December 3, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Centre for Community Inclusion
Bringing Community Together Through Partnerships
(Edmonton, Alberta): Friday, December 3, 2021, is International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and Winnifred Stewart, ABC Head Start Society and Community Options, are honoured to announce the renaming of their Westmount location as the Centre for Community Inclusion.
The building located at 11130 131 Street in Edmonton was built in 1953; formerly, the Winnifred Stewart School for children with developmental disabilities was one of the first of its kind in Canada.
Today, Winnifred Stewart, provides home supports, community recreation and employment and volunteer opportunities to nearly 200 adults with developmental disabilities, and specializes in dementia care support, and advocacy for the importance of inclusive employment.
For over 35 years, ABC Head Start has worked primarily with neurodiverse children and their families who often face layered complexities such as poverty, food insecurity, and other challenges. The flexible supports in ABC’s classrooms empower all children to realize their unlimited potential, while one-on-one therapies with a variety of professionals ensure all children and families have equal access to education and a joy for learning.
Community Options believes in offering children and families an inclusive experience to develop their full potential, regardless of their abilities. For over 40 years, they have been supporting the diverse learning needs of children and families through the provision of high-quality, inclusive early childhood education, early intervention, childcare, family supports and community initiatives.
Along with the three pillar organizations, the building is also home to community programs offered by Autism Edmonton, Alberta Cerebral Palsy Association and the Paralympic Sports Association.
Earlier this year, the organizations engaged community stakeholders in the renaming process through a building naming competition. “We believe that the Centre for Community Inclusion better illustrates the comprehensive services offered to people with disabilities that are now provided within the building,” says Sue Gilchrist, CEO for Winnifred Stewart.
Partnership and co-location have enhanced the diversity and available resources to families and individuals, but more importantly, better integration of lifelong supports for Albertans and Edmontonians with developmental disabilities. It allows for collaboration in funding opportunities and increased efficiencies for all three organizations.
The Centre for Community Inclusion partners look forward to offering more opportunities to collaborate with the community and open the doors as a resource to the broader public.
Media inquiries may be directed to:
Candace Smallwood
Director of Development & Communications
Winnifred Stewart Association
11130 131 Street
Edmonton, AB T5M 1C1
W. 780-453-6707 ext. 246
C. 780-974-3190
E. candaces@wsaf.ca
