To enhance the human experience for people with disabilities. Our Mission
Building a future for people of all abilities where everyone is valued, belongs and thrives. Our Vision
Inclusion for Everyone.
We achieve this by:
Delivering inclusive programs that support people with disabilities across the lifespan
Creating pathways to meaningful employment through training, partnerships, and supports
Advancing mental health and wellbeing through accessible, peoplecentred services
Building inclusive communities through partnerships and the generosity of donors, sponsors, and volunteers
Driving systemic change by influencing attitudes, policies, and practices
Responding to evolving community needs through innovation, collaboration, and care
A message from Kelly Holmes-Binns, CEO
A year of growing forward
This past year was one of the most significant in Vecova’s history.
As we said goodbye to our longtime main building, we also said goodbye to a place that held decades of memories, relationships, and care. For many people, it was more than a building. It was where they learned new skills, built confidence, found friendship, accessed support, and experienced belonging. Saying goodbye was not easy. But this year was never about leaving something behind. It was about growing forward.
As part of that transition, Vecova opened new spaces at Vecova NW @ Kaleidoscope and Vecova @ Hub Beltline at The Kahanoff Centre These locations continue to reflect our way of serving people with disabilities across the community, closer to where people live, work, gather, celebrate, and learn We continued to adapt in real time, building new partnerships and finding new ways to deliver services Growth rarely happens in a straight line It asks for courage, patience, creativity, and trust I saw those qualities everywhere at Vecova this year Our employees navigated uncertainty, shifting spaces, and the emotional weight of leaving a place that had been part of our identity for more than 50 years. Through it all, they continued to show up with compassion, skill, humour, determination, and heart.
Across Calgary and Alberta, people with disabilities continue to face real barriers. Accessible housing remains hard to find. Inclusive employment opportunities are still out of reach for too many Families continue to search for trusted programs, respite, mental health supports, and spaces where their loved ones can participate fully Vecova is answering that call by staying rooted in our mission while growing in new directions
This year’s report tells the story of an organization in motion. It is the story of a team that continued to care through change, and of families, participants, partners, donors, volunteers, and community members who walked with us through transition. We are not the same organization we were a year ago. We are more community-connected, more flexible, and more focused on partnership. And we are still Vecova.
We are still here to support people with disabilities to live lives with dignity, choice, connection, and possibility. We are still here to build a future where everyone is valued, belongs, and thrives. And we are still here because of the people who believe in this work.
To our employees, thank you for your courage and care. To our donors, partners, volunteers, participants, and families, thank you for your trust.
Together, we are growing forward, with strong roots, open hearts, and a vision for what comes next.
Employment Services
Meaningful work changes everything
Vecova’s Employment Services team continued to help people build confidence, gain skills, and access meaningful work Through individualized coaching, employer partnerships, and flexible supports, the department supported youth, adults, and newcomers as they moved toward employment and independence.
This year brought strong outcomes across the department Youth participants gained workplace experience and confidence Newcomers overcame barriers to enter the Canadian labour market. Adults in the program maintained and grew their employment, often taking important next steps in their careers. Employer partnerships remain central to this work. When employers create space for inclusion, everyone benefits Participants gain skills and dignity, and workplaces gain committed employees and new perspectives.
One of the most rewarding aspects of participating in this program was seeing Ash grow in confidence and develop valuable workplace skills. This experience not only helped prepare her for future employment but also gave our team valuable insight into the benefits of workplace inclusion. — Lindsay Parr, Owner, My Florist
Building Confidence: Jake’s Story
Jake joined the Youth Work Experience Program to build confidence and workplace skills. Through his placement at Olympus Boxing Club, he became more independent and comfortable interacting with coworkers and supervisors After completing the program, Jake secured a paid part-time position at a local tire shop.
Finding Independence: Mach’s Story
Mach developed workplace and customer service skills through employment support and coaching at Vecova In early 2026, he was hired as a Consumer Experience Assistant at Vecova’s Kaleidoscope location, where he takes pride in helping maintain a welcoming environment for consumers, staff, and visitors.
Housing Services
Housing is about more than a place to live
At Vecova, housing is about dignity, stability, choice, and belonging. This year, housing teams supported people across shared group living, cluster living, home sharing, independent living, and respite services. But the work went far beyond daily support Housing employees created opportunities for connection and joy through Stampede BBQs, community outings, day trips, art, travel, and seasonal activities that helped people build confidence and stronger relationships.
A powerful example came through Huntford, where art became a meaningful tool for self-expression, regulation, connection, and pride One individual discovered not only a new outlet but also a friendship that grew into regular visits and shared activities. Another earned more than $500 through artwork displayed in Vecova’s (dis)ABLED Art Show. These are the moments that show how housing support can open the door to a fuller life. 33 10
Did You Know?
Creating accessible homes often requires major investments. An adapted bathtub alone can cost more than $70,000, including installation. Donations of maintenance services, accessibility upgrades, and household supplies help us create safe, comfortable homes where people can thrive.
Beyond Housing Supports
This year, Vecova Housing teams created opportunities for consumers to experience connection, adventure, and community beyond day-to-day supports. From trips to Banff, Drumheller, and Heritage Park to Stampede BBQs, festivals, and community outings, consumers explored new experiences, built friendships, and created meaningful memories
Behind every outing was a dedicated team of employees who worked tirelessly to plan inclusive, engaging experiences tailored to each person’s interests and abilities. Their creativity, compassion, and commitment helped transform ordinary moments into opportunities for confidence, joy, and belonging.
Adapted Recreation
Inclusive recreation
Vecova’s adapted recreation programs continued to grow through strong community collaborations and creative programming. Children, youth, and adults took part in adapted aquatics, mixed-ability sport, adapted cricket, rugby, and movement programs that build confidence, connection, and joy.
Collaborations with Vivo, COSPA, the City of Calgary, and the Calgary Cricket Centre made it possible to offer more inclusive recreation in more community spaces For many participants, these programs are not only about physical activity. They are about belonging, independence, and trying something new in a safe and supportive environment.
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Child & Youth Adapted Rec participants
Bottle Pickup
Turning recycling into impact
Vecova’s Bottle Pickup service continued to turn everyday recycling into meaningful community impact. This year, the team recycled more than 4.7 million containers while serving thousands of residential and commercial customers
The program continues to be a strong example of social enterprise in action, creating convenient service for the community while supporting inclusive employment and Vecova’s broader mission
Complex Needs Individuals Individuals Supported
Wayfinder
Guiding belonging, one step at a time Wayfinder helps people build connection, confidence, and community. Through one-to-one support, volunteer opportunities, social groups, recreation, and education, the program supports people to pursue personal goals and develop meaningful relationships
This year, the team continued to grow and strengthen partnerships across the city. Many participants volunteered regularly, built natural supports, and explored new experiences that helped reduce isolation and create a stronger sense of belonging.
One example is Frank, who has volunteered behind the scenes at Heritage Park for nearly 20 years, collecting paper recycling throughout the park Through his volunteer role, Frank has built meaningful friendships with staff and become a familiar and valued part of the Heritage Park community. His humour, enthusiasm, and dedication bring joy to the people around him, showing how community connection and belonging can grow through consistent support and opportunity.
Community Programs
Connection and belonging matter
Social & Community Programs continued to create welcoming spaces where people could connect, learn, and participate in meaningful activities. Through arts, games, movement, cooking, and social recreation, programs supported participants in building confidence, friendships, skills, and community connection in a supportive and inclusive environment.
The team also strengthened community collaborations with organizations, including the Calgary Dementia Community of Care, Bridgeland Seniors Health, and the ASPEN Committee, expanding opportunities for connection, education, and support across Calgary
Airdrie
Growing support in Airdrie
Vecova’s Airdrie program continued to grow this year, expanding both staffing and the number of people supported. The team provides Employment Supports, Independent Living Supports, and Wayfinder programming in a community-based setting that helps people build skills, confidence, and connection.
Community members participated in volunteer roles, fitness, social activities, work experience placements, and paid employment opportunities As the program grows, so does its impact, with more people finding meaningful ways to participate in their community.
Bow Corridor
Growing beyond city limits
Vecova’s work continued to expand across the Bow Corridor and into communities beyond Calgary. In Canmore, Cochrane, Banff, and Lake Louise, people accessed support that helped reduce isolation, build community connection, and create more opportunities for inclusion.
Regional growth is an important part of Vecova’s future It shows that inclusive, community-based supports can work well when they are designed around where people live and what they need
Employee Engagement Rate
People & Culture
Supporting the people who support others
Vecova’s success begins with its people. This year, the People and Culture team focused on recognition, employee engagement, leadership development, and learning opportunities that strengthen the employee experience and support the organization’s future.
Highlights included the annual employee appreciation event, long-service recognition, the employee engagement survey, the development of a People and Culture Strategy, the Shared Leadership Philosophy, and the launch of the Employee Learning Portal Together, these initiatives help build a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and ready to do their best work
Employees
Employee Service Milestones
Mental Health Services
Vecova’s Mental Health Services continued to meet people where they are, offering counselling, creative coping, caregiver support, planned approaches, and education These services provide space for healing, connection, and practical support at a time when demand remains high
This year brought important growth, including Creative Coping in Airdrie and new counselling spaces at Kahanoff. The team also continued to expand learning through presentations, workshops, and community education.
Mental health support is about more than treatment. It is about helping people feel seen, supported, and better able to move forward.
Vecova & YYC Airport
Safety, service, and inclusive employment
This year, the airport team focused on strengthening safety culture, building community partnerships, and supporting inclusive hiring and development. Weekly Safety Moments helped reinforce accountability and care in day-to-day operations.
The team also welcomed two new employees through partnership with Vecova’s Newcomer Program, and two summer volunteers gained meaningful experience, with one moving into full-time work. Four employees were nominated for the YYC White Hat Volunteer Awards, a strong reflection of the team’s service and reputation.
4 Airport Charity Sales raised more than $23,000 in support of Vecova programs
Our New Locations
Growing Forward
This year marked one of the most significant transitions in Vecova’s history. As we said goodbye to our long-time main building, we also said goodbye to a space filled with decades of connection, care, learning, and community. While the closure brought change, it also created new opportunities to reimagine how we deliver services across Calgary in more flexible, community-connected ways.
Vecova NW @ Kaleidoscope
Vecova NW @ Kaleidoscope became an important new hub for programs, services, and connections in northwest Calgary The welcoming, accessible space now supports employment services, recreation, social programming, and community gathering opportunities in a vibrant shared environment
Vecova Hub @ Beltline
The Kahanoff Centre became Vecova’s new downtown hub for mental health services, housing leadership, operations, and organizational leadership. The bright, accessible space created a welcoming environment for employees, participants, and community collaboration, while strengthening Vecova’s presence, supporting new partnerships and connections within the city.
A Year in Community
Top Business Donors
Corporations and businesses in Calgary each play a pivotal role in Vecova’s success. They provide essential funding for large-scale projects and unique initiatives, ensuring longterm sustainability and substantial community impact. Together, these diverse funding sources help Vecova plan, deliver, and amplify our work.
Milk Jar Candle Company Inc.
Northbridge General Insurance Corporation
THANK
THANK
Burgundy Asset Management Ltd.
Mortgage Connection
Petro-Canada (Caremakers Foundation)
Calgary Adapted Hub
Bird Construction Ltd
Hillhurst Rebekah Lodge #116
Senex Construction Ltd
Teknion Ltd.
TC Energy
Top Foundation Donors
Foundations and grant-making organizations play an important role in helping Vecova grow, adapt, and respond to community needs. Their support strengthens programs, expands access to services, and helps create opportunities for people with disabilities to live with dignity, connection, and independence. Through their partnership, Vecova is able to invest in innovative programs, respond to emerging needs, and build lasting impact across the community.
The Calgary Foundation
CanProm Foundation C/O Aqueduct Foundation
RBC Foundation
The Co-Operators Community Fund
Scotiatrust
Private Giving Foundation
Calgary Shaw Charity Classic Foundation
Melton Foundation
McKenna Family Fund
THANK YOU THANK YOU
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Top Individual 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 consumers. Your contributions also help raise awareness for Vecova’s mission and foster deeper community involvement and support.
Estate of Gerald Wise
Gordon J. Hoy
Sandra Hunter
John and Ann Speer
Mike J. Colborne
George Schlosser
Diane Kamitakahara
David & Rona Kamitakahara
Dustin Anderson
Sylvie Tran
THANK YOU THANK YOU
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Top Bottle Pickup Recycling Donors
Our Recycling Services donors help create impact through everyday action. By choosing Vecova’s bottle pickup and recycling services, these supporters contribute to environmental sustainability while helping fund programs and services for people with disabilities. Their ongoing partnership demonstrates how simple community actions can create meaningful change across Calgary.
BluPlanet Ezra on Riley Park
Monogram Coffee 49 Ave
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Coronation Place
The Platform Calgary
Beacon Hill Condos
The Maple Condos
Jon Williams
Savoy Apartments
Bayshore Park Apartments
Family Braces
Primary Colours
Thank you to our Board Volunteers
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THA KYOU THANKYOUTHA K OU THANK YOU THANK YOU TH
Sean Crump Board Chair
Dennis Agbegha
Nancy Toombs Board Secretary
Michelle McKenna
Robert McKercher Vice Chair
Tracy Graham Treasurer
Sylvie Tran
Andrea Klaiber-Langen
Georgia Lykidis
Lucy Anderson
Vas Antoniou
Special Thanks
A Special Thank You To:
Government of Alberta Assisted Living and Social Services
Airdrie and District Community Foundation
The City of Calgary
All of our Anonymous Donors
Your partnership, generosity, and belief in inclusion continue to strengthen Vecova’s work across our community. Thank you for helping create opportunities, connections, and support for people with disabilities and their families.
Every Gift Makes an Impact!
Every donor who supported Vecova this year helped create meaningful change. Whether through a one-time gift, monthly donation, sponsorship, bottle pickup, or raffle prize, your support helped people access housing, employment, recreation, mental health services, community connection, and individualized supports.
While not every donor is listed in this report, every contribution mattered. We are deeply grateful for the trust and generosity of everyone who chose to support Vecova this year.
We could not do this work without you!
Financial Information
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
