Service Providers

North East Consortium of Service Providers - Region
In keeping with our statements of Mission, Vision and Service Mandate we partner with Service Providers within the Region. We value the strength of our partnerships and commend the strong commitment of the Regional Service Providers.

Blue Heron Vocational Training Centre Association

Area Served: Athabasca and Surrounding Area
Executive Director: Arno Birkigt
Address: Box 537, Athabasca, Alberta, T9S 2A5
Telephone: (780) 675-3891 Fax: (780) 675-3119
Email: abirkigt@blueheronathabasca.org

Service Summary:
Blue Heron provides an array of Community based services to Athabasca and surrounding area. Under our qualified team we offer the following:

  • Community participation opportunities and activities
  • Pre employment and work adjustment training
  • Career planning
  • Residential supports such as Independent Living Services, Respite
  • Assistance in finding appropriate housing
  • In home supports
  • Literacy and Basic Education supports
  • Intervention supports

Blue Heron operates a bottle depot and is the manpower agent for the Regional Waste Management Commission. Blue Heron is a non profit organization governed by a dedicated Board of Directors.

Our Vision Is As Follows:
Blue Heron Vocational Training Centre is a leader in providing individualized, caring services in full partnership with our community to enable people with special needs to develop to their full potential.

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Blue Heron Support Services Association

Area Served: Barrhead
Executive Director: Ralph Helder
Intake Inquiries: Patty Chizma
Address: Box 4238, Barrhead, Alberta, T7N 1A2
Telephone: (780) 674-4944 Fax: (780) 674-6294
Web Site: www.bhssa.com
Email: rhelder52@gmail.com

Service Summary:

Vision:
All people are empowered to be fully included within society with the necessary support.

Mission:
Blue Heron provides individualized consumer driven service promoting empowerment and community inclusion through a strong organizational culture and responsible management.

Purpose:
To offer support to people with disabilities in developing personal strengths in all areas of life as members of the community. This support will include advocacy and enhancement of the community’s awareness of everybody’s right and ability to participate and contribute.

Services:
Guided Explorations: facilitates informed occupational or residential information for decision making in services provided within the community.

Employment Services: provides work related training and on the job support to individuals wanting to pursue or maintain competitive employment within our community.

Community Connections: Assists individuals in developing skills they require to fill day hours with self-directed and valued activities, to provide community awareness/involvement and to prevent social isolation.

Independent Living Supports (ILS): Provides support to those who wish to learn skills necessary to live independently in the community. Contracts may provide anywhere from 4 to 90 hours of support a month and are renegotiable.

Residential: Residential support is offered based on individual needs. Level of support provided is dependent on the need of the individual. Services are funded by Persons with Developmental Disabilities through Individual Funding Agreements or by Contract (currently there are 9 - 24hr. positions on contract).

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Catholic Social Services

Area Served: Bonnyville/Cold Lake
Vice President: Dale Peterson
Address: 8815 - 99 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T6E 3V3
Program Manager: Jennifer Scott
Address: 5201 - 44 Street, Box 5335, Bonnyville, Alberta, T9N 2G5
Edmonton: Telephone (780) 432-1137 Fax: (780) 439-3154
Bonnyville: Telephone (780) 826-3935 Fax: (780) 826-5385
Email: jennifer.scott@catholicsocialservices.ab.ca

Service Summary:
Catholic Social services, offers over 100 programs in Alberta. Programs are organized into several major service areas and delivered in two major geographic regions, Edmonton and Northeast Alberta and Central Alberta Region. The range of services from office locations in Bonnyville and Cold Lake are the following:

  • Residential Program - serves adults with developmental disabilities.
  • Supported Independent Living Program - serves adults with developmental disabilities who live in their own home and require supports.
  • Approved Home Program - serves adults with developmental disabilities. The individuals are matched with Approved Proprietors in the community.
  • Host Family Program - provides respite for parents with adult dependants who have a developmental disability.
  • Community Access Programs - provides opportunities for Community inclusion and social skill developmental to individuals with developmental disabilities
  • Family Care & Support Program - provides in-home care and family support services to strengthen the efforts and abilities of the family to provide a safe and nurturing environment for their children.
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Dove Centre

Area Served: Bonnyville/Cold Lake
Acting Executive Director: Dianne Metrunec
Address: 6201 - 52 Avenue, Bonnyville, Alberta, T9N 2L7
Telephone: (780) 826-2552 Fax:(780) 826-2005
E-mail: dmetrunec@incentre.net

Service Summary:

Philosophy Statement
"We believe every individual should have the opportunity to lead a complete and fulfilling life"

Mission Statement
"To provide vocational training opportunities for persons with developmental disabilities enabling them to function at their highest level.

The Dove Centre offers skill development training to adults with developmental disabilities in the following programs:

Community Participation Supports

1. Employment Supports

  • designed to assist individuals in developing skills for employment and
  • designed to explore the world of work
  • designed to provide training in community employer sites or training facilities

2. Community Access Supports

  • designed to assist individuals to participate in the community and to develop personal competency to access community activities
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E.C.H.O.S (Empowering Citizens for Health & Opportunity Society)

Area Served: Whitecourt
Executive Director: Viviane Widdifield
Whitecourt Address: Box 2096, 4723-50th Avenue, Whitecourt, Alberta, T7S 1P7
Whitecourt: Telephone (780) 778-2660 Fax: (780) 778-4190
Email: echos@telusplanet.net
Internet Address: www.echosoc.org

Service Summary:
E.C.H.O Society - a non-profit community rehabilitation organization that provides support services to people with disabilities, in a way that encourages their active participation as community citizens.

Individuals supported by ECHO Society range in age from 6 months (Early Intervention Support) to senior citizens (various supports). All support provided is designed in collaboration with the individuals supported and is based on individual needs.

There are four basic types of support services offered:

  • Early Intervention
  • Community Employment/Vocational
  • Community Living/Access
  • Transitional-Vocational Lifeskills Development

For more information regarding our support services, check out our website.

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Independent Counselling Enterprises (I.C.E.)

Area Served: Onoway/Alberta Beach
Mike Rutherford, President
15031 - 118 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5V 1H9
Email: ice@icenterprises.com
Telephone: 780-454-9500
Toll Free: 1-800-565-5710
Fax: 780-452-4889
Website: www.icenterprises.com

Independent Counselling Enterprises (I.C.E.) provides a comprehensive range of community-based services and training to individuals and their support network that will enhance their quality of life. We believe that the best approach to assist people in the community is by promoting an overall sense of self-worth, dignity and community contribution among our clients. Whether on an individual or group basis, I.C.E. encourages the growth of the person through developing independence and active participation in decision making. I.C.E. operates on the client centered concept of empowerment to the consumer. This agency supports and advocates for client choice and involvement in service decisions.

Service Summary:

  • Community Programs include services designed primarily to assist developmentally delayed adults who require one to one or small group support in a variety of areas. Services include assistance to implement behaviour management programs, educational/vocational programs, in-home relief or community access.
  • Residential Programs such as supported independent living (SIL), supportive roommate situations, and shared accommodations.
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Lac La Biche Disability Services

Area Served: Lac La Biche
Executive Director: Gwen Bilodeau
Address: Box 2078, Lac La Biche, Alberta, T0A 2C0
Telephone: (780) 623-2800

Service summary:
Not yet Available

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The Salvation Army START Program

Area Served: Fort McMurray
Executive Director: Alyson McAlister
Address: 9919 MacDonald Avenue, Fort McMurray, Alberta, T9H 1S7
Telephone: (780) 743-4135 Fax: (780) 791-2909

Service Summary:
The Salvation Army START Program provides direct services and supports to individuals who experience a developmental delay. These services include group living supports, community and facility based day programs, and supported employment services.

Referrals for the START Program are coordinated through the Northeast Regional PDD office in Fort McMurray. For adult referrals contact the Services Coordinator at 743-7459.

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St. Paul Abilities Network

Area Served: St. Paul and surrounding area
Executive Director: Tim Bear
Address: 4637 45 Avenue St. Paul, AB T0A 3A3
Telephone: (780) 645-3441 Fax: (780) 645-1885
Email: tbear@spanet.ab.ca
Web Address: www.stpaulalbilitiesnetwork.ca

Service Summary:

The St. Paul Abilities Network (SPAN) was founded in 1964 by parents and family members who sought local supports for children and adults with disabilities.

The agency now provides services including:

  • In home and out of home respite care for children with special needs.
  • Intensive supports for children with multiple care needs and challenging behaviours.
  • Outreach and peer supports for families.
  • Twenty four hour residential supports for children and adults with significant challenges.
  • Twenty four hour barrier free residential supports.
  • A holistic approach to the provision of care that includes family.
  • A one contact approach to connect individuals in need to their communities, and other supports (like school, work, day program, recreation, counselling, etc.)
  • Individual behavioural management supports and services for adults with challenging behaviours.
  • Individual case management support and links to community services for adults with Brain injury.
  • Twenty four hour residential care, home and community orientation, and day options for adults living with an Axis I mental health diagnosis.
  • Outreach for adults with developmental disabilities living independently.
  • Peer group addictions support for individuals with disabilities.
  • A variety of day options for adults with disabilities, from community access, to job placement, to seniors care.
  • Recreation and holiday planning for adults with developmental disabilities.
  • Community planning and integration supports.
  • Affordable, accessible housing for people with low incomes and disabilities.
  • Support and advice for Guardianship applications and self-help kits.

Our Vision:
Empowerment, Excellence, Service
Our vision represents – a future in which vulnerable people live quality lives because they are empowered by excellent services and caring people.

Our Purpose:
To create sustainable environments where people receiving services maximize their potential and live quality, contributing lives.

We Believe:

  • That all people have something important to contribute.
  • That all people have the right to dignity, and opportunities to explore its development.
  • That all people have the right to full participation in society, enjoying its’ benefits, having respect for preferences and individuality.
  • That all people should have the opportunity to learn and grow throughout their lifetime.
  • That all people have the right to explore their personal relationships within a safe and respectful environment.
  • That all people have the right to religious freedom.
  • That support staff should be well trained and well resourced; enhancing the opportunities for personal growth and independence with the people they serve.
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VALID (Vegreville Association for Living in Dignity)

Area Served: Vegreville
Executive Director: Jody Nicholson
Address: 4843-49 Street, Vegreville, Alberta, T9C 1K7
Telephone: (780) 632-2416 Fax: (780) 632-3882
Email: valid@valid-assoc.org

Vision:
VALID’s leadership excellence is recognized in the disability services sector.

Mission:
VALID creates opportunities, develops partnerships and provides support for people with disabilities to have full and inclusive lives.

Service Summary:

  • Community Living Supports
  • Individual Living Supports
  • Out of Home Respite Program
  • Community Access Programs
  • Outreach Program
  • Employment Preparation Supports
  • Employment Placement Supports

Persons accessing services from VALID will receive specialized and individualized programs designed to meet their specific needs.

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Whitecourt Care Support Services

Area Served: Whitecourt
Executive Director: Thelma Hilland
Address: Box 746 Stn Main, Whitecourt, Alberta T7S 1N7
Telephone: (780) 706-8821

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WIN (Westlock Independence Network)

Area Served: Westlock
Executive Director: Greg Morris
Address: 10164 - 107 Street
Westlock, Alberta, T7P 1X3
Telephone: (780) 349-5388
Fax: (780) 349-3749
Email: win@winab.org
Web Site: www.winab.org

Service Summary:

Westlock Independence Network offers a wide variety of support services to adults and children with developmental delays and/or physical disabilities in Westlock and the surrounding area.

Administration provides the framework of support to all of the programs offered by WIN. This area also acts as a resource to clients, families, the general public and to other agencies or service providers. The goal of Administration is to act as an indirect support of the services provided to individuals with physical and/or mental disabilities which furthers their participation in the community.

Community Participation Supports:
To support individuals with mental and/or physical disabilities in their full participation in a range of integrated community opportunities based on their needs and choices.

a) Employment Supports: This program will focus on support while the client gradually does increasing percentages of the actual work. The goal of the program is employment, based on the needs and choices of the individual and the resources of the community.

b) Community Access: This program will focus on providing opportunities to participate in valued activities within the community. The goal of this program is to optimize integration, independence, quality of life with acceptance and full participation in the community.

Residential:
To support individuals with mental and/or physical disabilities in a spectrum of residential support and/or accommodations through the use of generic community resources. The goal of this program is to offer opportunities for growth and development within the least restrictive environment, while accommodating personal safety concerns.

  1. Shared Homes - Up to 24-hours a day support in a shared living situation. Support will be provided based on individual needs and circumstances.
  2. Single Homes - Support in the family and/or client’s home, aimed at the building of independence and overall development of the client. These clients may have a higher level of independence or another network of supports where WIN staff are not as heavily involved.
  3. Respite - people we serve who still live with their families and it is primarily intended to give these families some needed time to themselves. This can be done in the Family home or in another home.
  4. Support Homes: People live with families (non-related) on a longer term basis. The families receive remuneration for the extra support while the individual with a disability is still responsible for payment of their living expenses.
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WJS (W J Stelmaschuk)

Area Served: Athabasca, Barrhead, Bonnyville/Cold Lake, Fort McMurray, Lac La Biche, Vegreville, Westlock
President: Peter Farnden
Address: Suite 218, 10509 - 81st Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T6E 1X7
Edmonton: Telephone (780) 439-5087 Fax: (780) 431-2196
St. Paul Office: Telephone (780) 645-7798 Fax:(780) 645-7180
E-mail: pafarnden@wjscanada.com

Service Summary:
Who is WJS Alberta? – WJS Alberta: division of WJS Group, a Canadian company specializing in human services. WJS Alberta has been delivering services in Alberta since 1987 while WJS Group has been providing services in B.C. and Ontario since 1984 and in the Maritime provinces since 1997.

Services in the Northeast Region include:

  • shared living or group homes
  • behavioral consultation and outreach services to individuals and families
  • individualized supports in-home, at work or in the community to individuals with developmental disabilities in various communities such as Westlock, Bonnyville, Athabasca, Vegreville, Two Hills and Lamont.
  • supports to individuals with brain injury in various individualized community settings
  • assistance to families through in-home supports, family support and respite services

For more information on services and contact staff in your area, call (780)439-5087.

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To enquire about PDD services with the above Service Providers, please contact the Client Service Co-ordinator in your community.

For information about the community of Athabasca try AlbertaFirst.com and click on the Alberta Communities section.

Telephone: 780-454-9500 Toll Free: 1-800-565-5710Fax: 780-452-4889 Website: Independent Counselling Enterprises (I.C.E.) provides a comprehensive range of community-based services and training to individuals and their support network that will enhance their quality of life. We believe that the best approach to assist people in the community is by promoting an overall sense of self-worth, dignity and community contribution among our clients. Whether on an individual or group basis, I.C.E. encourages the growth of the person through developing independence and active participation in decision making. I.C.E. operates on the client centered concept of empowerment to the consumer. This agency supports and advocates for client choice and involvement in service decisions.

Telephone: 780-454-9500 Toll Free: 1-800-565-5710Fax: 780-452-4889 Website: Independent Counselling Enterprises (I.C.E.) provides a comprehensive range of community-based services and training to individuals and their support network that will enhance their quality of life. We believe that the best approach to assist people in the community is by promoting an overall sense of self-worth, dignity and community contribution among our clients. Whether on an individual or group basis, I.C.E. encourages the growth of the person through developing independence and active participation in decision making. I.C.E. operates on the client centered concept of empowerment to the consumer. This agency supports and advocates for client choice and involvement in service decisions.