The Elmtree Ability Centre

We are a non profit organization serving our Special Needs Community in Calgary. We focus on our children's abilities and strive to provide a solid foundation where families can connect, learn and grow together through social activities and programming.

Our story begins with this little boy. . . who we wouldn't change for the world. Buuut I would love to change the world for him.

My name is Christie and I am of the lucky few to be a part of the Special Needs Community. We found out very early in our pregnancy that Lennox had Down syndrome. We were scared, uncertin of the future and left feeling very alone. Feelings that no parents should ever have to feel. We received very little resources or information and the information we did receive was not very encouraging. We quickly learned that society had already determined what Lennox would be incapable of. . . which, fast forward to today. . . I am happy to say that our "society" was dead wrong! Lennox may have Down syndrome but that doesn't define who he is or what he will become.

Over the past 3. 5 years I have become more aware that we ALL are born with unique talents and abilities and in order to be happy in life, we must embrace what makes us different. As a special needs parent, I want what every parent wants for their child. . . a full and happy life. The value of a person is NOT based on a medical diagnosis, or disabilty(I prefer different ability) And every parent should have the resources and information available to them and never made to feel that their baby or child is incapable. All children can accomplish AMAZING things when given the proper support, love and encouragement. Let's celebrate what our children CAN do and grow from there. . .

The ElmTree isn't just for Lennox and his friends with Down syndrome. It is for children of all abilities throughout our ENTIRE Special Needs Community and their families. We are a non-profit organization that strives to build a solid foundation for our families where we can come together, learn together(and from each other), and grow together, through regular social activities and drop in programs(and so much more).

I have found the PERFECT space for our Ability Centre, complete with a coffeeshop that will employ /volunteer individuals with different abilities, an art studio, a small gym, an auditorium as well as many other resources. It is MORE than I could ever imagine and it is AVAILABLE September! ! I never expected it to happen this quickly! The incorporation of The ElmTree is in progress and should be registered late summer 2017, therefore I am unable to approach companies, other businesses and firms for support. . . so this is where you come in. I am looking to secure the first 6 months rent so I can open the doors to The ElmTree Ability Centre this fall. A dream come true! Help us help our kids DEFY ALL LIMITS. <3 <3 <3