[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 7, 2023[/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]

Have an awesome summer with us – Vecova’s Summer Day Camps Guide is now available!

Your children are going to love Vecova’s Summer Day Camps! They’ll spend the day doing fun, inclusive and exciting activities, including swimming in our warm saltwater pool. There’s Something for Every Body at Vecova – including your kids!

Vecova’s Summer Day Camps provide a safe, welcoming, inclusive environment where safety and fun for campers is our highest priority.
Every week is filled with learning, crafts, games, activities and lots of fun geared toward age-appropriate child development.
Campers will get to enjoy an awesome swimming playtime in our warm water pool throughout the week. The pool is reserved for the exclusive use of camps for 1 hour per day. Life jackets and increased leader ratios are provided to ensure safety.

Registration begins March 28 at 8:00 am. Check out the guide here.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][nd_options_button nd_options_padding=”15px 20px” nd_options_align=”center” nd_options_font_weight=”nd_options_font_weight_bold” nd_options_margin=”5px” nd_options_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fvecova.ca%2Fsummer-2023-day-camps%2F|title:VIEW%20THE%20SUMMER%20CAMP%20GUIDE” nd_options_bg_color=”#f2a900″ nd_options_text_color=”#ffffff” nd_options_font_size=”20″ nd_options_border_radius=”20″][vc_single_image image=”9199″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://vecova.ca/summer-2023-day-camps/”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][/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]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]December 1, 2022[/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][vc_column_text]

Thank you for raising over $12,000 for Giving Tuesday!

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Wow! The Vecova community really made a splash for Giving Tuesday! You have shown us what generosity is all about. Thanks to our incredible donors, we raised $12,345 for our Aquatics program!

The funds raised will go straight back to the community by improving our programs and services. We’ll get even better and safer equipment so that everyone who comes to our pool – of all ages and abilities – has the best experience possible. A few things on our list include improved floatation devices, new snorkels and flippers and adaptive life jackets – but now that we’ve exceeded our $4,000 goal, we’re going to be able to do so much more!

Thank you for supporting Vecova’s pool and our work toward creating inclusive programming!

Warm regards,

Kyla Martin
Chief Development Officer[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1668808962932{background-image: url(https://vecova.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Everybody_006-scaled.jpg?id=8517) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column_inner][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”50″][nd_options_text nd_options_text_tag=”h2″ nd_options_text_align=”center” nd_options_text=”Winter 2023 Program Guide” nd_options_text_color=”#ffffff” nd_options_text_font_size=”40″][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”30″][nd_options_button nd_options_padding=”10px 20px” nd_options_align=”center” nd_options_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fvecova.ca%2Fwinter-2023-program-guide%2F|title:CLICK%20HERE|target:_blank” 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=”50″][/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 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

[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]

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]

[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 11, 2022[/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][vc_column_text]

There’s Something For Every Body at Vecova!

Ryan, Aurora, Sarah Jane and Ashaan have one thing in common – they know that fitness is for everyone at Vecova!

We have Something For Every Body at Vecova’s Aquatics, Health and Fitness – inclusive programs for you, your family and friends. Our programs are made for people of every comfort, ability and skill level to help you meet your wellness goals. Discover the right program for you today![/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]

Try a free class from October 17-22!

To celebrate, we’re offering a free drop-in class week! From October 17 to 22, try a class at Vecova for absolutely free! To participate, sign up in advance here. Your registration will be confirmed by a member of our team.[/vc_column_text][nd_options_button nd_options_padding=”8px 12px” nd_options_align=”center” nd_options_font_weight=”nd_options_font_weight_bold” nd_options_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fforms.office.com%2Fpages%2Fresponsepage.aspx%3Fid%3DdLRntoK790ymhuawD01HXrB_9Rr_aHdIopsNgzFHaW9UMFdaRThHM1YyV04wUUdOUlk2VTI2NUlGVCQlQCN0PWcu|title:REGISTER%20HERE!|target:_blank” nd_options_bg_color=”#f2a900″ nd_options_text_color=”#ffffff” nd_options_border_radius=”5″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”8181″ img_size=”full” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://vecova.ca/aquaticshealthfitness/open-drop-in-week-october-17-22-2022/”][vc_column_text]

View the full schedule here.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]You help Vecova create #InclusionForEveryone every time you sign up for a program at Vecova’s Aquatics, Health and Fitness.

All proceeds support our housing, employment, wellness, mental health services and more for persons with disabilities to build a world where everyone is valued, belongs and thrives.

We have more exciting news coming soon! Keep an eye on our website and social media for updates, stories and ways that you can get involved.

See you at Vecova![/vc_column_text][/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]September 2, 2022[/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][vc_column_text]

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:

September 30

September 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. On this day, Vecova will be closed.

We encourage the entire community to use this day to learn more and listen to the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people who live in Canada. It is our obligation, as Canadians living on colonized lands, that we commemorate the tragedies and ongoing impacts of residential schools and colonization.

At Vecova, where our mission is to build a future for people of all abilities where everyone is valued, belongs and thrives, we believe that learning and acknowledging the truth is an important and necessary first step in the healing of our community.

We encourage all of you to take this day to learn directly from the First Nations Peoples of Treaty 7, the Kainai Nation, Piikani Nation, Siksika Nation, Tsuut’ina Nation, and the Bearspaw, Chiniki and Wesley (Stoney-Nakoda) Nations, the Métis Nation of Alberta.

We acknowledge that the subject of residential schools can be traumatic to many. Mental health supports are available. Former residential school students can call 1-866-925-4419 for emotional crisis referral services and information on other health supports from the Government of Canada. Indigenous peoples across Canada can also go to The Hope for Wellness Help Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for counselling and crisis intervention. Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat.[/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 1, 2022[/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][vc_column_text]

Join us this Fall at Vecova’s Creative Coping course!

We’re excited to announce that Vecova’s Mental Health Services will be running two Creative Coping sessions in Fall 2022! These sessions are for those who could benefit from learning emotional coping strategies and mindfulness in a group therapy setting.

Session 1: October 4 to November 8, 2022 (Tuesdays) from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Session 2: November 15 to December 20, 2022 (Tuesdays) from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

With 15 spots available per session, registration is completely free and on a first come first serve basis. To allow space for all of those who want to attend, participants will be able to register for one session but will not be able to register for both.

To register, please click on the button below to fill out the registration form.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][nd_options_button nd_options_padding=”15px 35px” nd_options_align=”center” nd_options_font_weight=”nd_options_font_weight_bold” nd_options_margin=”10px” nd_options_font_family=”nd_options_first_font” nd_options_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fforms.office.com%2Fr%2F4G13CNdFhz|title:REGISTER%20HERE|target:_blank” nd_options_bg_color=”#f2a900″ nd_options_text_color=”#ffffff” nd_options_font_size=”18″ nd_options_border_radius=”20″][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”40″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]If you have any questions, please connect with Aiofe Freeman-Cruz at [email protected] or Daniella Paulich at [email protected].[/vc_column_text][/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]August 26, 2022[/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][vc_column_text]

Notice of Temporary Facility Closure

Vecova’s main facility will be temporarily closed from August 26, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. to September 12, 2022 at 7:45 a.m. for regular facility maintenance.

The following onsite programs and services will be temporarily closed or operated offsite at this time:

Aquatics, Health and Fitness (closed)
Wayfinder (operated offsite in the community)
Employment Services (operated offsite in the community)
Mental Health Services (offsite; online appointments will continue)
Facility rentals (closed)

Due to the closure, the August 26 Public Swim time at 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. will be cancelled.

Our main phone line at (403) 284-1121 will be available from Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during this temporary closure.

Thank you for your understanding, and we can’t wait to welcome you back to our facility when we open again on September 12!

[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][/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]July 1, 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]

Celebrate Disability Pride Month with #InclusionForEveryone!

The journey toward #InclusionForEveryone begins when we listen to each other.

For Disability Pride Month, Vecova will take this time to do exactly that. This month, we will elevate and celebrate the voices of the disability community and advocates by sharing stories from individuals across the organization.

We are excited to share some stories and introduce you to new faces from our community. You’ll meet some of our consumers in Housing Services and employees in our Bottle Depot, who will share what Disability Pride Month means to them. You’ll hear from our Dementia Wellness team, who are doing incredible work with Calgary’s dementia community and their caregivers. We’ll share some of our stories of successes in different areas at Vecova – from Wayfinder, to Employment Services, to Aquatics, Health and Fitness and more.

The examples above are just a handful of what you’ll see on our website and social media this month. Make sure you visit us at vecova.ca and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest. If you want to join in on the discussion, use the hashtag #InclusionForEveryone on social media or connect with us at [email protected].

Let’s use this month to celebrate Disability Pride and #InclusionForEveryone!

[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”7588″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css_animation=”fadeIn” link=”https://vecova.ca/inclusionforeveryone2021/”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”7589″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css_animation=”fadeIn” link=”https://vecova.ca/inclusionforeveryone2021/”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][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.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][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″][/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]May 9, 2022[/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][vc_column_text]

Vecova’s Youth Program gains support from the RBC Foundation

RBC Future Launch will support students with barriers to employment in Calgary, the Bighorn Municipal District, Rocky View County and Banff National Park

Vecova has received a $25,000 donation from RBC Future Launch from the RBC Foundation. This donation will allow Vecova to expand and grow its successful Youth Program, which provides work experience for high school students with diverse abilities as they navigate their paths from youth to adulthood.

With RBC Future Launch’s support, Vecova will be able to continue to build our capacity and scale our Youth Program in Calgary, the Bighorn Municipal District, Rocky View County and Banff National Park to support youth with diverse abilities and add additional transition support for all individuals and families/caregiver networks in the existing program.

“The young people in our program may face barriers to employment. Some may have cognitive disabilities, learning disabilities, income barriers, mental health concerns, histories of trauma or be in government care,” shared Thomas Naested, Director of Wellness Services at Vecova. “With support from RBC’s Future Launch, Vecova can continue to provide opportunity and support to these often underserved youth, so that they can face these challenges, gain new skills and confidence and ultimately, work towards the employment opportunities they seek.”

RBC Future Launch is an investment in change, bringing people together to co-create solutions so young people are better prepared for the future of work.

Vecova thanks RBC Foundation for their support. Their donation will allow Vecova to continue its work towards its vision of “Inclusion for Everyone.”[/vc_column_text][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][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row]