Our History

In 1985 a needs assessment survey was conducted by Alberta Family & Social Services to determine the possible support needs of individuals with disabilities within the Whitecourt District office area (Whitecourt, Mayerthorpe, Fox Creek, and Blue Ridge). As a result of that Needs Survey, the focus of a need appeared to be in the area of Community Employment support for persons with disabilities. Three years later the department of Family & Social Services - Services for Persons with Disabilities branch entered into a contract with Blue Heron Enterprises (out of Barrhead, Alberta) to set up a Vocational Rehabilitation Service (Supported Employment Outreach) in the Whitecourt Community & area.

Thus, in 1988 the Vocational Outreach program was established, with fourteen individuals as potential clients; one staff was recruited to develop this service. The service provided experienced successful employment for many (50%) of the individuals who accessed sument support, Residential support, Transitional Support (for school-aged students), Outreach Consultation for families/individuals with a disability. As a rehabilitation support agency our growth is attributed to our response to the individuals and their families who come to us with identified areas of need.

In 1996 the idea was brought forth that the Whitecourt Agency of Blue Heron might pursue the development of our agency as an independent organization. A decision was made that we should explore the possibility and find out all we'd need in order to begin the separation. In 1997 a plan was approved and implemented to set the change in motion.

July 1st, 1998 - Blue Heron Support Services Association - Whitecourt Agency became the Empowering Citizens for Health and Opportunity Society, serving the communities of Whitecourt, Mayerthorpe, Blue Ridge, Fox Creek, and surrounding areas.

Successes and Challenges

Successes

• 1989 - Established the Advocacy Group called New Visions and partnered with them in raising awareness regarding the minimized access to local Business, through the Mayors Ride Campaign. Mayor Kriener certainly found out how "inaccessible" Whitecourt was for citizens who live life in a wheelchair.

• 1990 - Many of those individuals whose goal it was to find employment have been successful and over half of them are working contributing members of our community and no longer receive support. Some have moved on to different communities and a few are still supported by our agency.

• 1991 - Federal Funding Grant accessed which enabled us to be more holistic focus regarding service - resulting in some residential options and community integrated activities as well as development of supports for persons with brain injury and children's services. First 24 hour support home in Mayerthorpe.

• 1998 - Whitecourt Community Takes Ownership - with the development of our own community governance structure, incorporation as a non-profit, charitable organization.

• 1999 - Development of Residential Living services - 24 hour support models in the homes of citizens requesting such services. Commencement of Basic Skills/Foundations Training in Disability Services.

• 2000 - Second 24 hour support model is developed.

• 2001 & 2002 - Bursary's given out for Student's in Disability Studies.

• 2003 - Opening of the Snoezelen Room.

• 2004 - Purchasing our first Residential Property in order to provide staff/client's with affordable housing.

• 2007 - In response to the housing needs of our clients we purchased our second and third residential Property.

Challenges

• 2000 - Loosing the Residential Living/Building Foundation Fund.

• Lack of Resources to respond to local needs - particularly locally trained individuals. Then bringing in bursary's and training (we've trained over 30 people in disability services (ie: Foundations a 6 credit equivalent equivalent to the diploma.)