About SPAN

History

1964	The St.Paul Abilities Network was founded by parents and volunteers wanting education and support for persons with disabilities.
1965	The agency was formerly organized and became a society made up of a cross section of families and the community. The agency experienced several name changes over the years, in keeping with positive direction of services to person with disabilities.
1968	New Hope School was constructed to offer education and training within the students' community. Curriculum was designed to meet the special needs of enrollment.
1971	The St.Paul School District #2228 took over operating and administration of New Hope School in January.
1972	A residence was built. Initially the residence was an eight bed facility for children with disabilities. Care and services were provided by hired house parents. Over the years this facility has been home for many children with disabilities and experienced many changes to fit service needs of the residents and appearance of the home. The home is referred to as the "Children's Residence".
1974	Vocational training and day activitieswas explored for New Hope graduates and other adults challenged with a mental disability. With the use of a parent's garage, the idea became reality. Industrial arts and handicrafts were taught by volunteers and family members. With their new skills and experiences, it became obvious a larger facility and staffing would be required to accommodate the growing enrollment and production accomplished by the program. A new home was sought for the program, and was found in St.Jean's Transport building as a shared facility with the school buses. The demand for training activities was steadily increasing. Again, the search went on for a better facility, but this time the agency and families were committed to making it a permanent location.
1975	10th ANNIVERSARY OF THE AGENCY. Research was put into purchasing land and the agency having their own Vocational Workshop built. This was made possible through a match grant. Committed staff, families and volunteers used very innovative fund raising ideas. i.e: Ticket raffles, purchase a brick etc. With the timeline swiftly approaching and matched funds not secured, a financial assistance plea went out to community members. Ten people came forward and signed personal loan guarantees to cover the shortfall. Another financial break came by means of the property being sold at a significantly lower price. The building was constructed in the industrial section of St.Paul and formally named, "Habitat Enterprises Unlimited". The programs included: laundry, woodworking, housekeeping, groundskeeping, wedding flower construction, various crafts and the resale of donated clothing and household items.
1976	The resale of clothing and household items component of the program was not doing well in the new location (upstairs at Habitat). It was decided that this component of the program should be separate and in a location convenient to customers. A store front on main street, in the downtown section of St.Paul was rented and the facility was named the "Next to New Store".
1980	An adult residence was built, in December. "Residence II", provided a semi-independent opportunity for 6 adults in a staffed facility. Individuals are taught homeliving skills necessary for independent living. This residence is a transitional step to more independent community living. -A van was purchased and the operation of the "Action Bus" commenced, providing transportation services to individuals requiring special/modified transportation. Accessible transportation for persons with a disability and seniors in the community has been maintained by the agency for many years.
1981	INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF DISABILITIES The "Recreation Program" was established to provide support, coaching and planning for both children and adults challenged with a mental disability in relation to the recreational and leisure needs of their chosen lifestyle. -"Next to New Store" was formally established and funded as an individual program. This program helped individuals enhance their social skills while working with customers in the store. Developing job related skills in the store was a stepping stone to competitive employment. Participants of this program also worked on projects such as; quilts, woven rugs, pot holders and some knitting. -An "Independent Living Skills Program" was established to provide support services to persons with disabilities, living semi-independent to independently in the community. The supports offered a variety of levels of assistance to further facilitate homeliving, social and community awareness.
1982	"Residence III" was built in May. This adult residence was designed to provide long term support to 6 individuals with multiple disabilities (developmental & physical ). With the home being wheelchair accessible it provides individuals with the support they require to live in their community as independently as possible.
1984	An "Apartment Living Program" was established to provide a link between supported residential services and independent living. The individuals maintain their own apartments with the support of the program worker.
1985	20th ANNIVERSARY OF THE AGENCY. In May a mental health residential facility and support services was established. "White Oaks Mental Health Residential Program" was designed to accommodate 6 people with mental illness and support them in their transition back into community living.
1986	In September the "Developmental Activity Center" was established as a Day Program alternative for 7 individuals. This program was designed to provide Developmental & Social Isolation prevention supports. -The "Job Opportunities Program" was established to provide employment training and support, community work experience, job coaching and job placement for adults with disabilities working towards competitive employment.
1988	A day program for seniors with mental disabilities was established to give them an opportunity to enjoy leisure, arts & crafts and recreation as other semi- retired or retired seniors of the community. The program was discontinued and revived several times over the years due to contract funding difficulties. As of 1991, support services are provided through Individualized Funding.
1990	Residence #5 was purchased by the agency to provide a permanent home for 3 adults accessing long term residential support services. The individuals share this home as a rental unit.
1995	30th ANNIVERSARY OF THE AGENCY. - The Agency purchased a large commercial building to be the new facility for Vocational training and revenue based programs. The new facility also sub-leases space to a non-associated business and their employees.
1996	Residence #7 was purchased by the agency for 3 adults requesting long term residential support services. - The Agency participated in a community partnership project with 4 other service providers in the community. Funding through the Commission for Services to Children enabled the agency to expand and deliver Family Support Services. - The Agency was successful in obtaining funding through the Lakeland Regional Health Authority to deliver Early Intervention Services to young children with disabilities. These 2 programs bridged the gap in community services to persons with disabilities and their families. The St.Paul Abilities Network now proudly offers support services to all ages.
1997	The Agency purchased 2 homes, Residence #6 and Residence #8. These homes offer a 24 hour support model where required to meet the needs of the individuals.
1998	Another home was purchased this year (residence #9). This home was to deliver services to adolescents that live with F.A.S./F.A.E. The resource / Toy Lending Library, at the Main Office, was opened to all stakeholders.
1999	The Residence #9 program was turned into an Individual Supports Program. The "Softroom" was developed at the Main Office and opened it's doors to all persons with disabilities.
2000	St. Paul Abilities Network was awarded a 3 year Accreditation Status by the Commission of Alberta Association of Rehabilitation Centres.
2001	St. Paul Abilities Network opened 3 new residences this year. Residence #10 in January, Residence #11 in February ane Residence #12 in September.
2002	St. Paul Abilities Network opened Residence #13 in June. In addition a Dry Cleaners was added, a sales and Marketing Manager was hired and a full time Psychologist came on staff to head up the Diversion and Early Intervention Program.
2003	Moved the senioirs program out into a community centre with a drop in component to foster integration with other seniors. A building committee was struck to determine the space needs of a growing organization.
2004	St. Paul Abilities Network was awarded a 3 year renewal of their Accreditation Status by the Commission of Alberta Association of Rehabilitation Centres.
2005	In-Home In-Family Program Started. Children's Services Accreditation process started