGVyJTNEJTIyMCUyMiUyMGFsbG93ZnVsbHNjcmVlbiUyMHNjcm9sbGluZyUzRCUyMm5vJTIyJTNFJTNDJTJGaWZyYW1lJTNF[/vc_raw_html][/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]March 20, 2023[/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][vc_column_text]Thanks to CTV Calgary for celebrating Global Recycling Day and our Applaud a Depot event with us on Saturday, March 18!

Read the full article on CTV Calgary’s website here and watch the segment below.[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/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]December 15, 2022[/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][vc_single_image image=”8636″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://vecova.ca/holiday”][vc_column_text]

Everyone Belongs At Vecova

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]For many families who come to Vecova, the feeling of belonging starts once they join the Adapted Recreation program. These classes, which include programs for children, youth and adults, are for people who have barriers to sports and other fitness activities. It offers participants a place to gain skills and confidence in a safe, open, and inclusive environment.

For the Tran family, it’s become a place for 10-year-old Duc and 8-year-old An to grow.

When Hieu and his wife, Hong, first learned about the program, they were just simply looking for something for their kids to do on weekends. But now, thanks to the activities and the volunteers who work with the participants, it’s become the highlight of the week for their children.

“Even if I’m 5 minutes late, they both wait at the front door, ready to leave. They’re ready to go. We even cancelled our camping trips so that they won’t miss a class.”

To Hieu, his children’s positive experience is something that can only happen at Vecova. It’s why the Children’s Adapted Recreation program has meant so much to him and his wife.

Hieu compared it to other experiences he and his children have had. Other recreation centres can be overwhelming. They’re especially overwhelming for Duc, who has autism and is non-verbal, and for An, who has ADHD. Other facilities have larger class sizes, distracting wave pools, and instructors who may not be as well-trained in working with people with different abilities. These are things that he’s noticed make it more difficult for many children to focus.

But with Vecova’s Adapted Recreation program, the children get two full hours of activity in both the gym and pool with participants and instructors of all abilities.

“They never get bored. Some may have more fun in the gym, some may have more fun in the pool, but having both offered for two hours is the perfect mix and perfect length. Not too long, not too short.”

For Hieu, the highlight is the group of instructors who run the program, many of whom are volunteers. These individuals make connections with the children in the program. These instructors, some of whom have disabilities themselves, make sure that each child, no matter their ability or circumstance, feels like they belong.

“I know that we have peace of mind that we’ve left Duc and An with a capable group of instructors. It’s a good ratio of instructors to children, and the staff are well-trained. They can deal with any difficulties. It’s a safe place for my kids.”

He continued, “That’s one of the things we were most afraid of when we sent them to the group, especially Duc. He is kind of rigid in his ways. It’s really hard for him to join new or different groups,” Hieu explained. “But somehow, with these instructors, he has no issue with it. They’re all nice, so Duc is more open to interactions with other people. What I’m seeing is like his enlightenment.”

For families with children who have special needs or challenges, Hieu encourages them to consider the Adapted Recreation programs. There’s no better place to find inclusive programming, led by employees who care.

“I truly appreciate the instructors and the program. Vecova fits my family so well. My family belongs at Vecova.”[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”8636″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://vecova.ca/holiday”][/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 28, 2022[/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][vc_column_text]

In the News: Local charity hopes for new, inclusive facility for Calgarians of all abilities

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Thanks to Global Calgary for highlighting Vecova and sharing the inspiring stories of our consumers, Jo-Anne, Pat and Aimee. If you are interested in donating to Vecova, click here.

Read the full article on Global Calgary’s website here and watch the segment below.[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]JTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZnbG9iYWxuZXdzLmNhJTJGdmlkZW8lMkZlbWJlZCUyRjkyMzU1NzMlMkYlMjIlMjB3aWR0aCUzRCUyMjY3MCUyMiUyMGhlaWdodCUzRCUyMjM3MiUyMiUyMGZyYW1lYm9yZGVyJTNEJTIyMCUyMiUyMGFsbG93ZnVsbHNjcmVlbiUyMHNjcm9sbGluZyUzRCUyMm5vJTIyJTNFJTNDJTJGaWZyYW1lJTNF[/vc_raw_html][/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 26, 2022[/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][vc_column_text]

Congratulations to Board member Sean Crump – one of Calgary’s Top 40 Under 40

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Congratulations to Sean Crump, named Avenue Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40 – and one of Vecova’s incredible board members. His vision and work towards a more inclusive city inspires our entire community. Well deserved, Sean![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”8241″ img_size=”medium” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://www.avenuecalgary.com/top-40-under-40/2022/sean-crump/”][/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 13, 2022[/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][vc_column_text]

Celebrate DEAM with Employment Services!

Join us on October 27, 2022 from 11 am to 2 pm in Studio 2 at Vecova

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Meet Vecova’s Employment Services community and learn about their employment journeys, skills and abilities!

Vecova’s Employment Services is excited to welcome back consumers, employers, community partners and Vecova team members to our first DEAM (Disability Employment Awareness Month) event in three years. We are proud to highlight the employment accomplishments of consumers in both our Adult and Youth programs.

Consumers will be presenting their employment information and showcasing their skills and abilities at this celebratory event at Vecova. This event will include the opportunity to speak to consumers and Vecova employees, guest speakers, activities, refreshments and more![/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”8211″ img_size=”full” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]About DEAM

October 1 marks the start of Disability Employment Awareness (DEAM) month across Canada and in Alberta. DEAM celebrates, educates, raises awareness and promotes employment inclusion within the job market for people with disabilities. Persons with disabilities face barriers to employment and each year DEAM provides an opportunity for employers, people with disabilities, service providers and Canadians to come together to act in removing barriers and creating a more inclusive economy. Throughout the month of October, DEAM events, panel discussion, and activities occur across Canada and Alberta.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

In The News: Vecova is Varsity Calgary’s ‘Unique Feature’

Vecova is proud to be part of Varsity in Calgary – an incredible, vibrant community, which is now officially Calgary’s Best Accessible Neighbourhood! Vecova was also acknowledged as Varsity’s ‘Unique Feature’ in Avenue Magazine for its accessible programs and services for persons of all abilities. You can find the article online and at these locations.

Everyone’s welcome to stop by and check out our programs and services, including our fully accessible and warm saltwater pool when we reopen on September 12.

See you then!

The best new neighbourhood, best lake community, best industrial neighbourhood and more. https://t.co/evajCeDMdz #besthoodsyyc #yyc

— Avenue Calgary Magazine (@AvenueMagazine) July 26, 2022

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[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”7884″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/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]July 25, 2022[/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][vc_column_text]

During Disability Pride Month, meet Jase!

Meet Jase, a newly graduated 18-year-old. Through conversation with him, his friendliness and openness in discussing his interests, like animals and hockey, made it easy to get to know him.

“Don’t be afraid of me, I have big emotions but I also have a big heart and am really fun when you get to know me,” Jase said when asked what he’d like people to know about having a disability. When asked about the best traits Jase exemplifies, Sam, his mother, said he was sweet and funny. In fact, Jase has become a friendly face at the Saddledome, where he works as an attendant. His core responsibilities include wiping tables and filling up condiments.

Jase worked with Vecova’s Youth Program from October 2021 until May 2021. Throughout that time, Mandee Urlacher, Employment Coach, noticed a great improvement in his motivation. She says:

“We noticed a strong improvement in his motivation to work and learn how to persevere when he didn’t feel like working. When we started working with Jase, something we focused a lot on finding (was) what motivated him to do work-based tasks. We found that inclusion, praise, and lots of positive encouragement helped Jase feel good about working, thus, able to stay focused and on task.” (Urlacher, July 2022)

With Jase just graduating from high school, he’s looking forward to spending the summer visiting family in Saskatchewan, attending the Calgary Stampede, and going to parties.

Vecova is proud to continuously support Jase and others like him as they advance their skills and careers. Click here to learn more about Vecova’s programs and services for Albertans with disabilities, including our Youth Program. [/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][vc_column_text]

Vecova is committed to creating inclusive, accessible and high-quality programs and services for persons with disabilities. We are prioritizing inclusion and building a future for people of all abilities where everyone is valued, belongs and thrives.

Your gift during Disability Pride Month can help us accomplish #InclusionForEveryone. A gift to Vecova of $35, $50, $100, or whatever you can manage, allows us to keep working towards #InclusionForEveryone.

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During Disability Pride Month, join Jeremy for a day at work!

As of 2011, persons with disabilities are employed at a rate of 49% in comparison to people without disabilities, who are employed at a rate of 79%. Myths about hiring persons with disabilities, a lack of inclusive workplaces and more all contribute to a lower rate of employment for persons with disabilities.

Vecova’s Employment Services helps persons with disabilities find a job by providing job skills training, mentoring, on-the-job and retentions support and more.

Jeremy is a man with a disability who found employment with the help of Vecova’s Employment Services. He works at Tarik’s No Frills, where he helps keep the workplace clean and sorts cardboard for recycling.

“He does a great job, he’s incredible,” says Tony, Jeremy’s manager. “He cleans everything greatly, crushes cardboard for us, does a great job so I think him so much for the hard work.”

Click on the video below to find out what a day at work looks like for Jeremy![/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_raw_html]JTNDY2VudGVyJTNFJTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwd2lkdGglM0QlMjI1NjAlMjIlMjBoZWlnaHQlM0QlMjIzMTUlMjIlMjBzcmMlM0QlMjJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnd3dy55b3V0dWJlLmNvbSUyRmVtYmVkJTJGT05qR3ZSRm9VSkUlMjIlMjB0aXRsZSUzRCUyMllvdVR1YmUlMjB2aWRlbyUyMHBsYXllciUyMiUyMGZyYW1lYm9yZGVyJTNEJTIyMCUyMiUyMGFsbG93JTNEJTIyYWNjZWxlcm9tZXRlciUzQiUyMGF1dG9wbGF5JTNCJTIwY2xpcGJvYXJkLXdyaXRlJTNCJTIwZW5jcnlwdGVkLW1lZGlhJTNCJTIwZ3lyb3Njb3BlJTNCJTIwcGljdHVyZS1pbi1waWN0dXJlJTIyJTIwYWxsb3dmdWxsc2NyZWVuJTNFJTNDJTJGaWZyYW1lJTNFJTNDJTJGY2VudGVyJTNF[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]

[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]July 11, 2022[/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]

Vecova’s Dementia Wellness Program supports the wellbeing of people of all ages and abilities

Over 500,000 Canadians have dementia today and 1 in 5 Canadians have experience caring for someone with dementia. The number of Canadians with dementia is predicted to rise to 912,000 by 2030 and the need for programs to support both those with dementia and their caregivers is more urgent than ever.

In January 2022, Vecova and the Alzheimer Society of Calgary met this need with the Dementia Wellness Program. In partnership with the University of Calgary, the program acted as a research study on the benefits of physical and cognitive exercises for older adults with dementia.

When the research study ended, Vecova still wanted to respond to the increased need for support for people with dementia and their caregivers. So the program continued, with the Alzheimer Society of Calgary, meeting our goal of creating an inclusive community that supports the good health and wellbeing of people of all ages and abilities.

More than just a program

Vecova’s Dementia Wellness Program is a tailored physical and cognitive exercise program for older adults with memory problems. Participants in the program meet bi-weekly to connect with each other and try new exercises and activities designed to stimulate their brains.

But there’s more to it than just activities – it’s also become a supportive community, for both the participants and their caregivers.

“We spend the first forty-five minutes getting settled, having a chat, seeing how everyone’s doing,” shares Heather Burke, the program leader. “We have a theme of the week. For example, this week we’re going to be talking about Canada Day. We also break into teams and play trivia games.”

After socializing, the participants head to Vecova’s Strength and Conditioning Room, where they work on their individual fitness plans before joining a group stretching session. Once the fitness session is over, the fun continues.

“We play more games, have more discussions and we play music. We do things that try to spark an emotion or a fond memory for them,” says Heather. “Everyone is in different stages. We try to do activities that include everyone and adapt them so that everyone will get something out of it.”

According to Peter, a participant in the program, it has already made a difference in his life.

“(The program has) played an important role in my health improvement and recovery with cardio and strengthening exercises as well as cognitive activities,” says Peter. “The challenges to my mental ability led me to areas that I have not experienced before such as visual arts.”

Peter continues, “This has been a discovery journey and has led me to think outside the box. For all that I have experienced during this program, I am grateful and appreciative to all of you, especially your friendly, caring attitudes and services to all the participants.”

Our impact on caregivers

It is just as important to create inclusive programs for caregivers to support their emotional and social wellbeing. In 2018, 25% of Canadians aged 15 or older reported that they had cared for or helped someone with a long-term health condition, physical or mental disability or problems related to aging such as dementia. Unmet caregiving support needs are associated with increased daily stress and a decrease in mental health that can result in burnout and fatigue.

Vecova’s Dementia Wellness Program provides a welcoming space for caregivers to connect with and support each other. Heather and Ali Cada, from the Alzheimer Society of Calgary, coordinate activities such as visual arts for caregivers to enjoy while participants are in the program.

“While my husband enjoys time with his group on various brain and exercise activities, I can spend time with my support group of caregivers and Ali,” shares Kris, Peter’s wife. “Through many conversations, we have shared our experiences, resources and stories.”

Caregivers are invited to take part in a variety of activities during the Dementia Wellness Program in support of their mental health and wellbeing.

“The highlight of the gatherings has been the visual arts provided by Ali. I can let go of my worries and focus on the moment and de-stress, whether through painting or drawing,” Kris says. “Ali’s positive outlook and encouraging words to use visual arts has improved my mental wellness and made me want to learn more. As a caregiver, I look forward to these weekly sessions.”

The impact that the Dementia Wellness Program has made on both its participants and their caregivers is what Heather likes the most about leading the program.

“Sometimes at the start of the day, some participants might come in a bit disoriented or confused. We’ll start playing certain kinds of music and then all of a sudden they say ‘that’s the Beach Boys’ and start dancing,” says Heather. “We get to witness that clarity and total enjoyment of the moment, and it’s just such a great feeling.”[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][nd_options_button nd_options_padding=”15px 35px” nd_options_align=”center” nd_options_font_weight=”nd_options_font_weight_bold” nd_options_margin=”5px” nd_options_font_family=”nd_options_first_font” nd_options_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fvecova.ca%2Fget-involved%2Fdonate%2F|title:DONATE%20HERE” nd_options_bg_color=”#f2a900″ nd_options_text_color=”#ffffff” nd_options_font_size=”16″ nd_options_border_radius=”20″][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]

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