Inclusion Foothills has been a lifeline for Andrew and Jaime Bolen.
Parents of two elementary-aged children on the autism spectrum, the Bolens turned to the organization, one of seven Foothills charities supported by Western Wheel Cares this year, shortly after initial diagnosis a few years ago.
“Until you live it, you really don’t know what it’s like,” said Jaime. “When your child is first diagnosed, you get a whole bunch of information to the point where you feel overloaded, but Inclusion Foothills helped make sense of it all.
“It becomes quite emotional very quickly. A lot of families are tired and overwhelmed so it’s really nice to have someone on your side and to know you’re getting the best for your children.”
Jaime said the family initially turned to the organization to get information on what resources are available, but the relationship has evolved into much more.
The Bolens have been able to connect with respite workers that help bridge the gaps when parents can’t be everywhere.
“Inclusion Foothills told us we can do things like that,” Jaime said. “They support the family and tell you your options. When you first start with them you feel really helpless, but they explain what resources are out there.”
Jaime said the non-profit not only helps them navigate a complex provincial system, but acts as an advocate, ensuring they get all the supports to which they’re entitled. She said families often qualify for more services, but government representatives don’t always make them aware of that support.
“They (Inclusion Foothills) know what we can ask for. They don’t pressure you, but they say you can ask for this and this and this and then we go into the meeting (with a case worker) and they’ll write notes. We always have them on our side to advocate for us," she added.
“Sometimes they (case worker) give us 100 hours, which is not enough, so they (Inclusion Foothills) advocate for more hours."
Jaime said the non-profit is also a fantastic resource when it comes sharing the names of local professionals, from behavioural specialists to physiotherapists, with which other families have had success.
She’s also grateful for Inclusion Foothills’ Step Up program, a support group that connects parents experiencing the same situations.
“After diagnosis we really needed to talk to people who were living the same life and this allows parents to get together,” said Jaime, who has recently joined the board of the non-profit.
Founded by executive director Orvella Small 25 years ago, Inclusion Foothills is a family advocacy organization committed to providing individuals with disabilities and their families support that contributes to an inclusive, meaningful life.
This year’s Western Wheel Cares campaign runs until Dec. 31. In 2023, the campaign raised a record $100,002, pushing its 12-year total to $669,061.
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, 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.) or call 403-938-6397.
