Vecova’s cluster housing model has been critical to the lives of those with complex needs in our Housing Services. In particular, Vecova operates the Legacy Program, aimed at persons who may have fallen through the cracks of different housing service providers. This model is for persons with disabilities who have mental health issues, substance abuse concerns and may have experienced the criminal justice system.

Vecova’s aim is to provide safe and secure housing, while also facilitating independence, focusing on harm reduction, building skills and autonomy, and giving people more control over their lives.

“There’s obviously a gap in the area of homelessness, especially for people we support. They’re sometimes perceived in a negative way, and people are being left behind and left out,” said Aaron Renner, one of Vecova’s Housing Services Managers, who oversees the Legacy Program. “Especially for folks who don’t fit in traditional models, they may end up homeless or incarcerated or in other situations that are unfavourable. Vecova is proactive and willing to participate in supporting these people’s lives. It’s inspiring to see that we’re helping people who would normally fall between the cracks.”

Renner has seen growth in the consumers. “We’re giving people the chance to grow their skills through new programs, we’re providing support for them to beat their addictions, giving them a chance to not feel isolated, and to feel cared for.”

When the COVID-19 Disability Survey conducted by the Abilities Centre came out in December 2020, the survey found, “82% of respondents reported that the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted their mental health.” The risk of social isolation persists for persons with disabilities – 80% of adults with disabilities were often found to have a higher level of isolation than the general public.

Vecova addressed this through new programs focused on the well-being and participation of persons of all abilities.

One of one these programs, the Children’s Adapted Recreation Program focuses on building capacity, confidence and access through sports and swimming. This class is designed to be flexible and adaptive to the fundamental motor skills of each child’s specific needs.

“When we started our Children’s Adapted Recreation program, we heard from so many parents – ‘Thank you,’” shared Michelle Thompson, Aquatics, Health and Fitness Assistant Manager. “Especially because of the pandemic, there had been fewer programs in Calgary for a lot of groups, including persons with disabilities. For these parents and their children, these classes at Vecova meant a lot.”

AHF also began new social clubs, open to adults of all abilities. Called Explore Abilities, these activity-based community gatherings provide a supportive, safe and fun way for people to join together once again. Vecova is currently the only agency that offers programming of this nature – social clubs and groups where individuals of all abilities can try new activities, which include games, public speaking, and more.

According to Heather Burke, Explore Abilities Program Leader, Vecova’s consumers have been happy to have this opportunity to reconnect with one another.

“Consumers are very happy to be back at the Vecova community and for many, it is the only time they get to see their friends and favourite staff members. We’ve also seen an increase in the number of consumers coming from other agencies and family-managed programs.”

The programs have also brought out new talents in our participants. “Participants are encouraged to take part in all activities to the best of their ability, and we are constantly adapting our activities to make sure everyone is always included. A surprising number of consumers have embraced the public speaking opportunities and love to come to the podium to talk to the group about whatever they feel the need to share. It makes for some very interesting conversations!”

These programs have filled a much-needed gap in programming for persons with disabilities, which began before the pandemic.

“The lack of affordable programming is also a common issue. Having a place like Vecova where there are so many options in one place, is much appreciated and highly valued.”

The presentations shared Vecova’s insights on the areas of mental health, housing services and medical support for persons with disabilities. It also gave the students the opportunity to hear directly from Vecova’s consumers, who shared stories about the challenges and barriers they deal with and what they want future doctors to know.

Among the presenters were Shawna Stewart, Housing Services Manager at Vecova’s complex medical home, and Dr. Aiofe Freeman-Cruz, Senior Clinical Psychologist at Vecova. They were thrilled with the response from the students.

“The majority of the feedback from the students shared that the consumers’ stories of their lived experiences were most powerful. The students were moved,” Stewart said. She went on to explain that this could change how our consumers are treated in the future.

“A struggle can be finding a doctor who will communicate with our consumers and will actually listen to what they have to say. Being able to give these first-year students the understanding about working with this community while they’re learning means that they’ll go into their own practice with this knowledge base.”