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Discover our Initiatives
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Housing
AiLA’s landmark goal is to build an intentional, supportive housing development for autistic adults in Edmonton, and we’re excited about a recent shift from discussion into possible build stage. We realize our dream for offering Edmonton’s autistic community safe, supportive and affordable housing won’t become a reality without funding. Please consider donating to our capital fund, by visiting our Crowdfunding site at give.crowdfunding.alberta.ca/AILA.
Resident Council
AiLA is now in the final phase of a two-year Resident Council development initiative. Eight participants have been learning the fundamentals of board governance, effective communications, conflict resolution, and more. When the doors open to our future housing development, the Resident Council will be ready to step into their advisory and tenant-support role, for the benefit of residents, council members and their community.
Social Enterprise
Started by the mom of one of our members, our small-batch homemade caramels – which we call CAREmels – have become a sought-after delicacy. We’re hoping to build this foodie venture into a commercial enterprise, to not only generate revenue but provide the autistic community with meaningful employment. Above all, it sustains AiLA’s mandate to help autistic adults achieve independence for the benefit of themselves, their families and their community.
Health, Wellness and Social
Our Health, Wellness and Social Committee knows the value of social gatherings for cultivating friendships, reducing isolation and simply having fun together while enjoying our beautiful city. They’ve organized meetups at many Edmonton festivals and venues, and a Movie Club was recently started. The committee is always ready to take up new and engaging activities for the benefit of AiLA members and Edmonton’s autistic community.
Training and Skills Development
We bring personal-development and life-skills training to our members and encourage them to attend webinars, learning forums and attend other organizations such as Toastmasters. We also develop our own training, and Resident Council participants say how it has built their self-confidence and communications skills. Future training ideas include financial training, nutritional workshop, business basics and media-based communications.