From Playgroups to Policy: How Edmonton Down Syndrome Society Builds Belonging

Support Focused on Belonging First: Alberta AdaptAbilities Association

We sit down with Michelle Hordal, Founder and CEO of the Alberta AdaptAbilities Association [https://adaptabilities.ca/], to unpack what respite really means for families raising children with disabilities and why “belonging” is the goal, not a bonus. We also dig into funding gaps, long waitlists, and how community connection, employment, and life skills support can change what adulthood looks like for the people AdaptAbilities serves. • how goal-directed respite supports both caregivers and kids • how AdaptAbilities grew from matching families to a province-wide vision • why out-of-school time creates the biggest childcare gaps in disability support • stories that show the emotional load families carry and what relief can look like • expansion plans across Alberta and what it takes to “do it right” • bridge funding, bursaries, and why families can’t wait years for programs • supporting teens and adults through community connection, jobs, and independence • sibling roles, guardianship, and long-term future planning • building sustainability through an endowment fund, the Adapt Store [https://adaptstore.ca/], and operating an inclusive cafe in partnership with Lil E Coffee Cafe [https://www.lilecoffee.ca/about/] • why the “low overhead” expectation can limit nonprofit impact and talent  About Our Guest Michelle Hordal [https://www.michellehordal.ca/] is the dynamic force behind AdaptAbilities, a non-profit committed to empowering families and individuals with diverse abilities to grow, succeed, and belong. Through innovative programs and services, AdaptAbilities has touched the lives of over 2,500 children, youth, and adults, fostering inclusion one person at a time. Michelle’s impact on Edmonton’s community is profound, evident in her accolades such as the 2012 Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Service, a Celebration of Achievement Nomination with AWE, and a Globel Women Award Nomination in 2020. She was also honoured with a 2020 Capital Region Rotary Award by the Whyte Avenue Rotarian Club. In 2024, Michelle was nominated for the Alberta Chambers of Commerce Female Entrepreneur Award of Distinction and was named one of Edmonton’s top 20 Business Leaders by Business in Edmonton’s 11th Annual Leaders Award. Known for her visionary thinking, she approaches challenges as opportunities for growth, embodying a mindset that sees solutions where others see problems. A dedicated problem-solver, Michelle advocates for creative approaches, emphasizing working smarter, not harder. Michelle’s next endeavor involves empowering fellow entrepreneurs and non-profit leaders to purse their passions and talents, fostering positive change on a global scale. What is Give Amplify Connect? There’s a story behind every action. Give Amplify Connect  [https://giveamplifyconnect.buzzsprout.com/]is a podcast from the Wolfe Pack Warriors Foundation that gives a voice to the Alberta-based charitable organizations creating community impact, changing lives, and making a difference. Driven by honest conversations with host Kristy Wolfe, it’s a chance for passionate changemakers to share their story.  Learn more at wolfepackwarriors.com [http://www.wolfepackwarriors.com] Podcast music used with artist permission "Okay" by Ellen Braun  [https://ellenbraun.bandcamp.com/track/okay]

From Playgroups to Policy: How Edmonton Down Syndrome Society Builds Belonging

We share how a grassroots playgroup became a 30-year hub for connection, education, and advocacy at the Edmonton Down Syndrome Society [https://www.edss.ca/]. From closing the adult medical care gap to launching employment readiness, we show practical ways families and allies can help. • EDSS origin story and governance renewal • Parent-to-parent connections through play-based programs • Adult day program and employment readiness plans • Pediatric strengths and the adult GP care gap • How to use family and practitioner medical guidelines [https://www.edss.ca/resource-links] • School transition supports and inclusion training • Collaboration with Canadian Down Syndrome Society [https://cdss.ca/] & Prep Society [https://prepsociety.ca/] • Wonder Years workshop for newborn families Ready to help? [https://www.edss.ca/get-involved] Volunteer, attend an event, share the medical guidelines with your GP, or wear mismatched socks on World Down Syndrome Day 2026 [https://give.crowdfunding.alberta.ca/62glH6?ref=ab_6h3Ah7nUtgo6h3Ah7nUtgo] to spark a real conversation. About Our Guest Janet Tryhuba is the Executive Director of the Edmonton Down Syndrome Society. Janet is an accomplished executive with both Fund Development and Communications professional with over 30 years of experience in the charitable sector. She is a strategic leader who is recognized for her creativity, strong work ethic and passion about connecting people to their causes by building successful relationships.  What is Give Amplify Connect? There’s a story behind every action. Give Amplify Connect  [https://giveamplifyconnect.buzzsprout.com/]is a podcast from the Wolfe Pack Warriors Foundation that gives a voice to the Alberta-based charitable organizations creating community impact, changing lives, and making a difference. Driven by honest conversations with host Kristy Wolfe, it’s a chance for passionate changemakers to share their story.  Learn more at wolfepackwarriors.com [http://www.wolfepackwarriors.com] Podcast music used with artist permission "Okay" by Ellen Braun  [https://ellenbraun.bandcamp.com/track/okay]

Essentials & Experiences: How EducationMatters Opens Doors for Calgary Students

We explore how EducationMatters helps Calgary students show up, engage, and graduate with momentum through three pillars: Essentials for Learning, Extraordinary Experiences, and Preparing for the Future. Executive Director Stephanie Washbrook shares stories of impact, from 2,000 backpacks to dual credit pathways and $1.1M in awards. • Essentials for Learning [https://www.educationmatters.ca/priority-areas/essentials-for-learning]: food, clothing, transit, and backpacks identified by schools • student well‑being: action teams, belonging projects, and suicide prevention training • Extraordinary Experiences [https://www.educationmatters.ca/priority-areas/extraordinary-experiences]: field trips, on‑site activities, and technology support • Preparing for the Future [https://www.educationmatters.ca/priority-areas/preparing-for-the-future]: Unique Pathways [https://cbe.ab.ca/programs/high-school/unique-pathways-and-off-campus-education/Pages/default.aspx] dual credit, and exploratory programs, and skills competitions like Skills Alberta [https://skillsalberta.com/regions/provincial/ ] • scholarships and bursaries: $1.1m distributed, including $100k awards • access and equity: removing cost and stigma barriers • community partners: matching supports to each school’s needs • how to help: donate, volunteer for awards, and spread awareness • related orgs: Brown Bagging for Calgary Kids [https://bb4ck.org/], Edmonton Public Schools Foundation [https://foundation.epsb.ca/] and Kids’ Literacy Collective [https://www.kidsliteracycollective.ca/] About Our Guest Stephanie Washbrook is an avid supporter of public education, the proud daughter of an award-winning Kindergarten teacher, and has four children in various stages of their Calgary Board of Education journeys. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Accountancy Studies from the University of Waterloo and multiple Not-for-Profit Certifications from CPA Canada. She started her career with Ernst & Young, working in the Toronto, Cayman Islands, New York FSO, and Calgary offices, gaining expertise in audit of financial services clients before moving to learning and development, resource management and recruiting. Stephanie gained significant not-for-profit industry experience through private consulting on strategic planning, operational efficiencies, governance, stakeholder engagement, and social enterprise feasibility studies. She joined EducationMatters as Executive Director in 2025, after having managed the Palix Foundation and Alberta Family Wellness Initiative.  [https://www.albertafamilywellness.org/] What is Give Amplify Connect? There’s a story behind every action. Give Amplify Connect  [https://giveamplifyconnect.buzzsprout.com/]is a podcast from the Wolfe Pack Warriors Foundation that gives a voice to the Alberta-based charitable organizations creating community impact, changing lives, and making a difference. Driven by honest conversations with host Kristy Wolfe, it’s a chance for passionate changemakers to share their story.  Learn more at wolfepackwarriors.com [http://www.wolfepackwarriors.com] Podcast music used with artist permission "Okay" by Ellen Braun  [https://ellenbraun.bandcamp.com/track/okay]

Ronald McDonald House Alberta: Keeping Families Close

We explore how Ronald McDonald House Alberta keeps families together during pediatric treatment, turning the hidden costs of travel, food, and fatigue into manageable routines. Renee shares her son’s cancer journey, while Suzanne explains the province-wide network and the recent Calgary expansion. • travel for specialized pediatric care across Alberta • hidden costs of “free” healthcare and lost income • Renee’s path from diagnosis to stem cell transplant • the role of meals, shuttles, and caregiver support • siblings’ memories shaped by crafts and community • expansion in Calgary from 27 to 91 suites • measuring impact with family health and savings • ways to give: monthly, round up, volunteer, tell stories • modelling kindness, community, and giving to kids About Our Guests Suzanne Pescod - Marketing and Communications Director at Ronald McDonald House Alberta. A fan of books, hot coffee, and laughter. My coolest role so far is Nova and Ronan’s mom! Renee Labriola - Registered Dental Hygienist, Assistant Clinical Professor at University of Alberta, mom of 2 including a brain cancer survivor. Amateur pastry chef and lover of butter. What is Give Amplify Connect? There’s a story behind every action. Give Amplify Connect  [https://giveamplifyconnect.buzzsprout.com/]is a podcast from the Wolfe Pack Warriors Foundation that gives a voice to the Alberta-based charitable organizations creating community impact, changing lives, and making a difference. Driven by honest conversations with host Kristy Wolfe, it’s a chance for passionate changemakers to share their story.  Learn more at wolfepackwarriors.com [http://www.wolfepackwarriors.com] Podcast music used with artist permission "Okay" by Ellen Braun  [https://ellenbraun.bandcamp.com/track/okay]

When Philanthropy Learns Together, Communities Win

What happens when a professional magician becomes a foundation leader and helps steer a national network of grantmakers? We sit down with Simon Mallett, Executive Director of the Rozsa Foundation and long-time board member at Philanthropic Foundations Canada (PFC) [https://pfc.ca/], to unpack how collaboration, research, and peer learning turn good intentions into real community impact. We explore how networks turn isolated funders into effective partners for equity and community impact. Simon Mallett shares his path from theater to philanthropy, how Philanthropic Foundations Canada strengthens Canadian foundations, and why board engagement, research, and arts leadership training matter. * PFC’s mission and three pillars: capacity, collaboration, policy and research * Value of affinity groups and the CEO retreat * JEDI accelerator as a driver of organizational change * Alberta presence and Western voice in national dialogue * Research agenda, compensation and investment surveys * National conference versus CEO retreat differences * Arts as a lever for mental health and social connection * Rozsa Foundation leadership training and who can join * Invitation for small foundations to connect and learn About Our Guest Simon Mallett is the Executive Director of the Rozsa Foundation [https://www.rozsafoundation.com/], a philanthropic, learning-focused organization that advances equitable leadership and management practices in the arts in Alberta through an integrated use of training, funding, and storytelling supports. He also serves as Past Chair of the Board of Philanthropic Foundations Canada, and spends time in his other valued roles as a theatre director, magician, baseball fan, husband, and father. What is Give Amplify Connect? There’s a story behind every action. Give Amplify Connect  [https://giveamplifyconnect.buzzsprout.com/]is a podcast from the Wolfe Pack Warriors Foundation that gives a voice to the Alberta-based charitable organizations creating community impact, changing lives, and making a difference. Driven by honest conversations with host Kristy Wolfe, it’s a chance for passionate changemakers to share their story.  Learn more at wolfepackwarriors.com [http://www.wolfepackwarriors.com] Podcast music used with artist permission "Okay" by Ellen Braun  [https://ellenbraun.bandcamp.com/track/okay]