About CUPS
Supporting vulnerable Calgarians for over 35 years
Navigate complexities. Create change. Together.
This is our purpose at CUPS.
Navigate complexities.
At CUPS, we navigate complexities every day – supporting clients who have complex needs, navigating the various pathways and referrals needed to access services, or advancing our work at a system level. Our clients are working to navigate complex systems of care, and CUPS is there to support them in this journey. This might mean helping someone navigate access to the healthcare system, connecting a family with essential services to maintain their housing, or supporting an individual to achieve their goal of full-time employment. Navigating complexities is the backbone of our work.
Create change.
The goal of everything we do at CUPS is to create positive change. Whether we are working with an individual client, a partner, funder or community stakeholder, we strive to uplift, lead and empower to create change. Change starts with the individual at a service level, and continues to the system level through advocating for increased information sharing across sectors. Every action we take is grounded in the intention to drive meaningful change and build a stronger community.
Together.
Nothing at CUPS happens in isolation. We build intentional relationships and work collaboratively with our participants, partners, staff, community members and supporters. We know that our impact is greater when we work together, which is why collaboration is a cornerstone of our approach. It provides diverse perspectives and experiences that strengthen everything we do. We are better together.
Our values
More than just words on paper, our values are at the core of who we are at CUPS. They guide how we show up for our clients and for each other every day. This solid foundation supports dynamic, effective teams, creates a safe and welcoming environment for clients, and builds lasting trust with the community, funders and donors.
Dignity
We honour humanity and autonomy. We acknowledge, value and respect peoples’ experiences, journey, and voices. We commit to creating safe spaces, for clients, staff, partners and our community.
Accountability
We own our actions, relationships and commitments. How we show up matters. We will continue to build trusting relationships by continuing to be open minded, consistent and commit to creating a more equitable future.
Collaboration
Together we thrive. We are stronger when we work together towards a shared goal. Our collaborative culture is a core aspect of all our strategies and initiatives.
Continuous learning
We grow through open minds and transformative spirits. We listen to those who access our services, connect with supporters, collaborate with teams and sector partners to better understand our impact.
Our approach
The challenges people in our community face are complex and interconnected – just like the solutions needed to address them. As an approach to service delivery, Integrated Care means that clients accessing services at CUPS receive trauma-informed, holistic, and low-barrier access to support. Our intentional, evidence-based programs and services recognize the whole person and focus on both prevention and intervention. Together, we navigate complex systems of care, break down barriers, build better systems, and strengthen communities.
Making a difference
for Calgarians
5,055
individuals
received care in CUPS’ Health Clinic last year.
2,917
hours
spent supporting clients through the Welcome to CUPS team.
688
parents, kids, & family members
felt the positive impact of CUPS’ FCDC supports.
Honouring Truth and Reconciliation
In the Spirit of the Truth, we acknowledge and recognize past and ongoing injustices. CUPS is committed to Reconciliation and healing with Indigenous Peoples as we value accountability, dignity, collaboration, and continuous learning.
We humbly learn from Indigenous ways of knowing and being and commit to action on our journey of Truth and Reconciliation. We strive to provide services that are culturally safe, coordinated, and effective, understanding that this is an ongoing journey of learning, listening, and growing. We work alongside our Indigenous peers and partners, valuing their knowledge and collaborating to deepen our understanding and practices.
Our people
CUPS is powered by passionate changemakers who are committed to making a difference. Their dedication, expertise, and compassion drive meaningful change every day by ensuring that every individual and family we serve has the support they need to thrive. We are a growing community of over 140 CUPians working across a wide range of roles, including nursing, social work, human resources, finance, child development, and many others. Together, we are united in our commitment to empower the clients that come through our doors and make a lasting change in our community.
Senior leadership
Elaine Wilson
President & CEO
Kimberley Tateson
Vice President, Operations
Liz Frazer-Fast
Vice President, Culture & Strategy
Jeannette Lozancic
Vice President, Finance & Infrastructure
Board of Directors
Jerrad Blanchard
Chair
Vitreo Minerals
Shaina Morihira
Treasurer
Freehold Royalties Ltd.
Mike Saliken
Director
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Julie D’Avignon
Director
Stikeman Elliott LLP Barristers & Solicitors
Karen Robinson
Director
Dr. Dan O’Connor
Director
Family Medicine Physician
Patricia Blocksom
Director
Dunphy Best Blocksom
Nathan Thornton
Director
CIBC Wood Gundy
Rob Litzenberger
Director
FortisAlberta
Dale Berstad
Director
Tasha Brown
Director
RBC Canada
Ian Young
Director
Sheena Owens
Director
Nova Chemicals
Dustin Kolb
Director
Spencer Stuart
“All my life I’ve been searching for help and I never got it. As soon as I got to CUPS, I found the right path. It’s ongoing – my grief and my healing, but I’m a lot better than I was a year ago. CUPS helped me get back to being myself.”
CUPS Client
Our Strategic Plan
Our Strategic Plan is guided by our statement of purpose: Navigate Complexities. Create Change. Together. At CUPS, we believe real change happens when we move forward with intention, purpose, and a clear ambition. Our five-year strategic plan is more than an innovative roadmap, it’s a commitment to deepening our impact, collaborating with our community partners and ensuring those we support have the resources, opportunities, and support to empower lasting change.
Donate
Donate to CUPS Calgary, and support thousands of Calgarians each year in connecting to an integrated network of care with fewer barriers.
Get involved
Join us in creating lasting change. Whether through volunteering, donating, or partnering, your support helps build a stronger, more equitable community.
Book a tour
See our Impact in Action! Join us for a tour, meet our team, hear impactful stories, and find your place in our community.