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January 11, 2018
Barriers and confusion for people with disabilities accessing the Disability Tax Credit
Everyday there are headlines with stories highlighting issues people are having with the Disability Tax Credit and Canada Revenue Agency. At Connections, through our role helping families and advocating for their rights, we are seeing the same issues. While we are working to recommend changes to improve access to these benefits for all families affected by disability, we wanted to share the patterns we are seeing over and over again for families who already have so many challenges.
December 04, 2017
Highest provincial honour to Lauren Raymore, Founder
Connections' founder, Lauren Raymore, was recognized with the most prestigious award presented by the Premier's Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities on Friday, December 1st. The Gary McPerson Leadership Award is presented to the person in the province for outstanding leadership or achievement in enriching the lives of persons with disabilities. By founding Connections 27 years ago, hundreds of parents with cognitive challenges have had the opportunity to have and raise children.
July 19, 2017
Celebrating Women who are Moms with Alberta Status of Women Grant
With generous support from Alberta Government's Status of Women Ministry, Connections was able to combine with agency partners to provide a workshop for Moms with disabilities to build confidence, support their jobs as parents and role models to their children, as well as preparation for pursuing roles in the workplace and as volunteers.
February 28, 2017
Financial Coaching for Family Stability
Connections introduces a new Financial Coach to our families, further helping them maintain stable and nurturing homes for their children.
November 27, 2015
Christmas bustle - Connections is busy, thankful and hopeful this season
Connections is enjoying the buzz of Christmas -- our families are busy and happy, and we're grateful for the generous support that ensures our families get the support they need to help them through the difficult times.
August 10, 2015
Connections responds to new Child and Family Services policy
Connections is enthused about a new position paper, "Foundations of Caregiver Support," that outlines a recognition and response to the many caregivers who may be in a child's life and responsible for keeping them safe and well nurtured. We congratulate Regional Director, Jon Reeves, and Resource Manager, Lisa Halcrow for their lead in their consultative approach and thoughtful consideration.
July 08, 2015
25th Anniversary present delivered by grateful aunt
Connections' founder, Lauren Raymore, was speechless today when a grateful aunt, Del Proctor, delivered 10 Baby Brezza Formula Pro makers for Connections to give to new moms we support. This 25th Anniversary and thank-you gift addresses a crucial need for the families we support.
June 23, 2015
Connections reports on its successful 2014
Connections had a remarkable year in 2014. 109 families were supported to parent successfully. At 25 years young in 2015, we're ready to help more children grow up in safe and nurturing homes, in the arms of the parents who love them.
June 05, 2015
Family Dinner Tickets on sale! Early Bird Prize
Join us at our Family Dinner on Sunday, September 20 -- great food and entertainment for all ages. This fundraiser for Connections celebrates our 25th anniversary. Tickets purchased before June 30 are eligible for a prize: 4 tkts to sold out SLIDE IN THE CITY. Click here for tickets.
March 11, 2015
New Sibshops Dates Announced - begins March 30th
Sibshops is a pedal-to-the-medal, fun program where children ages 8 to 12 can enjoy six Monday evenings of games, activities and the chance to talk about the joys, fears and frustrations of having a sibling with a disability.
December 18, 2014
New partners - AcQuire and Alberta Tubular - support our families
We welcome, with deep gratitude, support from two Calgary companies who are demonstrating wonderful commitment to the community. Connections will be able to support more families thanks to support from AcQuire Technologies and Alberta Tubular Products. Welcome to the Connections family!
December 03, 2014
Silver Springs Elementary and Preschool are Connections' Christmas Elves!
For 17 years, Silver Springs Elementary -- and the preschool as well -- have adopted Connections' families and provided a number of Christmas hampers.
November 18, 2014
Christmas! From your family to families in need
Looking for a way to share this Christmas season? Does your department, company or family need a way to give back and refresh the meaning of Christmas? Connections suports over 75 families who live below the poverty line. With even a small donation, you can ensure Connections families experience a joyful Christmas.
November 03, 2014
Job Opportunities - Full- and Part-time In-Home Team and Communications Intern
Connections has both full-time and permanent part-time (24 hours per week) In-Home team positions open. As well, an Alberta government SCiP internship posting is availalbe at Connections for a strategic marketing communications project. Connections has a supportive, family-like culture wihtin its small team and we look forward to welcoming new people to join us to support families.
June 01, 2014
Connections Supports 91 Families to Maintain Safe, Nurturing Homes for Their Children
In 2013, 91 families were supported by Connections, an increase of 12 percent from 2012 and up 146 percent since 2010. Most of these families only needed minimal but consistent visits to develop their parenting skills and to get connected with other community supports, and then they were able to manage very well. The families supported by Connections need the same support as any other parent, from time to time, but they are isolated, without family or friends to rely upon, and they can’t obtain support because of limited financial resources.
May 08, 2014
A Fun-Filled Program for Sisters and Brothers of Children with Special Needs: Sibshops Fall Session Open for Registration
Internationally recognized program, Sibshops, begins in Calgary in October, providing a pedal-to-the-medal, fun, facilitated program for children who have a sibling with a disability. This 8-week program begins on Monday, October 20 and is hosted by Connections.
Children, ages 8 to 12, love the program because they get to let loose with fun games and activities. Parents love the program because it offers a chance to focus on the child in the family without a disability and, while having fun, the participants also develop their empathy for their sibling. Often for the first time, these children have peers – others who truly understand their family’s special challenges.