CUPS celebrates Expanding Impact
We are expanding the impact we can provide to thousands of Calgarians and it’s because of support from community, individuals, corporations and government.
Officially opening at the end of April, the newly renovated 18,000+ square foot space on 10th Avenue is designed with integrated care at the forefront and with clients as the top priority.
“This project has been led with staff input from day one,” CUPS Executive Director, Carlene Donnelly, explains. “It is our people on the ground at CUPS who interact with our clients daily and they highlighted some of the specific needs and opportunities to make our space more welcoming, supportive and seamless when it comes to navigating through the care system.”
Remodeled to build trust
With the goal of encouraging the courageous individuals and families who walk through our doors to feel welcome, seen, and to know that we are happy they are here, our staff-led redesign will help to increase access to medical and mental healthcare.
The entrance to CUPS has been remodeled to become a warmer, more welcoming entry point for clients. There is a comfortable waiting room, stroller parking and a welcome to CUPS desk with someone waiting there to greet them as soon as they walk through our doors.
We are ensuring clients receive timely support in a truly integrated way. Rapid Care Counselling, Community Connect YYC and other service options will be easily accessible when a client arrives looking for support.
We have also added five more primary care clinic spaces, as well as a ceremony room and an additional five rooms for mental health support. Mental Health Services now has group counselling space available and we have given the Family Development Centre space a fresh new look with our youngest community members in mind. Our family programs are also together now on one floor.
Thank you to all involved
This $2.6 million capital project would not have been possible if it weren’t for the generous support of the individuals, companies, organizations and government support we received, and we would like to extend our deep and meaningful gratitude to everyone involved.
We would like to especially thank Willow Park Golf & Country Club for choosing us as their 2022 Charity Recipient of their Willow Park Charity Golf Classic with its incredible launch to our fundraising efforts and the incredible donation that came from that event.
We would also like to thank the capital project group: Chandos Construction, SAHURI + Partners Architecture Inc., Altus Group and the entire Capital Project Working Group led by Dale Berstad, CUPS Board Director.
Finally, we wouldn’t have been able to do this without the Province of Alberta's incredible contribution of $400,000 to help complete our campaign.
“This is the best-case scenario of community coming together,” Donnelly says. “Our community has led the focus on preventative mental health and the government has stepped forward to match the support. We are walking together; finding solutions together.”
With this support, we can continue to change the trajectory of so many people’s lives and that of their children, and of the future generations to come.