At Armour Insurance, we're all about great causes that positively impact the community! That's why we want to talk about AdaptAbilities – an Edmonton-based nonprofit organization that helps individuals with special needs develop essential life skills to grow, succeed, and belong. It's a dual impact organization, because it also takes some of the workload off parents and helps prevent caregiver burnout.
AdaptAbilities programs include:
- In-home and centre-based respite programs
- Weekend respite
- Out-of-school care
- Social nights for teens, preteens, and adults
- High school transitions
- Community Connect
- Hearts in Action summer and year-round camps
- Inclusion camps
AdaptAbilities has also teamed up with students from the University of Alberta's Occupational Therapy program. Children can take part in play-based therapy and receive hands-on experience from individuals with a strong knowledge base. Families receive high-quality respite, and OT students are able to gain experience. To learn more, you can watch CTV's story highlighting the partnership.
The Orange Hub
AdaptAbilities recently received a $2,500 donation from Economical Insurance. This donation will be used to help support youth with disabilities in their new space at the Orange Hub in Edmonton.
The space is beautifully equipped for these individuals, and some of its features include a respite centre, sensory gym, and snoezelen room – a relaxing, therapeutic environment created for the purpose of delivering high levels of stimuli, helping reduce agitation, and encouraging communication.
AdaptAbilities successfully launched a partnership with the City of Edmonton in 2020, which has helped place participants in inclusion programs across the city. "The City of Edmonton purchased the MacEwan University campus and turned it into a hub for many nonprofit groups called the Orange Hub. The space is perfect for us. The kids now have access to a motor development space outside of school. There's even a full kitchen, which is great for practicing essential life skills." - Michelle Hordal, AdaptAbilities Founder and CEO
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, AdaptAbilities hosted "Lunch & Learn" events in the Orange Hub to help expand awareness about AdaptAbilities in Edmonton, and they're hopeful to continue these events down the road in 2021.
"A significant number of people have become aware of our organization and indeed become engaged with us in some way. For example, many people are helping to spread the word on social media." - Rich Horning, Director of Development and Communications
AdaptAbilities has the goal to help 10,000 families within 10 years.
How can we help them reach this goal? One of the biggest and easiest ways to make an impact is by spreading the word. "We want AdaptAbilities to become a household name," says Michelle. This will help further develop the organization's connection to the community and enhance awareness, especially to those who can benefit from the programs.
Respite care is not a luxury – it can be a necessary component of physical and mental health. AdaptAbilities works to fill the gaps in the system and provide this care to those who need it. Participants receive their care in a constructive and welcoming environment, where they're respected and included. Their families can have a well-earned break from caregiving to handle their everyday tasks. It's such important work, and support is always appreciated.
To learn more about AdaptAbilities, you can visit their website and impact page. Please feel free to spread the word about AdaptAbilities, and their upcoming auction, on social media!
Send a Kid to Camp Auction
AdaptAbilities is hosting their "Send a Kid to Camp" auction from May 6-9, 2021. It's the perfect opportunity to support the organization and treat yourself! The auction offers an extremely wide variety of bidding options: hotel/travel packages, gift cards, jewelry, art, bath products, autographed memorabilia, and more! Don't forget... Mother's Day is coming up.
The 2021 AdaptAbilities summer camps will follow all safety measures – each camper will have their own counsellor and will be able to enjoy activities in the comfort of their home and backyard. AdaptAbilities will connect campers with online activities every day.
If you'd like to check out the auction, you can visit AdaptAbilities' auction page. If you'd simply like to leave a donation, there's an option for this as well!
