carya
180, 839 5 Avenue SW T2P 3C8 Calgary, AB, Canada

These days we could all use a little bit of extra love. As part of our Elder Friendly Communities program, which aims to increase social connections for seniors in Calgary communities, some talented crafters have provided just that! Residents of one of the seniors apartment buildings in Bowness, as well as some neighbourhood volunteers, worked together to create these hearts by knitting, crocheting and sewing. The hearts are on display with posters inviting those passing by to take one. The residents took on this project in order to spread kindness, share with others, and find creative ways to connect with their neighbours. They hope that the display will bring joy to those passing by if you’re in Bowness, be sure to look out for them! #yyc #caryaishere

The impacts of COVID-19 have made access to mental health support more important than ever. At Community Connect YYC, you can find services from carya along with nine other #yyc agencies available to book 24/7, making it easier to get the help you need, when you need it. Visit communityconnectyyc.ca now to book an appointment for counselling in Spanish, French, or Vietnamese, with several other languages available through the support of interpretation services. #caryaishere #yyc

Today, carya's Board of Directors would like to introduce Theresa Watson, our new Interim CEO. Theresa comes to us with extensive leadership experience. She also has a longstanding connection to carya, most recently serving on our Board as chair of the Governance Committee. We extend our sincere thanks to Monique Auffrey for the contributions she made to carya during her time with our agency. We look forward to what is to come as we continue our work of building strong families and communities for generations. You can read more about Theresa here: https://caryacalgary.ca//carya-welcomes-theresa-watson-as/

carya is hiring! Currently we're looking for: a Youth Program Facilitator, who will work with junior high female youth through in school programming to help them build resilience, develop positive relationships, improve social skills, and increase self-esteem a Community Development Facilitator in our Elder Friendly Community program, who will help develop opportunities that connect older adults with each other as well as with people of all ages. ... Click here https://caryacalgary.ca/join-our-team/career-opportunities/ to learn more!

If you've found that COVID-19 has been tough on your mental health, know that you are not alone. On #BellLetsTalk day, many of us are talking about mental health, but this is something that is important to talk about every day. Here are some strategies that can help you take care of your mental health during this difficult time. Most importantly, though, if you are struggling and in need of support, don't be afraid to reach out to a professional for help. Distress Centre Calgary and 211 Calgary and Area are great resources that can connect you to the services you need.

Today is Family Literacy Day! Taking time every day to read or learn with your kids can bolster their development and improve literacy skills and can help parents improve their skills as well. How do you read and learn with your family?

Seven years ago, Sara left her home of Cambodia and joined her daughter in Calgary. Leaving her home meant leaving behind her entire social circle, and her first weeks in Canada were lonely and isolated. But Sara found a place to belong when she began regularly attending carya programs in East Village, often seeing familiar faces each week in her painting, yoga, and Zumba classes. These new friends have become the support network that Sara now relies on to be there for her when things get tough. carya has been helping people lieve, long, and come for 110 years. We need you to and donate to our Moving Forward Together Fund, which will help us continue to make an impact in the lives of the thousands of Calgarians every year. Visit caryacalgary.ca/donate to give today. #bewithcarya

carya was here for Calgary when its first pandemic hit, the Spanish flu of 1918, and we’re here for Calgary now during COVID-19. The dynamics of our pandemic response continue to change, and we need your help to get through the rest of the year and prepare for what’s ahead in 2021. We need you to as we work to make Calgary a better place for all of us. In the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing stories of , highlighting how carya’s programs help Cal...garians lieve in the power of community, feel a sense of longing, and find the courage and confidence to become the individuals they aspire to . #bewithcarya https://caryacalgary.ca/be-with-carya/ See more

November is Adoption Awareness month. This is a great opportunity to celebrate adoptive families and bring awareness to adoption-related issues. Our Adoption Kinship team works with families and adopted children up to the age of 24, helping them to develop connection and trust through the adoption process. You can learn more about our Adoption Kinship team and the important work that they do here: https://caryacalgary.ca/blog/adoption-a-lifelong-journey/

In partnership with Kerby Centre for the 55+ and Calgary Police Service, our Elder Abuse Response Team helps victims of elder abuse and their families to get the help that they need. A large percentage of elder abuse cases happen within a family setting. To report a suspected case of elder abuse, please call our Elder Abuse Resource Line at 403.705.3250. #familyviolencepreventionmonth #wheretoturn

When Keersten started grade 7, she was struggling. That's when she found carya's Starburst program. By the time she left the program in grade 9, Keersten had learned to believe in herself, found belonging both in and outside of school, and had become better equipped to deal with any difficulties she might face in the future. carya has been helping people lieve, long, and come for 110 years. We need you to and donate to our Moving Forward Together Fund, which will help us continue to make an impact in the lives of the thousands of Calgarians every year. caryacalgary.ca/donate #bewithcarya

Did you know that you can eliminate an errand while supporting carya at the same time? Have your recyclable bottles collected by SkipTheDepot and select carya as your charity of choice! https://app.skipthedepot.com/caryacalgary

Today we kicked off our staff 2020 United Way Campaign. Though we couldn't be together in person, it was great to have the opportunity to get together virtually to talk about how we can support United Way of Calgary and Area. carya and United Way have been partners since 1968! As an agency who receives funding from United Way, we know how important their work is to the #yyc community. A special thanks to Ron Freckleton for joining us as well. Ron told us about the important... work that Alzheimer Society of Calgary does and shared his personal story of caring for his wife Joan who had dementia. Alzheimer Society of Calgary is another agency who receives funds from United Way doing amazing work in Calgary. United we make the biggest difference, and we are excited to kick off some fun staff activities in support of United Way this week. Thanks, United Way of Calgary for all you do! #BeUnited #caryaishere

We're so excited to present our 2019 Report to Community! Visit https://bit.ly/ReporttoCommunity2019 to see photos, stories, and a snapshot of what team carya accomplished last year.

With all that is happening in our world, we know that you might be feeling stress today. In our free Strategies to Manage Stress and Anxiety webinar, offered in both English and Spanish, you'll learn practical tools and tips that will help you manage the stress and anxiety that many of us are feeling right now. https://caryacalgary.ca//strategies-to-manage-stress-and-/

Want to get creative and contribute to Village Commons, our new community space in East Village Calgary? With support from the City of Calgary Your Local Government and Calgary Housing Company, Common Unity will be an art installation focused on sharing what community is, what community gives and what community can be through the hearts and talents of community members. Common Unity will be showcased in the main entrance stairwell of Village Commons, opening early next yer. This project will be led local artist Stacey Walyuchow, who will help participants tell their stories about community. If you'd like to creatively express your stories of community and contribute to spirit of making it stronger, attend our information session on Wednesday or contact Stacey to learn more!

November is Family Violence Prevention Month, an opportunity to talk about how we can work together to end family violence and build healthier relationships in our communities. Visit https://www.alberta.ca/family-violence-prevention-month.aspx to find resources that will help you learn #WhereToTurn if you or someone you love is dealing with family violence. Remember that you are not alone and that help is available.

Today is Friday, and it’s Halloween weekend! This Halloween might not look exactly like you planned it would, and that can be disappointing. Whether you’re putting on a costume for some COVID-safe festivities, staying home to watch movies, or anything in between, we hope you can still make time for some fun this weekend! By finding opportunities forhumourand laughter, even in very simple things, you can improve your emotional health, strengthen your relationships, and increase your happiness.

Today is the International Day of Older Persons. At carya we are fortunate to work with older adults who have so many amazing stories to share. One of the best ways to build community is through our stories, and Isa, one of our program participants, is generously sharing her story with us today. If you have a cherished older person in your life, think about reaching out to them and listening to their stories, especially during this time where many are feeling disconnected.

We're thrilled that our CEO Monique Auffrey has won a Women of Inspiration award in the Advocate and Catalyst for Change category tonight! Monique has been making a difference in the lives of vulnerable populations throughout her career, and she is recognized nationally and internationally for her achievements. We are so proud to have her leading team carya as we work to build strong families and communities for generations. Congratulations, Monique! And congratulations to all of the inspiring women and men who won and were nominated tonight. #woi2020Raisethebar #supportHER

#tbt to a few years ago when our Bowmont team had a pretty awesome Halloween dress up day. We hope you get to participate in some (COVID safe) Halloween fun this year, even though things will look different than we’re used to! #teamcarya

September 30th is Orange Shirt Day, an important opportunity to commemorate the residential school experience, to witness and honour the healing journey of the survivors and their families, and to commit to the ongoing process of reconciliation. Today we listen to the stories of residential school survivors and their family, acknowledge the traumas they endured, celebrate their resilience, and move forward with hope and the affirmation that Every Child Matters. Visitorangeshirtday.orgto learn more about the day, its history, and its importance. #orangeshirtday #everychildmatters

We are excited to introduce you to another new member of the carya Board today! Born in the Congo and arriving in Canada at the age of 26, Christian Hamuli is a professional engineer with over 15 years experience in energy industry regulations, lifecycle development and digital transformation. He believes that every person should find their life mission, because true happiness comes from selfless giving to those in need. Christian has adopted and raised many children who are now successful young adults. He speaks four languages, enjoys running, and dreams of building an orphanage. Thanks for being a part of #teamcarya, Christian!

All of us are experiencing the challenges and the changes that come along with COVID-19. There are many things that are outside of our control what we can control is the way that we respond to what is happening around us. In this free, two part webinar you'll learn to: Build resiliency ... Develop skills that will help you take control of your life Build self-confidence Manage your life with intention https://caryacalgary.ca//building-self-confidence-and-res/

We're offering our Act Out! program for 12-15 year olds online this fall! We’ll engage in games, scenes and memes that will make youth think and help them express themselves through acting, writing, visual arts, music and storytelling. This program is normally only available for students in specific schools, so this is a rare opportunity for any youth in Calgary to join. Visit our website at https://caryacalgary.ca/event/act-out-live/ for more information!

Do you notice yourself feeling tense? Try taking a deep breath. Deep breathing is a great way to lower stress in the body as it sends a signal to your brain to calm down and relax. Your mental health is important, and it's natural to be feeling stress or anxiety with everything that is going on in our world. If you need support, please reach out to a friend, a family member, or an organization like carya that can give you the help you need.

We’re fortunate to have such great partners working with us to bring our Village Commons community space to life! Here’s a little more information about Calgary Housing Company (CHC) and Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC), our two partner organizations led by the women you see in this photo (along with carya CEO Monique Auffrey). Calgary’s largest residential landlord, CHC manages approximately 7,100 homes in subsidized and near market programs for Calgarians not well served by the regular housing market. CMLC strives to strengthen connections between people and the places they share. Created and owned by the City of Calgary, CMLC works to achieve the City's objectives for urban densification, community renewal, infrastructure investment and placemaking.

Allison Kuntz is new to carya's board this year! She practises dispute resolution and provides advice on contract, securities, directors' and officers' liability, tort, and product liability matters. She has represented clients in the pharmaceutical industry (class action defence and otherwise) and the energy and financial sectors, among others. Allison has represented clients in the courts across Canada and in both domestic and international arbitrations. She recently served on her firm's Canadian partnership committee and global supervisory board. Welcome, Allison, and thanks for being a part of team carya!

Our Bowmont Families Together team is busy planning out their fall programs. Team planning sessions look a little bit different in this time of COVID-19, but we still love to take the opportunity to be together when we can! #caryaishere

Yesterday we gathered with our partners at Calgary Housing Company and Calgary Municipal Land Corporation, as well as some East Village Calgary neighbours, to celebrate the launch of construction at Village Commons! Thanks to CTV Calgary for joining us to tell the story. We're so excited for Village Commons to open in just a few short months!

Your mental health and relationships matter. Family Counselling can help you with a variety of concerns, including: mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, or trauma relationship problems family conflict parenting challenges... stress life transitions Our counsellors will listen, learn about what's important to you, and develop a customized approach that will help you and your family achieve your goals. https://caryacalgary.ca//family-support/family-counselling/

In the months since the onset of COVID-19, we've been fortunate to have the support of the Calgary Flames and the Flames Foundation. Through this, we have developed a valuable relationship with Brian Armstrong, Executive Chef for Calgary Sports & Entertainment Corporation. You need to support the community you live and work in, Brian explains when asked why he choses to support carya. Learn more about why Brian believes in carya's vision, and why he's excited for our Village Commons project in East Village Calgary, at the link below. https://caryacalgary.ca//september-spotlight-brian-armstr/

Colleen has been a participant in our Making Room program since 2011. We were so honoured when, this fall, she chose to become a carya donor ! "It has been helpful talking with other people about my difficulties with acquiring too much stuff, difficulty making decisions about what to let go of, and the resulting disorganization and stress from chaos," says Colleen when asked about her experience in the Making Room program. "I already knew I suffered from depression. Hearing ...other people's experiences helped me recognize I also had an anxiety disorder and get help for that. Continuing with the group, online for now, helps me maintain a healthy home and prevents me from relapsing into my old ways." When asked why she chose to donate to carya, Colleen says that she wanted to recognize the support that carya has offered to her, her family, and the larger community. "I wanted to support carya's services for people of all ages with many different needs," she explains. " Calgarians deal with many stresses, especially now with COVID-19. carya offers counselling and other services that can help us have better lives." We can't thank Colleen enough for her generous donation and support of carya. If you'd like to join Colleen and become a carya supporter, please visit caryacalgary.ca/donate.

Journaling can be an excellent way to express your feelings and thoughts and work through whatever is on your mind. If you have a free moment this weekend, try opening your journal. Let your pen guide you as you write a stream of consciousness. Try to be asnon-judgementalas you can, and let your thoughts flow you might be surprised by how freeing it feels to write out your worries.

Sue Mallon's leadership positively impacted the lives of so many Calgarians. We wanted to offer one final tribute to Sue as she passes the leadership baton on to our new CEO, Monique Auffrey. Thank you, Sue, for all that you did for carya over the last 17 years. Enjoy your retirement!

Today is #WorldFoodDay. According to the Calgary Foundation's 2020 Vital Signs survey, 33% of Calgarians sometimes struggle to afford basics like rent, utilities, and groceries, and 17% often or always struggle. We're looking forward to opening our community kitchen at Village Commons (check out this little sneak peek!), which will offer programs that address food insecurity alongside opportunities for community meals, cooking classes, and more. Food access is essential, and sharing food is such a wonderful way to connect.

Are you struggling with issues related to your adult children? Relationships with your Adult Children is a 9-week group that will give you the tools you need to improve communication, establish boundaries, and maintain your personal wellness as you work to make the best of these important relationships. This group is for older adults 65 and over and will be offered in person at our downtown office. Visit our website for more details! https://caryacalgary.ca//relationships-with-your-adult-ch/

Last week some members of our team (including Monique, our new CEO!) had the opportunity to see how things are looking at Village Commons, our brand new community space in East Village Calgary. We were joined by representatives from our partners Calgary Housing Company and Calgary Municipal Land Corporation. It was exciting to see how construction is progressing and imagine the space coming to life with programs and gatherings in just a few short months!

Happy Friday! What are you doing to unwind this weekend? One of the best way to ensure that you can be happy, healthy, and productive is to practice self care. This weekend, try to read a good book, spend some time with friends or family, go for a walk, write in your journal, or do whatever makes you feel good! What's your favourite way to practice self care?

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. If you are struggling with feelings of depression or hopelessness, please know that help is available. carya has counselling available for families, parents, and older adults that is always offered at a price that you can afford. If you feel like you are at immediate risk, please contact Distress Centre Calgary to speak to someone who can help. No matter how you are feeling, remember that you are a valued and treasured person whose life is worth living.

A little flashback to last year when we attended the United Way of Calgary and Area kickoff in our purple carya t-shirts. We will miss the energy of the in person gathering this year but we are excited to attend the online kickoff starting soon! #beunited

Hoarding is a very real and difficult challenge. carya's Making Room group offers hope and support for older adults who are facing the issue. We are currently offering this group virtually over Zoom.

You're invited to carya's Annual General Meeting! Join us on September 24th as we reflect on carya's successes in the past year and a half and preview what is to come. https://caryacalgary.ca//caryas-annual-general-meeting-20/

Did you know that increased creativity improves immune system and brain functioning, reduces depression and anxiety, increases problem-solving and communication skills and allows us to experience ourselves differently? In our virtual nine-week Creative Expressions group you'll discover your inner artist and express yourself in a new way. No previous art experience necessary! https://caryacalgary.ca//creative-expressions-virtual-gro/

Many kids are going back to school this week. This is an exciting time, but for many students, parents, teachers, and school staff this September is more stressful than usual. If you need help coping with everything that's going on right now, our Strategies to Manage Stress and Anxiety webinar can help. https://caryacalgary.ca//strategies-to-manage-stress-and-/

Today is our summer student Noor's last day. It's been wonderful to have her working with us over the last two months! Here's what Noor had to say about her experience: "Working at carya as the Communications and Community Development Officer has been an incredible experience. In 8 weeks, I've gained experience creating content, running the carya Instagram account, and planning social media campaigns. This remote internship has been a great learning experience and I've had the opportunity to learn from a brilliant and hardworking team." Thanks for all of your hard work, Noor, and all the best as you continue in your career! #teamcarya

Talk about a happy Friday! We got an amazing surprise yesterday when legendary Canadian golfer Mike Weir joined in on our Zoom call and made a generous donation to carya on behalf of the Shaw Charity Classic. Thanks so much to Mike and the whole team at Shaw for believing in what we do and for helping us continue to support youth in Calgary. And thanks to the Calgary Herald and Global Calgary for sharing the story!

Happy Pride Week, Calgary!! Did you know that this is the 30th anniversary of #calgarypride? We wish we could be together and celebrate in person, but Calgary Pride has lots of great opportunities to gather virtually and participate in activities that celebrate our LGBTQ2S+ community. How are you celebrating pride this week?