Issuu

COMMUNITY

IMPACT REPORT

April 2024 - March 2025

Real People - Real Results

The Flowers of Hope

I was the quiet kid in class, the one who laughed too loud, moved through the halls differently, I didn’t belong.

But I found friends. I found space to grow. I found my first job. All because I found Vecova.

When I lost my parents, Vecova welcomed me in. When I lost myself, they helped me heal.

In time, I worked full-time. I smiled at my neighbours. I belonged.

And I knew people I’d never meet, people like you, made my life possible. You didn’t just fund programs. You planted roots. You opened a door I thought was closed. You grew the flowers of hope. You gave me possibility.

Thank you for seeing me.

ou for not letting the world leave people like me behin you for providing a door I could open and call mine. Thank you for changing everything.

A message from Kelly Holmes-Binns, CEO

Dear Community,

As we prepare to say goodbye to our main building, I’ve found myself reflecting on what truly makes Vecova a home. It’s not the bricks or the walls, although I can only imagine the stories they could tell. It’s the people. It’s a testimony to the power of individuals coming together to create spaces that are welcoming, healing, educational, and safe. It’s the hugs that have been so freely given every day, simply because people are glad to be here. What makes Vecova a home for so many is the moments of courage, connection, and growth we’ve shared together for over 50 years. It is such an honour to be a part of this organization.

This year, your support helped someone take their first steps into employment. It helped a young person with a disability find their voice and a sense of belonging. It helped families navigate change with dignity and hope. It helped people strengthen their physical and mental well-being after suffering from injuries and illnesses. It provided the tools people with dementia needed to express themselves, make new friends who understand what they are going through and give respite time to their caregivers. There is so much more that it helped do, more than I can list on a single page, but you will see it throughout the pages of the Impact Report.

As we look to the future, it’s your continued belief in Vecova that reminds us that we are not closing, we are evolving.

This evolution is already taking root. In 2025, we will begin offering our programs and services in various facilities around the City, and we will open the doors to a new facility in Airdrie, our second location outside of Calgary. The new space in Airdrie will expand access to inclusive, barrier-free wellness services and marks an exciting step towards our ability to support more individuals and families.

The poem at the beginning of this report captures the heart of what you make possible. Supporters like you are not just donors. You are gardeners of possibility. You’ve helped us plant roots that will stretch far beyond the walls of our former home, into communities, into futures, and into countless lives waiting to bloom.

From everyone at Vecova, thank you for your trust, your kindness, and your role in this journey. The flowers of hope continue growing because of you.

Warmly,

Kelly Holmes-Binns Chief Executive Officer, Vecova

Our History

Vecova s story began nearly 70 years a mother’s unwavering love and a bold belief that her son deserved more.

In 1946, Christine Meikle gave birth to twins, Audrey and Rodney Early on, she noticed that Rodney was different which led to a Down Syndrome diagnosis. Christine was told to send him away to an institution and forget about him, but she couldn’t and wouldn’t

Instead, Christine placed an ad in the newspaper, searching for other families who, like her, were navigating life with children with disabilities The response was overwhelming She wasn’t alone, and she knew change was not only possible but necessary.

In 1952, alongside Emily Follensbee, Christine founded the Southern Alberta Council for Disabled Children. A year later, she opened a small school in her own kitchen, where six children came to learn, laugh, and belong. From there, a movement began, growing from basements to church halls to the opening of Alberta’s first government-funded school for children with developmental disabilities, the Christine Meikle School, in 1958.

Christine’s vision expanded beyond childhood. In 1966, she opened Calgary’s first sheltered workshop and that same year secured $7 million in funding to create the Vocational and Rehabilitation Research Institute (VRRI) a groundbreaking centre designed to help people with disabilities live, work, and thrive in their communities.

Christine Meikle’s legacy lives on in every service, every opportunity, and every person we support. She taught us that inclusion is not a hope, it’s a responsibility. Her courage laid the foundation for a future where everyone belongs and at Vecova, we carry that vision forward every day.

Q&A with Board Member

Tracy Graham

Why is Vecova Special to you?

Vecova is a place where everyone is valued, included, and supported. Whether through its programs, services, or people, Vecova has created a space where positive change happens, and I’m proud to be a part of that

Why did you join Vecova’s Board?

When I met with Michelle McKenna, the Board Chair, to discuss joining Vec Board, I was genuinely impressed by the scope and impact of the organiza programs and services It was clear to me that Vecova plays an important r inclusive communities and enhancing the quality of life for individuals of all the board gives me the opportunity to contribute my skills to an organization that’s truly making a difference in people’s lives.

What motivates you to take the lead on events like the Inclusive Housing event?

My motivation stems from the organization’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and accessible community. I am passionate about advancing this work because it aligns with both Vecova’s mission and my personal values. Events like the Inclusive Housing event provide an opportunity to bring people together, spark important conversations, and drive real progress on issues that matter.

Do you have a favourite moment or story about your time on the Board?

One of the most meaningful moments in my time on the Board was during a housing tour organized to deepen our understanding of Vecova’s housing initiatives. It was both eye-opening and informative. At the 12th Avenue location, I was struck by the longevity of the community some individuals had been living together for over 40 years, made possible by the ongoing support and services provided by Vecova It was a powerful illustration of the stability, dignity, and sense of belonging that inclusive housing can offer. On a more personal note, at the end of the tour, one of the residents gave me and another Board member a beaded bracelet he had made for us after meeting us earlier in the visit. That small but heartfelt gesture really stayed with me.

u say to someone considering becoming a mber of our Champions Circle?

ot just a donation it’s an investment in creating real, our community. Vecova’s work touches lives in d by donating, you become part of a dedicated ople who are passionate about equity and inclusion. helps ensure that Vecova can innovate, grow, and individuals and families It’s a powerful way to make a e

Vecova’s Champions Circle

Vecova’s Champions Circle is a network of passionate community leaders who are committed to driving meaningful change for people of all abilities. As a Champion, you’ll collaborate directly with Vecova’s leadership to shape our future, amplify our mission, and expand our reach.

This is more than a title it's a call to action. Champions offer insight, open doors to new partnerships, help grow our donor community, and guide high-impact awareness events. Your voice will help remove barriers and promote inclusion through leadership, advocacy, and support.

Membership is voluntary, diverse, and based on your interest, with flexible involvement to fit your schedule. Whether it’s your connections, your experience, or your passion, you can be a Champion for good.

Impact Report Highlights

Consumers in Housing 123 92 Youth Employment Program

Consumers Served in Wayfinder 90

45,965 Walk-in Supporters at the Bottle Depot Active Members in the Newcomer Program 19 Drop-in Admissions to Vecova Facility

208 208 People in PDD Contracts

20,616

115 Employment Partners

Raised at Our Charity Sales $24,725 12,745 Registrants in AHF Registered Programs

649 Active Donors Consumers in Bow Corridor & Airdrie 25

Housing Services: Building Homes, Growing Futures

Housing Services:

individuals welcomed into programs this year

Looking Forward: Let’s Build Together

As we move into a new chapter of community-based programming, our housing work continues to grow. The need for inclusive homes is rising and so are waitlists.

Here’s how you can help:

Reno a Room: Furnish and personalize spaces for new residents

Fund a Fix: Help build a fence at one of our community homes

Become a Housing Hero: Join our monthly donor program

Take a Tour: Want to see our work in action? Email donations@vecova.ca

Spotlight on Donor Impact

We’re incredibly thankful for the support of Mortgage Connection, whose $5,000 gift helped enhance our Housing Services, and to an anonymous donor, whose $20,000 contribution funded new appliances to improve comfort and independence across multiple homes. Our Impact at a Glance Houses operated by Vecova

Mental Health Services: Healing, Belonging, and Growth

At Vecova, we believe mental health is the foundation of dignity, inclusion, and possibility. We understand how isolating it can feel to struggle with connection and purpose or to care for someone while neglecting your own needs. That’s why our services are designed to meet people where they are: emotionally, geographically, and financially. Whether through therapy, art, or peer support, our programs aim to heal, empower, and help people thrive.

By the Numbers

247 individuals with disabilities received oneon-one counselling through PDD-funded services

247 individuals with disabilities received o through PDD-funded services

95 community members accessed trauma-info Connect YYC

95 community members accessed traumainformed support via Community Connect YYC

193 individual counselling sessions com nd art

s com nd art

o find Creativ ess, re

ct of lo tnersh e prov

Highli

Mental Health Services:

Launched Creative Coping in Airdrie

Provided trauma counselling in collaboration with Kindred and Community Connect YYC

Trained 25 staff in Mental Health First Aid for Older Adults

Equipped the MHS team with EMDR therapy certification

Staff recognized for excellence: Marlin Styner Award + psychologist designations

The Need Continues

Each number represents someone waiting to be seen, heard, and supported. 110 individuals are on the PDD counselling waitlist (avg. wait: 12 months) 45 are waiting through Community Connect YYC (avg. wait: 3.5 months)

How Can You Help?

Fund Uncovered Care: Help us fill critical funding gaps for individuals not covered by PDD, ensuring they continue to receive these essential services.

Support Caregivers: Your support is vital to sustaining our Dementia caregivers group; without it, these lifelines of connection and guidance are at risk.

Expand Access: We’re ready to grow, but we need your help. With additional funding, we can bring more of our programming to our service locations, reaching those who currently go without.

With Gratitude

We extend our thanks to all who support Vecova’s Mental Health Services—especially the Airdrie Foundation, City of Calgary, and Community Connect YYC—for helping us open doors to healing across the region

Employment Services: Empowering Inclusive Futures

Meaningful work changes everything It’s the foundation of dignity, independence, and inclusion For over 50 years, Vecova’s Employment Services has been breaking down barriers and helping individuals with disabilities and other challenges thrive in the workforce.

Bridging the Employment Gap

With the employment rate for persons with disabilities still trailing the national average, Vecova’s Employment Services offers personalized planning, skill development, and job placement support to youth, adults, and newcomers. We work with participants at every stage fostering confidence, independence, and meaningful careers.

By the Numbers

92 youth participated in our Youth Employment Program

90% completed the full program; 30% secured or maintained employment

52 adults participated in our PDD Employment Program; 81% were employed

19 newcomers received employment support

115 employer partners supported inclusive hiring

Stories of Growth

Anna (16) joined the youth program, living with anxiety, PTSD, and a mild cognitive disability. She had never held a job and wasn’t sure if anyone would hire her. With one-onone support from her job coach, Anna slowly built trust, practiced her communication skills, and began to believe in herself. Her placement at Bath & Body Works was a big leap, but she rose to the challenge. She set small goals for every shift, like greeting customers and connecting with coworkers. By the end, she was confidently helping shoppers and contributing to her team. Anna left the program empowered, proud of her growth, and ready to take on her first summer job.

Ne Sin act thro Ho kills, hem ults s to our n s,

Wayfinder: Guiding Belonging One Step at a Time

Wayfinder is more than a program; it’s a pathway to purpose. At Vecova, we walk alongside individuals with disabilities as they build independence, explore their city, and find joy and meaning in everyday experiences. From volunteering and meaningful programming to navigating transit and attending community events, Wayfinder helps people connect with others and discover places where they truly belong

Impact at a Glance

90 consumers engaged in Wayfinder programming 23 active volunteers contributing across Calgary 7+ community partners hosting inclusive experiences

How Can You Help?

Wayfinder builds bridges between isolation and connection, between possibility and purpose. Your support helps us:

Help us purchase a Boardmaker: This vital tool will allow us to create visual supports, communication boards, and social stories for individuals with communication barriers.

ESL Program: We’re looking to register our consumers in a program for whom English is a second. Funding and volunteer support are needed to get it off the ground.

XL Learning: Fund adaptive software that builds skills in math, English, and science while tailoring learning to each individual’s abilities.

Community Outings & Meals: Support the cost of transportation, group meals, and community outings that promote social inclusion, independence, and allow our consumers to try something new.

With Gratitude

We are deeply grateful to all who support Vecova’s Wayfinder program especially our incredible community partners like Studio Bell, the Red Cross, Calgary Zoo, PetSmart, and CJSW Radio for helping create meaningful, inclusive experiences across the city.

Vecov

Bow Corridor: Inclusion from th F thill

based services to more Albertans. Across the Bow Corridor, from Cochrane, Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise, Vecova is supporting individuals with disabilities in finding support to live well, work meaningfully, and participate fully in their communities.

This Year Highlights

In February, we celebrated the grand opening of Vecova’s Airdrie office! A welcoming, community-integrated space where programming is already taking root. Since opening our doors, we’ve hosted cybersecurity workshops for young adults, Community BBQs and fire safety workshops with the Airdrie Fire Department.

Our Bow Corridor team also helped plan and celebrate the International Day for People with Disabilities in Canmore. The event brought together local leaders, including the mayors of Banff and Lake Louise, residents, and community partners to raise awareness and spark dialogue about the importance of inclusive services across the region.

the Numbers

25 individuals supported across the Bow Corridor and Airdrie 12 in Airdrie

7 in Cochrane

3 in Canmore

2 in Banff 1 in Lake Louise

3 consumers in Airdrie already secured work experience placements

4 consumers in the Bow Corridor secured meaningful employment

Consumers also volunteered at local organizations like the Airdrie Food Bank and Community Treasures Thrift Store

How You Can Help

Continued growth requires continuous support. The Bow Corridor is seeking:

Community Partnerships: Help us build new partnerships that provide program space, mentorship, and shared resources to strengthen local impact.

Flexible Funding: Support rural outreach, transportation, and grassroots programming where traditional funding often falls short.

Volunteer Support: We’re seeking volunteers to assist with workshops, events, and inclusive experiences that bring our community together.

A Tribute to Vecova’s Aquatics, Health & Fitness

The closure of Vecova’s Aquatics, Health & Fitness (AHF) facility in June 2025 marks the end of a remarkable era. For over 50 years, this space has been more than a pool or a fitness centre; it has been a cornerstone of inclusion, wellness, and community for thousands of Calgarians.

From the moment it opened, AHF embodied everything Vecova stands for: innovation, entrepreneurship, accessibility, and human connection. It wasn’t just a place to exercise; it was where friendships were formed, milestones were reached, and people felt seen, valued, and supported. Whether it was watching your child thrive in a swim lesson, regaining strength in a fitness class, or gaining independence through adapted recreation, AHF created meaningful experiences that truly changed lives.

The news of the closure in October 2024 was heartbreaking for us and our community. Yet in the face of uncertainty, AHF staff carried themselves with professionalism, positivity, and grace. They continued to deliver high-quality, inclusive programming without interruption a reflection of their deep commitment and care. What could have been a difficult time became a shining example of resilience.

Though the facility is closing, the legacy of AHF will carry on. Vecova’s adapted aquatics programs will continue through new partnerships, including with Vivo and other local facilities. Organizations can also bring our specialized programs into their own spaces by hiring our skilled and experienced staff. This chapter may be ending, but its impact will be felt for years to come.

Thank you to Petro Canada, the Caremakers Grant, which supported our Dementia program, Birdies for Kids, which supported our Youth Programs, and the CSEC Flames Foundation for our new sports equipment.

Thank you, AHF team. You’ve done more than keep us moving you’ve moved us forward.

Farewell to Vecova’s Bottle Depot

After more than 50 years of service, Vecova’s Bottle Depot is preparing to close its doors—and with it, a powerful chapter in our story. Since 1973, this space has quietly, yet profoundly, shaped our community. What started as a simple recycling operation became a vibrant social enterprise rooted in purpose, inclusion, and sustainability.

The impact is undeniable. Over the past year alone, nearly 46,000 walk-in customers and more than 4,200 residential pick-up users trusted our team to process their bottles. We partnered with 226 schools, businesses, and community groups, creating relationships built on shared values and local impact. This wasn’t just about recycling—it was about reinvesting in community and belonging.

At the heart of the depot’s success is our team, many of whom face barriers to traditional employment. Today, 17 of 20 employees bring unique skills and perspectives that have made this space welcoming, efficient, and what it is today.

As we prepare to close this chapter, we know the work is not over. Vecova remains committed to advancing sustainability and inclusive employment in new ways. We're actively exploring future opportunities in the recycling sector that continue to reflect the values this depot upheld for so long.

To every customer, donor, partner, and especially our depot staff: thank you.

�� Still want to support us?

Our bottle pick-up service is still running! Turn your empties into impact by scheduling a free residential or business pick-up. Every bottle continues to support employment opportunities and vital programs in your community.

Vecova’s Next Chapter

Vecova is excited to continue our programs and services through a hub-and-spoke model, one that brings programs and support closer to where people live and work. This model reduces transportation barriers, increases accessibility, and allows us to serve more individuals within their own communities.

While this may be a new chapter for our main facility, it’s a model we’ve already had for years in our Airdrie, Canmore, and Calgary Airport locations Now, we’re expanding this reach and amplify our impact

pe building, located at 2520 Capitol Hill NW, will serve as the home for Wayfinder, Employment Services, Consumer Services, and Social & Community Programs. Our administrative and leadership teams, along with services like Housing, Mental Health, and Bottle Pickup, will move to the Kahanoff Centre at 105 12th Ave SE, a nonprofit hub in the heart of Calgary’s Beltline.

This transition is more than a change of address; it’s a strategic evolution. With modern, accessible environments and stronger integration within the community, Vecova is positioned to support even more individuals of all abilities in meaningful, person-centred ways.

We’re inviting you to be part of our next chapter!

Come on a tour of our new spaces!

Become a naming sponsor and have a room or space named after you or your organization

Sponsor our upcoming DEAM (Disability Employment Awareness Month) event in October

Join our Champions Circle

Become a Bottle Pick-Up customer

Donate to support our transition. Visit vecova.ca/donate

Reach out to learn more at Donations@vecova.ca

Together, we can continue building a future where everyone belongs.

Your Support in Action

Every gift tells a story, and this past year, your generosity helped write some of our most meaningful chapters. We are especially grateful for the outpouring of support following the announcement of the closure of our main facility. We know how difficult that news was for many in our community who relied on those services for years. Your response made a powerful difference.

Because of you, our community became stronger, more inclusive, and more connected. Your gift wasn’t just a donation it was a warm meal in one of our homes, a youth exploring their city through Wayfinder, a celebration during Disability Employment Awareness Month, or someone finding the courage to apply for a job. These are just a few of the countless moments you made possible.

Throughout this report, you’ve read about the impact of giving. Now, we invite you to see it. In the following pages, you’ll find the faces of those you supported celebrating, laughing, discovering purpose, and reclaiming their independence. These aren’t just programs. They are pathways to possibility.

From new appliances and accessible equipment to Giving Tuesday’s record-breaking success, your support continues to create real, lasting change.

This is what happens when we come together. This is what happens when you believe in what’s possible!

15,839

Gifts processed last year

Raised on Giving Tuesday, $40,000 of that was matched by our Matching Gift Donors $90,000

4,064

Unique donors

$15,000

Given by monthly donors

Raised (including grants from foundations) $750,000

Milk Jar Candle Co & Vecova

Milk Jar Candle Co., founded by Holly Singer in 2016, creates clean-burning candles with a mission to give back. Holly’s early connection with a young boy with Cerebral Palsy at Vecova inspired her commitment to inclusion.

Milk Jar has since become a proud inclusive employer and generous supporter of Vecova. This year, we partnered on a limited-edition “New Home Smell” candle celebrating our Inclusive Housing Services with proceeds directly supporting our programs.

Thank you, Milk Jar, for being a true champion of inclusion

Ways to Support Veco a

Supporting Vecova is easier than you think and every action makes a difference in building a more inclusive community!

Sign up for Bottle Pick-Up: Let us pick up your bottles and cans! It’s free, and convenient, and helps fund programs that support people of all abilities. Become an Employment Partner: Hire someone supported by Vecova or offer job placements. It’s a great way to promote inclusive workplaces and gain dedicated employees.

Donate Through Work: If your workplace hosts staff parties, employee giving initiatives, or fundraisers, we’d love to be considered as the benefiting organization.

Make a One-Time or Monthly Gift: Every donation helps provide housing, employment, mental health, and wellness programs for people with disabilities.

Have an Idea? Let’s Talk! We’re always open to new partnerships and creative ways to collaborate. Donations@vecova.ca.

Thank you to our donors!

To the individuals, families, foundations, businesses, volunteers, and agencies who support Vecova - thank you. Your generosity fuels our mission and helps build a more inclusive and equitable community for all.

Your donations have made it possible to expand vital programs, purchase specialized equipment, reduce financial barriers, and reach more people across our region. But your impact goes beyond dollars; you are champions of inclusion, advocates for accessibility, and true partners in change.

Your continued support is a powerful force behind everything we do. Because of you, we’re able to grow, evolve, and meet people where they are—with compassion, dignity, and possibility. Thank you for walking alongside us. We couldn’t do it without you!

For a complete list of all of our donors, please visit: vecova.ca/ways-to-support/donors

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

Top Organizational Donors

Thank you to our donors!

Corporations, foundations, and funding agencies each play a pivotal role in Vecova’s success. They provide essential funding for large-scale projects and unique initiatives, ensuring long-term sustainability and substantial community impact. Together, these diverse sources of funding enable Vecova to effectively plan, deliver, and amplify our work.

To the individuals, families, foundations, businesses, and agencies who support Vecova - thank you. Your generosity fuels our mission and helps build a more inclusive and equitable community for all.

THE CANADIAN RED CROSS SOCIETY

CANPROM FOUNDATION C/O AQUEDUCT FOUNDATION

RBC FOUNDATION

MCKENNA FAMILY FUND

SPORT CALGARY

MILK JAR CANDLE COMPANY INC.

GRAYDON AND DOROTHY MORRISON FUND AT CALGARY FOUNDATION

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

XPAN INTERACTIVE LTD.

CALGARY SHAW CHARITY CLASSIC FOUNDATION

PETRO CANADA

Top Individual Donors

Thank you to our donors!

Individual donors are vital for Vecova as they provide an important portion of the funding, allowing the organization to sustain its operations and respond flexibly to the needs of our clients. Your contributions also help raise awareness for Vecova’s mission and foster deeper community involvement and support.

To the individuals, families, foundations, businesses, and agencies who support Vecova - thank you. Your generosity fuels our mission and helps build a more inclusive and equitable community for all.

SANDRA HUNTER

JOHN AND ANN SPEER

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANKYOUTHANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

GORDON J. HOY

WILLIAM SCHICKEDANZ

DUSTIN ANDERSON

DIANE KAMITAKAHARA

RON LOWRY

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

SYLVIE TRAN

GEORGE SCHLOSSER

ROBERT SMART

Thank you to our donors!

Top 10 Longest Consecutive Donors

To the individuals, families, foundations, businesses, and agencies who support Vecova - thank you. Your generosity fuels our mission and helps build a more inclusive and equitable community for all.

Long-term donors are crucial for Vecova because they provide a stable and reliable source of funding, allowing us to plan and meet community needs effectively. Your sustained support helps build a strong community of advocates who amplify the charity's message and attract new supporters.

STEVE GAAL

GORDON JARRETT

DONNA JOHNSON

YVONNE MARTODAM

STEPHANIE MOON

PATRICK OTAKPOR

GEORGE SCHLOSSER

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

ROY SHAFER

RUTH WINNITOY

JOHN S. ABERCROMBIE

Vecova is based in Calgary and we acknowledge Alberta, Canada and our centres are located on the traditional territories of First Nations Peoples of Treaty 7. The Treaty 7 Lands in Southern Alberta are home to the Kainai Nation, Piikani Nation, Siksika Nation, Tsuut’ina Nation, and the Bearspaw, Chiniki and Wesley (Stoney-Nakoda) Nations. Calgary is also home to Region 3 of the Métis Nation of Alberta.

Vecova is a registered charity CRN 119286912 RR0001