2025
Annual General Meeting
Welcome to Gateway Association’s 2025 AGM page!
This page represents a collection of highlights, achievements, changes and growth that were experienced in 2025. Please give it a browse through and help us in celebrating the achievements we have accomplished internally and throughout our community!
OUR MISSION
Gateway Association
We are passionate about empowering families and people who live with disabilities to live fully authentic lives. We envision a community where all children grow within a family; all children learn together in neighbourhood schools; all adults work at real jobs in the community; all adults have real homes and real friends; and all people are valued, contributing members of their communities.
VISION
Gateway envisions a world where all people are valued, respected members of their communities.
MISSION
Gateway will be a global leader and influencer in community development that looks to our roots and expertise to break barriers for people with disabilities.
PURPOSE
Transformation of community through the lens of disability.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Sahana Parameswara
Dear Community,
It is always a valuable opportunity to look back on the year that has passed while remaining firmly grounded in the year ahead. At Gateway, we intentionally take time to reflect on our collective impact—on the community we serve and on our organization—so that we can continue pressing forward in the quality of care, services, and relationships we steward together.
As I reflect on 2025, several features of the year stand out clearly.
Increased waitlists for individuals eligible for FSCD and PDD have shifted from being a warning sign to an expectation. Despite strong employment outcomes at Gateway and across many service provider organizations, unemployment rates among jobseekers with multiple barriers, including disability, continue to rise. The ADAP decision has introduced uncertainty for an entire community—past, present, and future.
At the same time, Workforce Development initiatives have created positive space for Employment Service Providers to be more creative and responsive. The Disability Services department has affirmed the value of developing provincial alignment among Employment Service Providers to collectively influence employers. Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) events continue to build intersectional communities that care deeply about disability inclusion and are actively working to eliminate silos. Mentorship as a formal pathway to employment has also become more established and better understood.
Some of these features signal progress; others point to regression. Together, they describe a complex and often contradictory system.
Yet in 2025, reflecting on the last few decades, two themes surfaced most strongly for me.
The first is a culture of resistance. The second is the necessity of system reframing.
What do increased waitlists, the rise of anti-EDI worldviews, and growing unemployment rates among people with disabilities have in common? They are all expressions of systems that resist change—systems shaped by scarcity thinking, risk aversion, and fragmentation.
While this resistance is not new to the disability community, the moment demands a renewed response. Building meaningful provincial alignment becomes essential—not as a symbolic gesture, but as a way of collectively addressing resistance across multiple systems. Alignment allows us to move from isolated efforts toward shared responsibility and lasting impact.
Waitlists, in particular, serve neither community nor government. They delay participation, increase long-term costs, and undermine trust. A reframed approach asks not how we manage demand, but what value is deferred or lost when people are required to wait. When examined through this lens, mutually beneficial solutions become visible.
Similarly, we are confronted with a clear contradiction: while unemployment among persons with disabilities remains high, Alberta is experiencing a significant shortage of jobseekers. This is not a paradox—it is a systems design issue. When employment pathways are reframed, redesigned, and supported collectively, the solution benefits individuals, employers, and communities alike.
System Reframing, as we understand it, is both a cognitive and strategic approach. It allows us to shift complex, “stuck” challenges into new perspectives that reveal opportunities, underlying causes, and creative solutions. It is becoming increasingly clear that this framework was essential—not only to understand our role as an organization, but also our role as individuals within interconnected systems.
As a result, beginning the co-creation of conditions necessary for system reframing became a core organizational focus at Gateway in 2025, alongside our continued commitment to scaffolding the disability community through our Family and Employment Resource Centres.
I am pleased to share some of the efforts that emerged from this focus:
- Deepening relationship- and trust-building across sectors and regions, grounded in learning rather than certainty
- Increasing organizational knowledge about systems, systemic change, and futuring
- Exploring methodologies for building and sustaining collective action
- Incorporating experimentation into service delivery
- Developing proposals that strengthen intersectionality, innovation, learning, and structural change
These efforts have reinforced a shared desire—among government and community alike—to reduce silos. They have also contributed to a renewed provincial mandate to
advance employment alignment with service providers, government, and chambers of commerce for another four years.
We continue to see clear evidence that community-building efforts with families are strongest when they are peer-to-peer. It remains imperative that we collectively support existing efforts through a pan-disability lens and actively dismantle silos based on diagnosis. While families are often the “coalition of the willing,” it is equally important to engage the “coalition of the necessary”—the broader community and decision-makers whose roles shape systems and outcomes. Gateway remains deeply committed to this work.
Our anti-racism and organizational change efforts continue to gain momentum and inform our processes across all areas of our work, alongside our ongoing commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. Nurturing organizational culture remains a collective responsibility at Gateway. We know we still have much to learn and unlearn, and we remain open to that process.
Our mission—Transformation of Community through the Lens of Disability—has never felt more relevant than it did as Gateway marked its 50th anniversary in 2025.
As I close, I want to reflect on the Board and my colleagues at Gateway. The importance of each role we play, as we move together in the same direction, is not lost on me. Building a culture of accountability is sustaining work—and it is work we remain deeply committed to.
Thank you for walking alongside us.
Sahana Parameswara
Executive Director
GATEWAY ASSOCIATION
Board Members
Chantelle Painter
President – Community Member
Riplea Lothian
Vice President
Faith McGeough
Director – Community Member
Ronelo Aromin
Director – Community Member
Monica Cheng
Treasurer
Christine Malone
Director – Self Advocate
Gail Low
Secretary – Community Member
Chantelle Painter
President’s Message
Board President
Chantelle Painter
President’s Message
Once again, it’s time to set aside moments to reflect on the year that was: 2025. In January, the board set out to support Gateway through what was to be a very challenging year. The goals which were being set were established through the lens of skill set support from the board in as direct a fashion as we could with the Gateway team. While navigating the large-scale changes in the funding landscape and balancing both community support as well as team well-being and transformation, Gateway was on a journey of strategic change to ensure both individual support and community leverage. By prioritizing intersectionality, ingenuity and perseverance, Gateway successfully emerged at the end of the year in a stronger financial position, key team members retained and ready to build out into the team that is needed to move forward to successfully bring new programming to life.
2025 saw continuity of board membership. With an abundance of stability on the board we were able to take an accurate inventory of skills, capacity and vision. As the landscape and scope of Gateway service provision shifted, we never drifted from the mission or values. Board members were able to be very introspective, reflective and collaborative in their efforts to support the different facets of change Gateway experienced. From social enterprise growth to program expansion, and financial guidance, we sought connections with the team to establish where we were needed and how we could be more accessible when needed beyond strict governance.
In 2026 the board is going to grow strategically. After meeting with the Gateway teams, we have a better idea of not only their strategic goals but how we can directly support the success of those goals. We will grow in numbers to support more working committees and use those working groups as a way to regain legacy knowledge and involve more of the community and Gateway team members into the growth of the board and its supportive governance model.
We enter the new year with a vision of hope backed by a year of constructive resilience. We have the plan. We will round out our board with the right people and we will continue to support the Gateway team in a meaningful and positive way to ensure stability and responsibility for the communities we serve.
A YEAR IN REVIEW
Gateway Programs
Calgary Employment Resource Centre
About Calgary ERC
The Calgary Employment Resource Centre (ERC) empowers job seekers with disabilities and mental health-related barriers to uncover their strengths, explore their interests, and pursue careers that align with their goals and values.
Participants receive personalized support to develop resumes, create action plans, and connect with training or educational opportunities tailored to their unique path. Through engaging virtual workshops, job seekers build confidence and sharpen essential skills like interviewing, workplace communication, and professional presence.
Behind the scenes, our team cultivates strong relationships with Calgary’s business community — creating meaningful talent matches that lead to lasting employment and inclusive workplaces.
Meet The 2025 Team
- Samantha Grabinsky (she/her), Senior Program Manager
- Akinyi Aboka (she/her), Workplace Inclusion Strategist
- Gene Lachica (he/him), Career and Inclusion Consultant
- Jae Lee (he/him), Workplace Inclusion Strategist
- Nikkitta Miller (she/her) – Career & Inclusion Consultant
- Reham Jadallah (she/her) – Career & Inclusion Consultant
- Ricardo Yepez (he/him), Career and Inclusion Consultant
- Sarah French (she/her)- Workplace Inclusion Strategist
- Stephen Wright(he/him) – Workplace Inclusion Consultant
- Zehra Voong (she/her), Intake Coordinator
Learn more about the Calgary ERC team HERE
2025 Highlights and Achievements
Calgary Employment Resource Centre (CERC) – 2025 Highlights
In 2025, the Calgary Employment Resource Centre (CERC) proudly supported 125 job seekers while collaborating with a growing network of 300+ employer partners committed to inclusive hiring. Together, we delivered 72 virtual workshops and 16 in-person sessions, equipping participants with the tools, confidence, and connections needed to pursue meaningful employment.
Signature Events & Community Impact
Our employer and community engagement continued to thrive through several signature events:
-
Annual Lawn Bowling Mixer (co-hosted with AEFN and MentorAbility)
Our fourth annual summer employer appreciation event welcomed 80+ guests to the Inglewood Lawn Bowling Club during Stampede week — a vibrant opportunity to celebrate partnerships and strengthen relationships. -
Inclusion Perks (DEAM event, co-hosted with AEFN and MentorAbility)
A lively gathering featuring caffeine, sweet treats, ASL, and networking, where guests shared success stories, discussed workplace accommodations, and built meaningful connections with fellow inclusion champions. -
Mock ’n Roll (new DEAM initiative)
Our inaugural Mock ’n Roll event provided realistic interview practice for job seekers, supported by 35+ volunteers from Calgary’s business community. Participants also received professional headshots from a volunteer photographer. Due to its overwhelming success, Mock ’n Roll will return in 2026 and beyond. -
Annual Community Holiday Celebration
Over 100 guests joined us to recognize outstanding contributions to workplace inclusion. The evening centered on gratitude and featured refreshments from local catering company and inclusive employer, Italiano Please!
Strengthening Inclusion & Accessibility
In 2025, CERC launched a new partnership with Deaf and Hear Alberta to deliver weekly ASL training every Tuesday morning for our team — deepening our commitment to accessibility and inclusive service delivery.
Resilience in a Challenging Year
This year brought significant challenges: funding-related layoffs, a dramatic reduction in retail opportunities, U.S.-based partners reversing inclusion policies, and the ongoing realities of ableism and racism. Despite these barriers, the job seekers we serve — and our CERC team — met each adversity with heart and tenacity. Remarkably, employment outcomes were largely unaffected.
A powerful example of long-term impact came in November, when our team reconnected with former participant Ian at a hiring fair. Since completing our program, Ian has earned two promotions in two years and now manages a team at a prominent performing arts venue in Calgary. Even more inspiring — Ian is interested in becoming an employer partner to create opportunities for other job seekers with disabilities. We are proud to see former participants stepping into leadership and mentorship roles in our community.
Looking Ahead to 2026
In 2026, CERC is focused on:
-
Delivering enhanced mental health supports for job seekers
-
Continuing to grow our ASL capacity as a team
-
Showing up each day ready to support the people we serve with optimism and dedication
Together, we remain committed to building a more inclusive workforce — one opportunity, one partnership, and one success story at a time.
Family Resource Centre
About FRC
Check out the full Disability Services Family Resource Centre Report here!
The Gateway Association Family Resource Centre (FRC), located on Treaty 6 territory, was founded by families who envisioned a true “gateway to a better life.” Today, we continue that legacy by walking alongside families who are supporting loved ones of all ages with disabilities — developmental, physical, sensory, mental, neurological — and health conditions that impact well-being, independence, and community participation.
At the heart of our work is a simple belief: families are the experts in their own lives. Our role is to strengthen that expertise by providing practical tools, meaningful guidance, and trusted resources that make navigating each new stage feel more manageable and less overwhelming.
Our FRC team reflects the communities we serve — including family members, neurodiverse individuals, and people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Through ongoing partnerships with community organizations, we continue to expand our perspectives, deepen our cultural responsiveness, and build our capacity to support families with respect, understanding, and care.
Meet The 2025 Team
- Sahana Parameswara (she/her), FRC Director, Executive Director
- Li Li (she/her), Family Resource Centre Coordinator
- Stacy Grainger-Schatz (she/her), Planning Supports Manager
- Yonique Ritch (she/her), Planning Supports Manager
Learn more about FRC team members HERE
2025 Highlights and Achievements
Family Resource Centre (FRC) – 2025 Highlights
In 2025, the Family Resource Centre remained a steady, compassionate presence for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families — even amidst significant change. This year alone, FRC supported 1,540 individuals and family members, while delivering 54 virtual workshops designed to provide practical guidance, build confidence, and strengthen community connection.
We proudly hosted two signature events and collaborated with community organizations on eight additional events, creating meaningful opportunities for families to gather, learn, and share experiences. From educational sessions to community-building initiatives, our programming continues to respond to the evolving needs of families across Alberta.
One of our signature events, Annual Community Holiday Celebration, brought over 100 guests together to recognize outstanding contributions to commuity inclusion. The evening centered on gratitude and featured refreshments from a local catering from Bissell Harvest Catering.
Like many organizations in our sector, 2025 brought transition. We experienced staffing changes as valued team members retired or stepped into new roles. At the same time, broader shifts within the disability community impacted colleagues with lived experience and families province-wide. Rather than rushing forward, our team intentionally paused to reflect — acknowledging change, listening deeply, and identifying thoughtful solutions to ensure our supports remain responsive, relevant, and grounded in care.
One of our most meaningful achievements this year was deepening and expanding community partnerships. These collaborations are especially impactful for newcomer families raising children with disabilities, helping bridge gaps in system navigation and culturally responsive support. Through strong partnerships, we are building clearer pathways so families can access information, practical tools, and trusted connections — and feel confident that they are not alone.
Looking ahead to 2026, we remain committed to reflective practice, partnership, and growth. By embracing diverse perspectives and strengthening our collective capacity, we will continue evolving in ways that honour and effectively support every family we serve.
MentorAbility Alberta
About the MentorAbiity Alberta Team
MentorAbility Alberta is a national initiative that creates meaningful connections between job seekers experiencing disability and employers in their fields of interest through hands-on, real-world mentorship experiences.
Through short-term, career-focused mentorships, participants gain valuable insight into industries, build confidence, and expand their professional networks—while employers have the opportunity to engage with diverse talent and strengthen inclusive workplace practices.
The Gateway Association has proudly supported MentorAbility in Alberta for several years, initially facilitating mentorship opportunities across Northern Alberta.
In late 2023, Gateway stepped into an expanded leadership role as the sole facilitating organization for MentorAbility across the province. With a dedicated team based in both Calgary and Edmonton, MentorAbility Alberta continues to grow its reach, impact, and partnerships—helping to shape a more inclusive and connected workforce across Alberta.
Meet The 2025 Team
- Ashleigh Benson (she/her) – Project Lead
- Susannah Twase (she/her) – Southern Southern Alberta Coordinator
- Kazeem Abolaji (he/him) – Northern Alberta Coordinator
-
Jamie Thiessen (they/them) – Northern Alberta Hub Facilitator
- Ashton Bennett (she/her) – Communications and Marketing
2025 Highlights and Achievements
MentorAbility Alberta – 2025 Highlights
MentorAbility Alberta continues to build meaningful connections between job seekers experiencing disability and employers across the province through mentorship, collaboration, and community engagement.
In 2025, MentorAbility Alberta demonstrated strong growth and impact:
-
95 mentee sign-ups
-
56 mentor sign-ups
-
10 new employer/partner sign-ups
-
8 new facilitators onboarded
-
77 successful mentorship matches
These connections are at the heart of MentorAbility’s work—creating opportunities for job seekers to explore career pathways, build confidence, and expand professional networks, while supporting employers to engage in inclusive hiring practices.
Strengthening Partnerships & Community Connections
MentorAbility Alberta continued to expand its network through strategic partnerships with organizations such as the Alberta Employment First Network, Gateway’s Community Engagement Resource Centre (CERC), the Centre for Newcomers, Neil Squire Society, Immigrant Champions of Canada, and Inclusion Powered by Supported Employment, among others.
Through these collaborations, MentorAbility Alberta has strengthened pathways to employment by connecting diverse communities, supporting inclusive workforce development, and amplifying opportunities for job seekers experiencing disability.
Events, Learning & Sector Leadership
Throughout the year, MentorAbility Alberta actively contributed to conferences, workshops, and sector events, including the ECO Canada Conference, the Canadian Association for Supported Employment Conference, the DEAM Kick-Off and Idea Conference, and the Work First Summit.
The team hosted 11 Industry Information Sessions, connecting mentees with professionals across diverse sectors—from marketing and architecture to accessibility consulting, technology, and environmental careers. Monthly Service Provider Meetings and Job Developer sessions continued to strengthen collaboration across Alberta, creating a shared space for strategy, resource-sharing, and innovation.
MentorAbility Alberta also played a key role in advancing thought leadership through participation in initiatives such as Alberta’s IP Strategy Roundtable and the Equitable Employment Leadership Summit (EELS), where mentorship was explored as a powerful driver of equity, inclusion, and systems change.
Advancing Inclusion Through Mentorship
In 2025, MentorAbility Alberta deepened its focus on mentorship as a tool for systemic change. Events like Breaking Barriers: Empowering Disabled Professionals in the Workplace brought together employers, service providers, and advocates to address workplace challenges and share practical strategies for inclusive hiring, retention, and career development.
The program also engaged in sector-wide learning opportunities, including the Summer Institute on Youth Mentoring and Community Complexity Lab, strengthening its approach to culturally grounded, responsive, and innovative mentorship practices.
Impact & Success Stories
The impact of MentorAbility Alberta is best reflected in the experiences of participants:
-
“This is the first time in my life I feel seen and heard.” — Mentee
-
“MentorAbility helped me connect within a network I wouldn’t normally access.” — Mentee
-
“This program helps us meet unique individuals and strengthen our workplace culture.” — Employer Partner
Employers highlighted the value of mentorship in expanding networks and building inclusive workplaces, while mentees described increased confidence, renewed purpose, and a stronger sense of belonging.
National & Global Recognition
MentorAbility Canada received the prestigious Zero Project Award in 2025, recognizing innovative solutions that advance disability inclusion worldwide. This global recognition reflects the strength of the MentorAbility model—connecting participants to a national network while tailoring experiences to local communities.
Looking Ahead
As MentorAbility Alberta looks to the future, priorities include:
-
Expanding employer partnerships across sectors
-
Strengthening service provider engagement and facilitation capacity
-
Continuing to build a responsive, inclusive mentorship ecosystem
-
Remaining a trusted partner and “value add” to communities across Alberta
With a continued focus on collaboration, innovation, and lived experience, MentorAbility Alberta is well-positioned to grow its impact and support more Albertans in achieving meaningful, inclusive employment.
Edmonton Employment Resource Centre
About Edmonton ERC
The Edmonton Employment Resource Centre (ERC) supports individuals in securing meaningful, paid employment by meeting them where they are and walking alongside them every step of the way.
Our approach is holistic and person-centred. While we focus on employment goals, we also recognize that success at work is connected to overall well-being. Participants are supported with access to community resources, referrals, and mental health supports that strengthen stability and confidence both inside and outside the workplace.
Beyond job placement, ERC helps individuals build lasting skills, expand their networks, and grow their self-belief. By connecting people to opportunities aligned with their passions and strengths, we’re not just supporting employment outcomes — we’re helping individuals build capacity, community, and a foundation for long-term success.
Meet The 2025 Team
- Ashleigh Benson (she/her)
Manager of Edmonton Employment Resource Centre - Cassie Shaw (she/her)
Career and Inclusion Consultant - Emma Kieftenbeld (she/her)
Workplace Inclusion Strategist - Kazeem Abolaji (he/him)
Workplace Inclusion Strategist - Menda Tesfaye-Visser (she/her) Workplace Inclusion Strategist
- Sandra Zilka (she/her) – Program Coordinator/Database & Office Manager
- Skye Gladu (she/her) – Career & Inclusion Consultant
- Taiba Hamza (she/her) – Intake Coordinator
Learn more about the Edmonton ERC HERE
2025 Highlights and Achievements
Edmonton Employment Resource Centre – 2025 Highlights & 2026 Vision
In 2025, the Edmonton Employment Resource Centre proudly supported 50 participants and 35 employers, while engaging over 100 individuals through our workshops. Our team hosted a variety of impactful events, including the DEAM Workshop Day, Inclusion Perks, AGM/50th Anniversary Celebration, EELS, and our Holiday Party.
We celebrated significant participant milestones this year. One participant increased her work hours to 30 per week, strengthening her routine, income stability, and independence, while another secured his first paid position, building confidence, employability skills, and meaningful daily structure through our personalized support. These successes underscore the value of relationship-based, individualized employment services in fostering long-term stability and growth.
Looking ahead to 2026, we are thrilled to expand our programming thanks to newly secured funding. Our focus will be on increasing access, strengthening community partnerships, and offering comprehensive wraparound supports, including pre-employment development, digital literacy, mentorship, employer connections, and job retention follow-up.
We are also launching Stepping Stones to Leadership, a program supporting young adults in building life skills, self-advocacy, leadership, and community engagement. The Resource Centre will continue to evolve as a welcoming hub, providing coordinated workshops, drop-in supports, and pathways to meaningful employment. Together with participants, families, employers, and community partners, we are committed to creating inclusive opportunities that build skills, confidence, and long-term stability across our community.
Alberta Employment First Network
About Alberta Employment First Network
The Alberta Employment First Network (AEFN) brings Albertans together to expand meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Created to address gaps identified by both job seekers and employment service providers, AEFN serves as a collaborative hub where community organizations, businesses, and advocates work side by side to advance inclusive hiring across the province.
By partnering with employers and industry leaders, AEFN helps bridge conversations that transform workplaces — supporting businesses to become more inclusive, accessible, and welcoming to diverse talent.
Each year, AEFN hosts the Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) IDEA Conference, a flagship event that brings together employers, service providers, and community leaders to share ideas, celebrate progress, and advance Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility across Alberta.
Beyond the conference, AEFN offers year-round capacity-building opportunities through learning events, resources, employer spotlights, and community connections — strengthening the province’s collective ability to support people with disabilities in achieving meaningful employment.
This important work is made possible through funding from the Government of Alberta.
Meet The 2025 Team
- Angela Flaman (she/her)
Director - Mariebelle Sawma (she/her) – Training and Communications Coordinator
- Ashton Bennett (she/her) – Marketing and Communications
Learn more about AEFN HERE
2025 Highlights and Achievements
Alberta Employment First Network (AEFN) – 2025 Highlights
The Alberta Employment First Network (AEFN) continues to lead Alberta’s collaborative efforts to advance disability-inclusive employment. By bringing together employment service providers, employers, chambers of commerce, industry associations, and policymakers, AEFN is driving systemic change and strengthening inclusive workforce development across the province.
Over the past year, AEFN facilitated 100+ community connections through initiatives such as Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) campaign planning, focus groups, advocacy meetings, roundtables, and the Living Library Project. In addition, the network engaged in 200+ connections annually with employment service providers, supporting collaboration through regional interagency meetings, conferences, and community-based events.
AEFN’s reach continues to expand, now engaging 32,000+ employers through partnerships with the Alberta Chambers of Commerce, its 100+ local chambers, and key industry associations including the Alberta Hotel & Lodging Association, Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium, CPHR Alberta, and ECO Canada. These partnerships connect businesses with skilled talent pools of Albertans with disabilities while supporting inclusive hiring, onboarding, and retention practices.
A key highlight of AEFN’s work is its leadership of Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) in Alberta. This includes the annual DEAM campaign, virtual kick-off event, and the DEAM Idea Conference. In 2025, the conference welcomed over 230 attendees, including employers, service providers, post-secondary institutions, government representatives, and disability self-advocates. AEFN also distributed 21 DEAM grants totaling $41,470, supporting community-led initiatives across the province.
Throughout the year, AEFN hosted 15–20 events, including presentations, panels, webinars, and training sessions, while growing its membership to 675+ members through a newly enhanced membership portal. The network continues to foster a strong community of practice, enabling service providers to share resources, coordinate employer engagement, and create more consistent referral pathways—ultimately improving employment outcomes for job seekers with disabilities.
AEFN also prioritizes inclusive collaboration by working alongside Indigenous, settlement, and immigrant-serving organizations to co-host employer engagement sessions. These efforts deepen understanding of how disability is experienced across cultures and strengthen culturally responsive approaches to employment.
As Alberta’s labour market continues to face workforce shortages and economic uncertainty, AEFN plays a critical role in connecting employers to talent while building “disability confidence” across industries. Through partnerships, roundtables, and employer-focused initiatives, AEFN supports businesses in reducing hiring barriers, strengthening workforce planning, and creating inclusive workplaces.
Looking ahead, AEFN is actively engaged in addressing emerging system changes, including the rollout of the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) and the transition to the Prime Contractor Model. The network is well-positioned to support government and industry in navigating these changes—ensuring that employment service providers, employers, and job seekers are equipped for success.
Through its leadership, partnerships, and province-wide impact, AEFN continues to ensure that the voices and experiences of Albertans with disabilities remain central to building a more inclusive and resilient workforce.
A YEAR IN REVIEW
Notable Mentions
2025 DEAM Events
DEAM IDEA Conference 2025
Lawn Bowling 2025
2025 Community Partners
50 Years of Gateway Association!
2025 Community Events
Gateway Association for Community Living
Statement of Operations
2025
Arbor Award Winners
Volunteerism
The Frondosus Award recognizes the hard work and commitment of a volunteer working in the areas of community living and inclusion.
WINNERS-
Inclusive Employment
The Opus Award recognizes a business that has had a direct role in the transformation of a person who lives with an intellectual disability through meaningful, inclusive employment.
WINNERS – Italiano Please!
Family Strength
The Confirmo Award recognizes a parent or family member who has experienced an exceptionally challenging year, but persevered with courage and strength, like the strength and stability of a tree’s trunk.
WINNERS – Yonique Ritch
Youth Leadership
The Pomus Award recognizes a youth or young adult whose ambition and hard work in promoting community living, makes our community a more vibrant and better place. This person will demonstrate strength and commitment in advocating for inclusion and the rights of everyone.
WINNERS –Liam Dalton
Community Leadership
The Communitas Award recognizes the commitment and dedication of a community leader who works hard to make our neighbourhoods a better place for everyone. This person should demonstrate the values of inclusion in everything they do and be a true role model.
WINNERS-Benveet (Bean) Gill
Service Sector
The Ramosus Award is an opportunity to recognize someone from the service sector who has helped you achieve your dreams by ‘branching’ outside their normal role or responsibilities. This person uses every opportunity available to demonstrate and educate about the values of inclusion and community living.
WINNERS–Alberta Immigrant Mentorship Network
AGM
Arbor Awards Nominations
Every year, Gateway Association recognizes its members and other community leaders for their efforts to make a difference and promote community living, inclusion and strengthening its values. Gateway’s Arbor Awards honour people in six categories.
THANK YOU!
to our Gateway Community
- ABLE and AVAILABLE Job Board
- ADP Canada
- Alberta Centre for Sexuality
- Alberta Chamber of Commerce
- ATB
- Banff & Lake Louise Hotel Association
- Better Belonging
- Bissell Centre
- Bow Valley Chamber of Commerce
- Bow Valley Immigrant Partnership
- BOWDA- Bow Valley Builders and Developers Association
- Calgary Chamber of Commerce
- Calgary Immigrant Women’s Society
- Calgary Popup Care Village
- Calgary Public School Board
- Canadian Brewhouse
- Canadian Mental Health Association
- Canadian Western Bank
- Canmore Chamber of Commerce
- Canmore FCSS
- Casa Mental Health
- Centre for Autism Services
- Centre for Newcomers
- Chic Geek
- CHIMO Youth Retreat Center
- Children’s Link
- Chrysalis
- City of Edmonton
- CNIB Foundation (Canadian National Institute for the Blind Foundation)
- CPHR Alberta
- Cohesive Communities
- Community Futures Treaty 7
- Connecting CommUnity (Red Deer)
- Deaf and Hear Alberta
- Edmonton Food Bank
- Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers
- Edmonton Public Library
- Edmonton Unlimited
- EmployAbilities
- EPL Bellerose
- ESCD Carer and Bridging Program
- Edmonton Regional Innovation Network
- ELIP
- Ethiopian and Eritrean (Autism Parent Group)
- Federal Government
- Felice Cafe
- First Nations Health Consortium
- FLICinc (Freelance Interpreters Consolidated)
- Forest Lawn High School
- Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital
- GoodLife Fitness
- Goodwill Industries of Alberta
- GRIT (Getting Ready for Inclusion Today)
- Hammehr Talent Consultants
- High School Transition Resource Committee Event
- Highbanks Society
- Hop Forward Society Alberta
- IG Wealth Management
- Immigrant Champions of Canada
- Included By Design
- Independent Living Resource Centre of Calgary
- InceptionU
- IPSE
- Italiano Please!
- Jubilation’s Dinner Theatre
- Live, Work, Play
- Love at First Like
- Metis Nation of Alberta
- Momentum
- Multicultural Health Brokers
- MultilinguAbilities
- New partnerships within Treaty 6 (Maskwacis)
- New partnerships within Treaty 7 (Siksika, Tsuut’ina)
- Norquest
- Oilers Entertainment Group
- Pan Disability Connection
- Parkland & West Family Resource Network
- Parks Canada/ Banff Field Unit
- Pan Disability Connection
- Platform Calgary
- Primed and Waste Management
- Prosper Place – CMHA Edmonton Region
- Real Canadian Superstore
- Ready, Willing and Able
- Regional Provincial Advisory Committee (RPAC)
- Royal Alberta Museum
- Sara Simply Sampling
- Self Advocay Federation (SAF)
- Sheldon Pickering Financial Advisor – IG Wealth Management
- Shopper’s Drug Mart
- Sinneave Foundation
- Skills Society
- Society for Autism Support & Services
- Speech Matters
- St. Anne’s Academic Centre
- St. Mary’s University
- St.Johns Ambulance
- Stollery Children’s Hospital
- Superstore
- Team CarePal
- TechniCare Imaging
- The Alex
- The Back Porch
- The Canadian Brewhouse
- The Job Developer Committee
- Transit Services
- Under 18 Interagency HUB
- University Hospital Foundation
- Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth
- Vertical Staffing
- Voices Of Albertans with Disabilities (VAD)
- WhipLash Esthetics
- Wholesale Club
- Work Nicer
- Alex Yeung
- Andriko Lozowy
- Beverly Yeung
- Bimpe Bakare
- Carissa Gravelle
- Cheri Cleyn
- Claire Ryan
- Darlene Welsford
- Diana Varughese
- Dilip
- Emma Burwash
- Jeremia.h Renner – Two Pillars Financial Solutions Inc.
- Kim Stefura
- Kristine Page
- Leonard Lozowy
- Martin Welsford
- Miriam Ading
- Nelly van Leeuwen
- Rakibul Chowdhury
- Ron Burrows Accountant
- Ron Pierce
- Sachin Sudra
- Shane Zilka
- Sinneave Foundation
- Terry Singleton
- Troy Burwash
- Yonique Ritch
Contact Us
Edmonton
201- 10941 120 Street NW
Edmonton, AB T5H 3R3
Tel: 780-454-0701
Calgary
1206 20 Ave SE
Calgary, AB T2G 1M8
Tel: 587-779-7888
General enquiries: info@gatewayassociation.ca
STAY CONNECTED
Subscribe to the Gateway Association Newsletter
Get involved with Gateway Association today! Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest Gateway news including events, workshops and resources.
Support
© 2026 Gateway Association. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Website designed by Media Shop Collective