Meet Helen

From receiving support to giving back: A story of community and hope.

Arriving in Calgary as a landed immigrant in 2005 with a family of six and no local support system was overwhelming. As parents, our biggest challenge was finding guidance and resources for our neurodivergent son, who was diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, Anxiety Disorder, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder. We felt isolated and unsure where to turn.
 
Thankfully, an immigrant-serving agency connected us with Children’s Link, now a part of Easter Seals Alberta. From the moment we became clients, having access to critical resources provided much-needed relief. Our Resource Coordinator stood by us every step of the way, helping us successfully navigate applications for FSCD, PDD, AISH, and Guardianship and Trusteeship. Easter Seals didn’t just give us guidance, they gave us peace of mind. 

One memory that will stay with me forever is attending our first monthly Coffee Meetup. Before joining the Easter Seals’ family, navigating life as a parent of a neurodivergent child felt overwhelming and isolating. Sitting in a circle with other parents, sharing our struggles and victories, was transformative. For the first time, I didn’t have to explain or justify our reality, because everyone in that room just understood. I walked in carrying a heavy weight, but walked out feeling a profound sense of relief. My heart felt so much lighter knowing we were no longer alone on this journey.
 
Beyond that emotional lifeline, those meetups and Resource Fairs opened vital doors for us by connecting our family with an entire network of community support. 

“Being part of the Easter Seals family didn’t just give us resources; it gave us community, hope, and the strength to thrive together.

Easter Seals Alberta shaped not only my family’s well-being, but also my life’s purpose. After years as a deeply grateful client, I joined the organization as a Guardianship and Trusteeship Coordinator in August 2024. Having navigated these exact challenges firsthand, I offer genuine empathy and reassurance to the families we serve. Hearing my story helps parents realize they are not alone, easing their anxiety during a stressful process. Easter Seals gave my family a future, and I am honoured to continue serving this community.

The work Easter Seals Alberta does right now is indispensable. For families navigating neurodiversity and disability, clear guidance and dedicated resources mean the difference between feeling hopeless and feeling empowered. Supporting Easter Seals protects a safety net that restores hope, stability, and dignity to those who need it most.
 
If we were sitting down over coffee today, I would want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. When you share your blessings, you give families a lifeline when they feel lost. Today, as both a mother who received that help and an employee who now pays it forward, I see the direct impact of your gift every single day. You are changing lives, easing heavy burdens, and making sure no family has to walk this path alone.

With sincere gratitude,

Helen
Guardianship and Trusteeship Coordinator and Former Easter Seals Client