Foothills Advocacy in Motion (FAIM) is continuing its search for larger premises in Okotoks in order to serve more members of the community.
The Foothills non-profit, one of seven local charities being supported by Western Wheel Cares, has outgrown its Stockton Avenue headquarters so it will be putting the funding it receives from this year’s campaign toward new accommodations.
Jenn Seinen, fundraising and communications co-ordinator for FAIM, said it’s used previous funding to support employment programming for adults with developmental disabilities but like last year, it will be putting this year’s Wheel Cares contribution towards a new location.
“We are still in the process of looking at a new building for Okotoks because of our (limited) capacity,” said Seinen. "We have quite a long waiting list right now, so we are looking to get a new building so we can intake more individuals within our community.”
She said the situation is identical to this time last year, but until FAIM can address its building shortcomings, it will continue to be the most pressing issue.
FAIM, which also has branches in High River and Strathmore, supports adults with developmental disabilities through employment and residential programs and provides respite services for caregivers. Its overarching goal is to integrate clients into the communities in which they live.
“What we are trying to do is help as many individuals with developmental disabilities within our community have active, enriching, vibrant lives,” said Seinen. “And that's exactly what we do, whether it be at home, whether it be in employment, whether it be in day programs.”
She said FAIM staff members work with clients to provide support that matches their personalities and interests so integration efforts have optimal results.
Seinen said a new building will allow FAIM to address a growing waiting list and provide services for more clients in Okotoks.
“There's lots of people who apply, which is fantastic, but our building can only host so many people so until we get more space, that will continue to be a challenge,” she said.
This year’s Western Wheel Cares campaign runs from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31 and 100 per cent of donations go to the featured charities.
In 2022, the campaign raised a record $82,670, pushing its 11-year total to $569,059.
Each week, the Wheel will feature one of the seven organizations — Foothills Advocacy in Motion Society, Foothills Country Hospice, Inclusion Foothills, Okotoks Food Bank, Pound Rescue, Rowan House Society and Sheep River Health Trust — supported by the initiative.
To donate to Western Wheel Cares, mail cheques to Box 150, Okotoks, AB, T1S 2A2 or visit westernwheel.ca/western-wheel-cares for a Paypal donation link.
As well, you can drop by the Wheel office at 9 McRae St. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays (closed from noon to 1 p.m. for lunch) or call 403-938-6397.
