Impact Newsletter – December 2024

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PREP’s Impact Newsletter

Welcome to a World of Impact and Inclusion!

As the year winds down, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible support and accomplishments of the past months. From the overwhelming success of Let’s Talk Hockey, to the launch of exciting initiatives like Adult Services and the growth of our classrooms, your unwavering belief in our mission has made it all possible. In this edition of the Impact Newsletter, we’re thrilled to share stories of progress, partnerships, and the amazing individuals who make PREP a place of empowerment and possibility for children and adults with Down syndrome. Thank you for being part of our journey!

YEAR END APPEAL

Year-End Appeal: Empowering Bright Futures with The PREP Society

As we approach the end of another remarkable year, we reflect on the joy, growth, and milestones achieved by the children, teens, and families we serve at The PREP Society. Every success, every breakthrough, and every smile is a testament to the power of community and the belief that every individual deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential.

For over three decades, PREP has been dedicated to empowering children and teens with Down syndrome to thrive at home, at school, and in their communities. Through our specialized programs, from Early Learning to Teen Years, and our vital therapeutic services, we provide the tools and support families need to overcome challenges and celebrate achievements.

But we cannot do this alone. PREP’s work relies on the generosity of donors like you. Your support helps us:

  • Deliver life-changing programs and services tailored to the unique needs of our students.
  • Foster inclusion and independence through innovative initiatives like Teens on the Go.
  • Empower families with resources, strategies, and hope for a brighter future.

This Giving Season, we invite you to join us in building a world where every child has the chance to shine. Your donation directly impacts the lives of children with Down syndrome, giving them the tools they need to thrive and empowering families to celebrate their strengths.

Make your gift today and help us continue to change lives in 2024 and beyond. Together, we can empower brighter futures—one family at a time.

Visit prepsociety.ca/donate to give the gift of opportunity this year-end.

Thank you for being part of our PREP family and for believing in the potential of every child. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a hopeful new year.

With gratitude,
The PREP Society Team

STORIES OF SUCCESS & INCLUSION

Alumni Spotlight: David’s Journey with PREP and Beyond

This quarter, we’re thrilled to spotlight David, a dedicated PREP alumnus whose journey began at just 13 months old. David’s story is one of growth, resilience, and giving back—qualities that reflect the essence of PREP’s mission. In a recent interview, David shared insights about his experience at PREP, his favorite memories, and the skills he continues to use today.
David joined PREP as a toddler, starting in a small group where he focused on listening and speech therapy. His earliest memories include the friendships he made, the supportive staff, and, of course, special experiences like meeting Kelly Hrudey, who was then a goalie for the San Jose Sharks. “The friends I met, the staff who helped me, and all the fun we had together,” David recalled, are among his favorite memories.

As he grew, PREP’s programs helped him build foundational skills in speech and fine motor coordination, ensuring he was ready for school. The public speaking experience he gained at PREP became a lifelong skill. To this day, David says, he continues to speak with confidence—a testament to the foundation PREP provided.

After his time at PREP, David went on to attend Mount Royal University’s Inclusive Post-Secondary Program in Broadcasting. He describes the program as “awesome and educational,” though he ultimately chose a different career path. Driven by a spirit of community service, David has found meaningful ways to give back, volunteering regularly at a senior center, the Salvation Army, Ronald McDonald House, and with PREP. His motivation to volunteer with us? “I wanted to keep giving back to PREP as a graduate of the program,” he explained.

Outside of volunteering, David stays busy with a wide range of activities. He participates in weekly hip-hop classes, works at the Winter Club, and is enrolled in MRU’s Employment Prep Certificate Program. As an athlete, he proudly represents Calgary in the Canada Special Olympics Summer Games and was recently selected for the Law Enforcement Torch Relay leading up to the Canadian Winter Special Olympics. Through rain, snow, and even four polar plunges, David completed this journey with 16 speeches and countless memories. He even lit the cauldron for the Opening Ceremonies—a moment he describes as unforgettable.

David’s hard work was recently recognized with the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, presented to him by Prince Edward. For him, this was a true highlight, symbolizing years of dedication and determination.

Looking to the future, David aims to continue his work at the Winter Club, pursue athletic achievements in track at the Canada Summer Games, and explore new volunteer opportunities. His advice for current PREP students? “Get involved and don’t be afraid to try new things! You are so lucky to have PREP to set you up for success!”

Reflecting on his nearly 18 years at PREP, David expressed immense gratitude for the skills and confidence he gained, which he carries with him every day. PREP has been a cornerstone in his life, helping him become the motivated, accomplished individual he is today. We are so proud of David and honored to have him as part of the PREP family!

DONOR HIGHLIGHT

Stronger Together: Worley Invests in Inclusive Futures at PREP

We are thrilled to announce a transformative partnership with Worley, who has committed to supporting PREP’s Teen Program for the next three years! This incredible initiative, titled We Are Stronger Together: Investing in Inclusive Futures for Teens with Down Syndrome, highlights the shared mission of fostering empowerment, education, and inclusion.

As part of their commitment, Worley will provide a financial contribution of $8,000 annually to bolster our program’s resources. But their support doesn’t stop there! Worley’s team is also dedicating volunteer hours to deliver hands-on workshops that inspire our teens and expand their horizons.

So far, the collaboration has brought two engaging workshops to life. The first explored the science of solids, liquids, and gases, using music and movement to demonstrate how particles behave in different states—it was as educational as it was fun! The second workshop challenged our teens to design and build bridges, testing how much weight their creations could hold. These sessions not only enriched their learning but also encouraged creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving.

This partnership embodies the power of collaboration in creating opportunities for teens with Down syndrome to thrive. We are immensely grateful to Worley for their generosity and shared vision of an inclusive future. Together, we are building bridges—both literal and figurative—that will carry our teens toward success and independence.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates from this partnership as we continue to empower the next generation!

 

RECENT EVENT

Let’s Talk Hockey Scores Big for PREP!

The Saddledome was alive with excitement on November 13th as PREP supporters, hockey fans, and community champions came together for our annual Let’s Talk Hockey fundraiser. The event was an incredible success, raising over $113,000 to support children with Down syndrome and their families. Guests were treated to an unforgettable evening featuring special guests Jonathan Huberdeau, Ryan Lomberg, Dustin Wolf, and Calgary Flames General Manager Craig Conroy, who brought his passion for the game and heartfelt support for PREP to the stage.
From sold-out pucks and hockey cards to the palpable energy in the room, the night was filled with fun, camaraderie, and a shared commitment to making a difference. Guests raved about the atmosphere, and the overwhelming generosity of attendees, sponsors, donors, and volunteers made the night truly extraordinary.
Thanks to this support, we can continue to provide crucial educational and therapeutic programs for children with Down syndrome, empowering them to reach their fullest potential. We are immensely grateful to everyone who contributed to the success of Let’s Talk Hockey. Together, we’ve scored a huge win for PREP and its students!

TOGETHER WE EMPOWER

We’re so proud to share Together We Empower, a breathtaking art piece created by 96 talented PREP students with Down syndrome. Each unique square reflects their creativity, individuality, and collaboration, coming together to form something truly remarkable. Just like a puzzle, every piece is essential, representing how our differences unite us and make us stronger.

This artwork, featuring the meaningful chevron symbol of “The Lucky Few Tattoo,” embodies strength, movement, and progress. The three arrows signify the three sets of chromosomes in individuals with Down syndrome, and their upward shape celebrates rising together toward endless possibilities.

Currently displayed at PREP, the original piece stands as a symbol of empowerment and inclusion. Two copies were auctioned at Let’s Talk Hockey, and the winning bidders (the Salazar family and the Steenbergen family) will be recognized with a special plaque at PREP. Stop by to see this beautiful reflection of our students’ incredible talents and join us in celebrating the spirit of unity and creativity! 💙✨

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EXPANDING SERVICES

PREP’s Adult Services Has Launched!
We are thrilled to announce that PREP has officially launched our new Adult Services program! On October 15th, we welcomed our first adult clients, kicking off a new chapter in PREP’s history as we extend our support beyond childhood. This new program provides essential services like reading instruction, speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and behavioral support, tailored specifically for adults with Down syndrome.
Our first sessions were a success! Brett, one of our new adult participants, dove right into his first reading session. He began with a fun “Getting to Know You” activity, matched new words with definitions, and read The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Brett even got to read and understand the lyrics of his favorite song, “I’ve Got a Feeling” by The Black Eyed Peas!
We are so proud to offer these services and help adults continue to grow their skills, independence, and self-confidence. The energy and excitement in the room was contagious, and we can’t wait to see how much our adult participants achieve in the coming months.
If you or someone you know could benefit from PREP’s Adult Services, reach out to us to learn more!

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