URSA Ice Cream Social Night – August 28

July 29, 2025

Join us for a free community event at the park! On Thursday, August 28 from 6:00–8:00 p.m., URSA is hosting an Ice Cream Social at the accessible park at 1220 Bayside Rise SW in Airdrie.

Stop by for a free ice cream and a chance to connect with your community. Everyone is welcome, no registration needed, just drop in and enjoy a summer evening with us!

Grand Opening of Aurora Explorers Program

July 22, 2025

In April, we celebrated the grand opening of Aurora Explorers, a new URSA program in Calgary that supports adults with disabilities. This space was designed with care to meet a wide range of needs, from recreation to rest.

One of the most impactful features is our sensory room, made possible through the generosity of iA Financial Group and Porte Development Group.

The sensory room has already proven to be a vital addition. As URSA staff shared, “The sensory room has made such a difference for the individuals we support. It is a calm, comfortable place to relax outside of their wheelchairs, which helps with circulation and physical relief. We have seen firsthand the soothing effect of the bubble tube and lights, and just how much they help ease anxiety and bring a sense of calm. It is a space we are so grateful to have, and one that gets used every single day.”

We are deeply grateful to our community partners for believing in the importance of wholistic, accessible environments. Thank you again to iA Financial Group and Porte Development Group for helping make this space possible, your support is truly appreciated.

New program aims to support Albertans with brain injuries

July 9, 2025

Published by Daniel Gonzalez (Postmedia), Jun 19, 2025

Since brain injuries can happen to anyone at any time, URSA CEO Pam McGladdery said community-based supports for brain injuries are vital to the recovery process.

The province is committing $5.7 million to support Albertans and their families who have been affected by brain injuries.

At a news conference in the middle of Easy Street — inside the Universal Rehabilitation Service Agency — Assisted Living and Social Services Minister Jason Nixon made the announcement Thursday.

“We’re here today to announce Alberta’s continued commitment to making sure vulnerable Albertans get the support they need, when and where they need it,” Nixon said of the Alberta Brain Injury Initiative, which comprises 12 organizations that support Albertans with brain injuries.

Each year, 5,000 Albertans suffer a brain Injury.

“I’ve experienced first-hand the impact a brain injury can have on an individual and their family, and how critical the right supports are on the road to recovery,” Nixon said. “This investment isn’t just funding — it’s a commitment to Alberta families and to the organizations doing vital work to help them heal. I’m proud to support this work and help ensure it will continue to be there for other families, just as it was for mine.”

URSA CEO Pam McGladdery said the announcement comes during Brain Injury Awareness Month in June.

The Alberta Brain Injury Initiative “provides survivors the opportunity to relearn and strengthen essential life skills that they may have lost after their injury,” McGladdery said. “This includes things like household management, daily living skills, life skills, coping strategies, connections to meaningful resources.”

“The support has been transformative, and I’m so glad that others will benefit thanks to the funding that was announced today.”

While holding a thank-you teddy bear from Tang, Nixon also highlighted the work the government’s partners are doing in social services.

“The reality is, we are a big department, Alberta taxpayers are investing billions of dollars in services that people need, but we can’t be able to deliver those services without great examples like these organizations that you see here today,” he said. “We’re proud to partner with these organizations and we believe our job is to get them the money and resources they need, and help them do their job.”

McGladdery said URSA is a non-profit organization that supports individuals such as Tang who want to maintain their independence in the community.

“It’s light-touch services in the community that really support them,” McGladdery said. “To make sure they’re as independent as possible when they’re out in the community.”

[Left Photo]
L-R: URSA CEO Pam McGladdery, stroke survivor Mimi Tang and Minister Jason Nixon on Easy Street at URSA pose in Calgary on Thursday, June 19, 2025. Nixon announced funding to support the Alberta Brain Injury Initiative. Daniel Gonzalez/Postmedia

[Right Photo]
Stroke survivor Mimi Tang (right) hands Minister Jason Nixon a bear to say thanks for his support and the announcement he made on Thursday, June 19, 2025 in Calgary. Nixon announced funding to support the Alberta Brain Injury Initiative. Daniel Gonzalez/Postmedia

Click Here to view the original article.

Alberta Government announces new funding for Brain Injury Initiative

July 9, 2025

The province announcing additional support for organizations that support Albertans recovering from brain injuries.

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 3^rd year!!

In support of June being Brain Injury Awareness Month, join us on Tuesday, June 24^th from 7:30am until 4:00pm at Fox Hollow Golf Course for the 3^rd 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 3^rd 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 18^th 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.

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!