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An inclusive community where people with disabilities reach their individual potential and are recognized as valued citizens.
Between Friends provides quality social, recreation, and development opportunities so that people with disabilities can connect, grow, and belong.
The core values governing Between Friends are captured in the acronym FRIENDS and guide agency activities and decisions impacting all stakeholders:
Fun – We provide opportunities for smiles and laughter with friends
Respect – We respect all people and resources
Inclusion – We focus on abilities and build community
Equity – We provide support so that everyone can be successful
No Barriers – We adapt to the changing needs of our members and strive to diminish obstacles to participation
Diversity – We create a welcoming atmosphere for all
Skills – We encourage the growth and development of everyone involved with our organization.
Between Friends exists because everyone deserves access to social & recreation programs that enrich quality of life, but there are still many barriers to participation for people with disabilities.
We all deserve opportunities to connect, grow, and belong in a community.
At Between Friends, we promote social inclusion by reducing barriers to access and participation for people with disabilities. This includes providing the increased support required and tending to the various needs our members may have. Our programs are designed to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, can participate in every activity. Our members thrive in an environment where they feel safe and well supported. The experiences they gain, both in building relationships and participating in engaging activities, contribute positively to their mental health and decreased level of isolation.
Between Friends has been offering social and recreational programs in Calgary and the surrounding area for close to 40 years. Through our programs, we endeavour to benefit all people and increase the community’s awareness, positive attitudes, and sensitivity towards their fellow citizens with disabilities.
Between Friends was originally established in 1970, as the Pink Pelican Club, by a group of parents seeking social, recreational, and community-based activities for their teenagers with cerebral palsy. The Pink Pelican Club rapidly expanded as programs provided a bridge for community participation.
A safe and welcoming space is a shared community responsibility. We expect our members, parents, guardians, caregivers, and support persons to treat Between Friends staff and personnel with respect and dignity.
Behaviors that make anyone feel unwelcome or unsafe will not be tolerated and appropriate steps will be taken to address these behaviors. Between Friends reserves the right to remove anyone not contributing to a safe and welcoming environment from current and future programs and membership.
Thank you for helping us create a community that is inclusive, respectful, safe, and kind.
