Universal Rehabilitation Service Agency (URSA)

Serving People of All Abilities

808 Manning Road NE, Calgary AB · PH: 1.403.272.7722

Newsletter Sign-Up

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
  • Brain Injury Services
    • Easy Street
    • Brain Injury Services Day Program
    • Supports for Community Living Services
  • Developmental Disability Services
    • Airdrie Day Program
    • Residential Services
    • Wholistic Day Programs
  • Specialized Services
    • Indigenous Services
    • Children’s Services
    • Assessment and Customized Programs
  • About URSA
    • About
    • Volunteer
    • Career Opportunities
    • Our Services
    • Your Donation
    • FAQ
  • News & Events
  • URSA Retreat Centre
  • Join Our Team
  • Donate

News & Events

Registration is OPEN for URSA’s Annual “Balls for Brains” Golf Tournament!

April 2, 2025

We are excited to announce that “Balls for Brains Golf Tournament” is back for a 3rd year!!

In support of June being Brain Injury Awareness Month, join us on Tuesday, June 24th from 7:30am until 4:00pm at Fox Hollow Golf Course for the 3rd annual Balls for Brains Golf Tournament Fundraiser!

We are planning for a fun day of golf while raising awareness and funds for URSA programs and services like the Brain Art program.

If you love to GOLF or love having FUN, then REGISTER NOW using the form attached or link below!

URSA’s Balls for Brains Registration 2025

Also, please feel free to share this Registration Invite to your friends, family, and contacts as we hope to see as many teams out as possible at the 3rd annual Balls for Brains Golf Tournament Fundraiser!


We are hosting YogAbilities Classes in Airdrie!

December 3, 2024

Discover the joy of movement and connection with YogAbilities! This 6-week adaptive yoga class welcomes individuals of all ages and abilities, including children and adults with special needs. Join us on Tuesdays from 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM, starting November 26th, with a FREE trial class. Experience yoga tailored to meet everyone’s unique needs, fostering relaxation, strength, and inclusivity. For more details, contact Mary-Beth at Marybeth.Finney@ursa-rehab.com.Click Here to View the full version

A Christmas Letter from Us

November 21, 2024

Dear URSA Families and Supporters,

This holiday season, we invite you to help bring warmth and joy to individuals in our care. Many individuals at URSA are facing the challenges that come with aging, while also seeing their families grow older. Some rely on public guardians—relationships that are important but may not always provide the personal touches that make the holidays feel special. At URSA, we believe everyone deserves to feel remembered and valued during the holiday season.

Our goal is simple yet profound: to ensure that each individual in our care experiences the warmth and comfort of the holidays.

To show you why your support matters, let us tell you about Noah. When Noah first joined URSA, he was confined to a bed and in constant pain and discomfort. With no access to proper mobility equipment or the dental care he desperately needed. With the intervention of hospital staff and social workers, Noah was connected to URSA. We were able to step in to ensure he received the care he needed — addressing his dental health, providing a suitable wheelchair, and giving him a new sense of possibility. Today, Noah enjoys warm, nourishing meals, has reconnected with his family, and is able to take part in community activities that bring him joy.

Noah’s story is just one example of the difference your support can make. Your
donations help us provide essential care, comfort, and opportunities for
individuals like Noah to lead fulfilling lives.

These moments are why we do what we do. The holidays give us a special opportunity to make these moments even more meaningful for individuals like Noah.

Your generosity can help create holiday magic in meaningful ways:

  • $50 helps provide comforting winter essentials, like cozy blankets or warm clothing.
  • $100 gives an individual a personalized gift that brings them joy on Christmas morning.
  • $250 supports a festive holiday meal shared with friends and caregivers.
  • $500 funds community activities, equipment, or decorations to brighten

To make a difference this holiday season, please consider donating through our website at https://ursa-rehab.com/about/donate/. You can also support URSA by purchasing gift cards through our Fundscrip program Click Here to order now. Buying gift cards through Fundscrip is a simple way to support URSA while purchasing gifts for your loved ones. Every shared meal, every moment of connection this holiday season is made possible by people like you. Let’s make this holiday season one of warmth and care for those in our community.

Best wishes for a safe and caring Holiday Season,

Pam McGladdery, Chief Executive Officer, URSA

Click Here to View the full version


Registration is OPEN for URSA’s Annual “Balls for Brains” Golf Tournament!

 

Join us for  URSA’s Annual Balls for Brains Golf Tournament Fundraiser on Tuesday, June 18th from 7:30am until 4:00pm at Fox Hollow Golf Course!

In support of Brain Injury Awareness Month in June, we are hoping to have a fun day while raising money for the organization’s programs and services.        We would love to have you attend!

You can register as an individual golfer or a team of 4 to play. There will be a complimentary light breakfast before the Texas Scramble Shotgun start at 8:30am with challenge holes along the way. Finish the day with a burger bar buffet, prizes, and a silent auction at the Fox Hollow Clubhouse.

Sign up your team at Balls for Brains Registration

If you would like to sponsor a hole or donate a silent auction item, please contact us at 403 272 7722 ext 205 for more information as we are also looking for support in that area.

We look forward to having you there in support of URSA and the individuals we serve!

URSA’s Balls for Brains Registration 2024

URSA Playground Officially Open

September 16th, 2022

Cub House Media Advisory – September 16, 2022 – updated Nov 25, 2022

Archived News & Events

Message from Pam McGladdery, CEO

Video for Individuals

Video for Staff

COVID-19 Response Update March 23

First, I would like to take a moment to say THANK YOU. Thank you to our families for supporting us during this challenging time and by practicing social distancing even though this must be a very difficult thing to do right now. Thank you to our funders and community supporters for adapting and evolving to meet our needs. And most of all – THANK YOU TO OUR BIGGEST HEROS – OUR URSA STAFF. 

During this emergency, we have seen so many of our people rise to this challenge, embrace leadership roles, adapt quickly to consider the needs of our most vulnerable individuals FIRST, and truly – step up to greatness. I know URSA will be stronger after this experience, and we will all be forever changed. 

The response to COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving situation and as service providers we are doing everything possible to prepare ourselves for the coming weeks. We know it will not be easy, and like many people in our community, in our sector – I am concerned. This concern is not a bad thing, because it means we have already taken action by implementing as many measures as possible to ensure our most vulnerable individuals are protected. The best we can hope for is that these measures and continued action are enough; That everything we are collectively doing as a community will be enough to save lives. 

With that said, we truly do not know what to expect. We anticipate our needs, particularly for extra supplies, additional staffing and personal protective equipment will increase in the days and weeks ahead. We recognize that our government is taking steps to help us be prepared and respond quickly to changing circumstances. I have also been actively connecting with other agencies in our sector to address the needs. URSA is committed to working together with our staff and community partners to ensure our individuals, and other vulnerable individuals in Calgary are safe and well cared for. 

We know it is a lot to take in, but we will continue to do all we can. We also recognize the significant adjustment for everyone by reducing social contact. We know this can have a mental health impact, possibly even in ways that we don’t truly know yet. We encourage everyone to take care of yourselves and those in your home. Please trust that we are doing all we can to care for our individuals. We encourage everyone to find new ways to connect creatively – and know that you are helping us and the community by staying well, taking care of yourself, and actively practicing social distancing. 

If you are able to support URSA is any way during this emergency, please visit www.ursa-rehab.com to make a donation, knowing that it will be directed to the area of greatest need. 

 

Sincerely,  

Pam McGladdery   

CEO  

Pam.mcgladdery@ursa-rehab.com  

 

Covid 19- URSA Response

https://ursa-rehab.com/news-events/covid-19-update/

Pam McGladdery, Executive Director and Brian Kaeto, Brain Injury Survivor @ Global News Calgary

On June 11, 2019, URSA’s Executive Director, Pam McGladdery together with Brian Kaeto, brain injury survivor, were on the morning show at Global News Calgary to promote the upcoming fundraising event, Brain Art 2019.

You may watch the video here: https://globalnews.ca/video/5377153/brain-art-fundraiser

BRAIN ART 2019
Silent Scars; Voiced Through Art

ART & PHOTO SHOW
Festival Hall
1215 10 Avenue SE
Thursday, June 13, 2019
6PM – 9PM

Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ursa-brain-art-2019

2019 Brain Art is almost here!

SAVE THE DATE!

ART & PHOTO SHOW
Festival Hall
1215 10 Avenue SE
Thursday, June 13, 2019
6PM – 9PM
(Cocktails & Appetizers served at event)

This year’s theme is: “Silent Scars; Voiced Though Art”

Clients arts and photos will be for sale at the event.

Brain Art is an initiative started by brain injury survivors in 2014. The purpose is to use art and photography as a way of creating awareness of what it means to live with a brain injury.
The goal is to fundraise money to support URSA’s programs and initiatives.

This is an open event. Please invite your friends and colleagues to support URSA.

TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ursa-brain-art-2019

Click image for the event flyer

Rehab on the Mountain celebrates its 10 Years of making a difference!

On April 24-26, 2019, Rehab On The Mountain will be attending their 10th Annual Ski Trip in partnership with Rocky Mountain Adaptive, Dave Irwin Foundation and Sunshine Village. To make this year extra special, some of the original individuals and volunteers from the first ski trip will be attending! Staff have prepared special celebrations for this trip including a photo album commemorating all 10 years of the program, a 6-foot banner for all participants to sign and a special Thank You gift to Rocky Mountain Adaptive and Sunshine Village for their 10 years of support. Every year this trip is the most anticipated by the individuals as many of them never thought they would be vacationing and skiing in the Rocky Mountains after their injuries and yet URSA makes this happen year after year!

Congratulations to the Rehab On The Mountain program for 10 years of making a difference in the lives of our individuals and here’s to 10 more!

 
Photos from the 2018 Ski Trip

    

URSA’s “Cub House” Now Open!

 “The Cub House” – URSA’s New Home for Medically Fragile Children is now open.

On Sunday, December 2, 2018, the first “Cub” moved-in.

Thrifty Steals Backpack Drive for URSA

URSA is pairing up with Thrifty Steals, an online business owned by two moms, Jenn & Amanda who are on a mission to bring you quality products at a low price.  For the month of November, if you donate $20 (or more!), Thrifty Steals will use the donation to fill a backpack with necessities like packaged foods, toiletries, clean clothes and more.

Click here to Donate

CLIENT SUCCESS STORIES

Jeanine

Jeanine is a brain injury survivor who acquired her brain injury in a horrific motor vehicle accident more than 20 years ago. Jeanine was in a coma as a result of the accident and spent several months recovering in hospital. Jeanine’s accident left her with a brain injury that is characterized by memory challenges and higher order cognitive impairments. She lives independently and has services from URSA to maintain her independence.

Walter

Walter is a 52 year old male who suffered a stroke just two years ago.  He was told by the medical team who was caring for him at Foothills Medical Centre that he would be bedridden. He and his family were devastated by the news and were preparing to purchase a hospital bed where he would most likely spend the rest of his life. Walter refused the idea and wanted to live a better life. With determination, Walter was able to independently get in and out of bed which meant no hospital bed required upon discharge. With the same determined attitude, Walter improved physically through intensive physiotherapy. Walter’s brain injury left him with left sided body weakness and cognitive challenges. Since joining the URSA program, he continued to work towards his goal of gaining more mobility as well as gaining back his independence.

The Cub House – URSA’s New Home for Medically Fragile Children to open in November!

We are excited to announce the opening of “The Cub House” – URSA’s New Home for Medically Fragile Children.

URSA means “Bear” in astrology. This home is for medically fragile children so our Cub House name is so fitting for these little ones.
The home will officially open on November 2018.

   

Thank you for supporting Brain Art 2018!

Brain Art 2018

Presented by NAVIGATE  Financial Group Ltd.

This year URSA hosted Brain Art, our annual fundraiser, on June 8th, at Festival Hall, in Inglewood. The purpose of the event is to use art and photography as a way of creating awareness of what it means to live with a brain injury and raise funds for URSA. Our clients were able to showcase their artistic abilities, instead of focusing on their disability. This year we raised over $20,000 for URSA’s programs and initiatives, including our brain art therapy.

Thank you for supporting Brain Art 2018!

Our feature client, Clifford, has an amazing story about how URSA and art therapy are helping him cope with his brain injury. Watch his video here.

CBC Do Crew

CBC DO DREW

Friday, October 27th was an incredible day! The CBC Do Crew came to our Bob Ward Group Home and did lots of painting, built in shelves and a custom storage cabinet. It was a feel good day – we couldn’t have done it without the amazing volunteers/sponsors for the day!

A few shout-outs from the day;

  • Cherish Storage Solutions for donating/building a custom storage unit.
  • Beacon Heights Paint and Design for donating all the paint for the day.
  • Budget Blinds of North Calgary for the discounted blinds.
  • Calgary Co-op for donating gift cards for lunch.
  • CBC Calgary and Angela for airing the event, partnering up with URSA and getting all the amazing volunteers to help make this day a success.

The clients were so incredibly happy and thankful when they got home to such a transformation!

We look forward to our next project with CBC Calgary!!

   

Load More

URSA Videos

URSA Is…

 

URSA on Breakfast Television

URSA: Recipient of the 100 Women Who Care

Brain Art Videos

Clifford 
Shaw
Hilary
Peter

URSA featured on Shaw TV

Developmental Disabilities  
Brain Injury

Michael & Easy Street
Shane & Easy Street


 

 

Fast Facts

5000 Albertans sustain a brain injury every year. This is only one of the many staggering statistics about brain injury.

Read More

What People Are Saying

"Terrific improvements have been made in his progress."

Read More

News & Events

Be part of our community and stay informed with the latest URSA events, success stories, and happenings.

Read More

Contact Us

We are here to assist with all inquiries.

Get In Touch

Newsletter Sign-Up

Sign up for URSA newsletters straight to your inbox. Get the latest news, updates and event information.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Quick Links

  • News & Events
  • About URSA
  • Contact
  • References & Affiliates
  • Brain Injury Fast Facts
  • URSA Employee News
  • Employee Webmail

Contact Us

808 Manning Rd. NE
Calgary AB Canada
T2E 7N8
Phone: (403) 272 7722

This message is only visible to admins.
Problem displaying Facebook posts.
Click to show error
Error: Server configuration issue Error: No posts available for this Facebook ID
Donate your recycling button
  • Privacy Policy
  • Career Opportunities

Copyright © 2016–2025 Universal Rehabilitation Service Agency (URSA) · All Rights Reserved