Support 4 Moms was there at the beginning of our journey. I started attending meetings in 2014, while we were awaiting diagnosis for my daughter. Over the years, this group has provided a wonderful community for my family. We’ve met amazing friends who have walked the journey of having a child with a disability with us- the struggles and the celebrations! I became the President of the Society in 2021 because I am passionate about what this group offers- a community and a safe space for parents where they can feel understood. Parenting is a difficult journey, and having people that can relate and understand your struggles is so valuable.

I lived and worked with people with special needs long before I became a Mom. I feel grateful for my experiences but it does not prepare you in a lot of ways. The constant vulnerability to explain your child's needs and struggles all while trying figure out supports. When to worry. Is this okay? And then carve time to just simply spend time with your child and not focus on the therapies and strategies. The emotional process of being okay but not okay with medical trips and sometimes living through your very worst fears knowing that tomorrow we could be right back there. It's a lot! I became involved in the support 4 Moms project because they were there in the beginning for us. We met our best friends there that we probably wouldn't have met any other way. I am passionate about making a space for all families who consider their family a part of the special needs category to belong. Big or small struggles. Able passing or not- we have your back and often can relate in someway. I am so proud of my family and families like ours. We have some extra struggles at times but we also learn to celebrate so much.

I joined support4moms almost from the beginning and it has been a wonderful group with amazing people.

I have two boys both with complex needs and this group has been a live saver to me in many ways.

When u get a diagnosis for your child you have so many questions and feel so alone but having a group like this sure helps with all the fears and unknowns.

Since joining the group I have made many wonderful friendships and has help start an inclusive hockey, baseball program, I also help with volt hockey. All these programs give out kids a sense of belonging.

I was awarded citizen of the year in 2022 wood buffalo for my involvement with inclusion. This group is made up of moms the truly care about another moms and we want to be a source in our community to help other moms in their journey.

I have have been living in the Fort McMurray since 2009 and I am proud to call this community my home. I attended a Support4moms group meeting in 2016, shortly after my oldest daughter was showing signs of developmental delays. There, I discovered the value of having people to share experiences with, and the importance of connection - especially during those tough times. I also met a number of like-minded individuals who are passionate about building connections within the disability community; many who are close friends today. In 2018, I joined the board of directors as a member at large. I viewed this as an opportunity to combine my passion of volunteering with an organization that aligns with my families needs. It is rewarding to be a part of a team which focuses on creating safe spaces for support networks to organically evolve in our community.

I became a member of Support 4 Moms in 2022. I am also a voting member of the Autism Society of the RMWB and former member of the Christina Gordan Inclusion Committee. I recently returned to school to receive a diploma in Social Work at Keyano College.
 

I am a proud parent of 3 amazing boys, all of which have diagnosis. I would say becoming a parent has been the most rewarding, yet challenging experience of my life, as is for most
people. However, becoming the parent of a child or children who require special needs is all that x 10. No one knows what that feels like, better than parents who are going through the
same.

Support 4 Moms is a safe place to share our worries, about our children’s struggles, their future, as well as celebrate their wins. It is a place for us to share our knowledge about supports and resources available in our community and surrounding areas for our children, our families and others who experiencing similar challenges. Including creating activities for our children to take part in that they other wise may not get to experience.
 

I am a huge advocate for my boys, as well as others with disabilities and their families. I know what it feels like to go through the ups and downs of this journey, and my husband
and I could not have done it alone. I am a huge believer in, “It takes a village to raise a child” and Support 4 Moms is an amazing part of our village.

Karla became a board member of Support4Moms in 2022 after attending a few support meetings and realizing the importance of connecting with other moms on similar paths. Karla has 2 boys on the Autism Spectrum, Paddy and Kelton who she fiercely advocates for. She and her husband Frank are both teachers and moved to Fort McMurray in 2012. In the Spring of 2023 they started an inclusive basketball program together called Hoop Heroes. Karla feels that Fort McMurray is an amazing place to raise her family and will continue to find ways to give back to the community and help make it more inclusive!