Ricky and Gina Jones know firsthand how instrumental Foothills Advocacy in Motion can be in the lives of its clients.
FAIM, one of seven Foothills charities supported by Western Wheel Cares this year, provides employment, housing and social programming to adults with developmental disabilities with an overarching goal of integrating them into their communities.
The Joneses have not only received assistance finding jobs and housing, but FAIM even had a hand in introducing the Okotoks couple.
Both clients of the social services organization, the two met on a FAIM-sponsored trip to San Diego six years ago and began dating when they returned, eventually getting married three years later.
Ricky said FAIM helped him gain work experience through the Okotoks Food Bank and Mission Thrift Store, which prepared him for an ever-expanding role at Okotoks Cinemas.
From cleaning the theatres in the morning to working the concession during matinees, Ricky has become a valuable part of the team. He recently learned how to use the till so is now able to sell tickets, popcorn and more.
“I’ve learned people skills too," he said. "Like saying, ‘Hi, how are you doing to the customers?’"
Gina received support from FAIM to find a job at McDonald’s where she’s been employed since 2015.
The couple is also grateful for the non-profit's assistance in securing supportive housing that allows them to live as independently as possible.
“I had one before this placement and she was really awesome, but things changed, her life changed, so they found another (placement) for me and we clicked immediately,” said Gina.
Ricky had been living with a roommate arranged by FAIM, but moved in with Gina once they got married and both can’t say enough about their landlord who is always looking out for them.
“She's amazing, she’s very encouraging, she helps with our medical needs, she’s always there when we need her,” said Gina. “She connects with us a few times a week to see how we’re doing and invites us up for dinner sometimes.”
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, 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.
