August 10 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Whether you live independently or it is one of your future goals, being able to confidently navigate your way around a kitchen and cook healthy meals are important life skills.
Preparing your own meals helps you to save money, control portion sizes, and make choices that match your nutritional needs. Most importantly, being able to cook for and feed yourself (and others!) builds self-sufficiency, confidence and can even be a creative outlet or social activity.
The menu for this class is Crispy Adobo Chicken with Roasted Bok Choy and Coconut Lemongrass Rice.
Monday, August 10
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
While cooking dinner together, participants will learn:
- The importance of good hygiene
- Cleanliness in the kitchen and the importance of preventing cross-contamination
- The proper use of utensils
- How to properly measure and prepare food, and
- How to work well with others in a team environment
As there is only light support provided by staff, participants need to be able to follow instructions and be willing to work in a small group to prepare the meal. All supplies will be provided. Participants are expected to help with clean up after the session.
Please note: If you have dietary allergies or restrictions, our staff need to know this in advance of the class. Once your registration is confirmed, please email info@sinneavefoundation.org with details.
This session is limited to six participants. If there are no spots available, you can sign up to be placed on a waiting list. Please do not attend until your registration has been confirmed by our staff.
To register, click the button that says, “Sinneave Connects.” If you don’t have a free Sinneave Connects account yet, you will need to create one. Follow the instructions on the log-in page.
About the Presenter:
Kieren Padilla (they/them) is a community-minded trained chef with over 10 years of combined cooking experience in banquet events, high concept hotels and elevated dining. Kieren has learned to work with their needs, building systems for easier neuro-friendly home cooking.
They hope to inspire others to reshape traditional cooking practices into something uniquely their own and transform kitchens into accessible shame-free spaces. Their passion stems from the fact that everyone deserves to eat, no matter what, with a belief that “fed is always best.” If Kieren could be fed with a meal, the ‘best’ would be a comforting bowl of Katsudon Curry.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Neurodiversity Acknowledgement
We honour neurodiversity and strive to create environments that value the many ways people think, learn, and communicate. Our programs, services, and activities are designed to be neuroaffirming, accessible, and guided by the input from the people we serve.
Related Events
June 15 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Whether you live independently or it is one of your future goals, being able to confidently navigate your way around a kitchen and cook healthy meals are important life skills.
Preparing your own meals helps you to save money, control portion sizes, and make choices that match your nutritional needs. Most importantly, being able to cook for and feed yourself (and others!) builds self-sufficiency, confidence and can even be a creative outlet or social activity.
The menu for this class is Swedish meatballs and mashed potatoes with pan-fried zuchini and mushrooms. Join us:
Monday, June 15
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
While cooking dinner together, participants will learn:
- The importance of good hygiene
- Cleanliness in the kitchen and the importance of preventing cross-contamination
- The proper use of utensils
- How to properly measure and prepare food, and
- How to work well with others in a team environment
As there is only light support provided by staff, participants need to be able to follow instructions and be willing to work in a small group to prepare the meal. All supplies will be provided. Participants are expected to help with clean up after the session.
This session is limited to six participants. If there are no spots available, you can sign up to be placed on a waiting list and a member of our team will reach out to you if spots open up.
To register, click the button that says, “Sinneave Connects.” If you don’t have a free Sinneave Connects account yet, you will need to create one. Follow the prompts on the log-in page.
About the Presenter:
Mila Fernandes-Mckenna is a Launch + Skills participant as well as a student who learned how to cook at a young age and has been baking for more than 10 years. Mila really enjoys baking cookies, cakes and cupcakes for birthdays. Lately she has been expanding into baking breads, buns and pastries. She is passionate about cooking and wants to inspire others to learn.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Neurodiversity Acknowledgement
We honour neurodiversity and strive to create environments that value the many ways people think, learn, and communicate. Our programs, services, and activities are designed to be neuroaffirming, accessible, and guided by the input from the people we serve.
Related Events
April 13 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Whether you live independently or it is one of your future goals, being able to confidently navigate your way around a kitchen and cook healthy meals are important life skills.
Preparing your own meals helps you to save money, control portion sizes, and make choices that match your nutritional needs. Most importantly, being able to cook for and feed yourself (and others!) builds self-sufficiency, confidence and can even be a creative outlet or social activity.
If learning to cook interests you, join us for the Joy of Cooking:
Monday, April 13
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
While cooking dinner together, participants will learn:
- The importance of good hygiene
- Cleanliness in the kitchen and the importance of preventing cross-contamination
- The proper use of utensils
- How to properly measure and prepare food, and
- How to work well with others in a team environment
As there is only light support provided by staff, participants need to be able to follow instructions and be willing to work in a small group to prepare the meal. All supplies will be provided. Participants are expected to help with clean up after the session.
This session is limited to six participants. If there are no spots available, you can sign up to be placed on a waiting list and a member of our team will reach out to you if spots open up.
To register, click the button that says, “Sinneave Connects.” If you don’t have a free Sinneave Connects account yet, you will need to create one. Follow the prompts on the log-in page.
About the Presenter:
Nathaniel Anderson is a 26-year-old cook from Calgary, where he has lived his entire life. He is a former participant of the Launch + Skills program, which he found extremely valuable. As a way of giving back, he hopes to use his skills and experiences to support others who may also need help.
Nathaniel began cooking at the age of 14 and has been working professionally for three years. During this time, he has gained experience in nearly every aspect of the job, including prepping ingredients, making cold salads, grilling, sautéing pastas and other dishes, and plating meals for both events and regular service. Outside of work, he enjoys playing video games and has a strong interest in history and music.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Related Events
February 2 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Whether independent living is one of your current goals and you are planning to move out soon, or it is a long-term goal for the future – you can begin preparing for it now – starting in the kitchen!
This hands-on session is a great way to help you increase your confidence in the kitchen. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about:
- The importance of good hygiene,
- Cleanliness in the kitchen and the importance of preventing cross-contamination,
- The proper use of utensils,
- How to properly measure and prepare food, and work with others.
The menu for this session is Valentine’s Day Heart Sugar Cookies and Chocolate Covered Pretzels (Yum!).
Monday, February 2
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
This session is limited to six participants. If there are no spots available, you can sign up to be placed on a waiting list and a member of our team will reach out to you if spots open up.
There will only be light support provided by staff, so participants need to be able to follow instructions, and be willing to work in a small group to prepare the meal. All supplies will be provided.
To register, click the button that says, “Sinneave Connects” and follow the instructions. If you have an account, just log in as usual. If you don’t have an account yet, it’s free and easy to sign up.
- Create a user name
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
- Select “Register”
- Choose the Joy of Cooking: Cooking Skills for Independent Living – February 2, 2026 Registration course and click on the, “Enroll” button.
About the Presenter:
Mila Fernandes – McKenna is a participant of the Launch + Skills program, and a student who learned how to cook at a young age, and has been baking for 10 years. She enjoys baking cookies, cakes, and cupcakes for birthdays.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Related Events
December 1, 2025 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Whether independent living is one of your current goals and you are planning to move out soon, or it is a long-term goal for the future – you can begin preparing for it now – starting in the kitchen!
This hands-on session is a great way to help you increase your confidence in the kitchen. While preparing a tasty and well-balanced dinner, participants will also learn about:
- The importance of good hygiene,
- Cleanliness in the kitchen and the importance of preventing cross-contamination,
- The proper use of utensils,
- How to properly measure and prepare food, and work with others.
And then, you’ll get to enjoy what you’ve made for dinner! The menu for this session is Fish Tacos with Red Lentils as a side dish (Yum!).
Monday, December 1, 2025
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
This session is limited to six participants. If there are no spots available, you can sign up to be placed on a waiting list and a member of our team will reach out to you if spots open up.
There will only be light support provided by staff, so participants need to be able to follow instructions, and be willing to work in a small group to prepare the meal. All supplies will be provided.
To register, click the button that says, “Sinneave Connects” and follow the instructions. If you have an account, just log in as usual. If you don’t have an account yet, it’s free and easy to sign up.
- Create a user name
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
- Select “Register”
- Choose the Joy of Cooking: Cooking Skills for Independent Living – December 1, 2025 Registration course and click on the, “Enroll” button.
About the Presenter:
Nathaniel Anderson is a former participant of the Launch + Skills program, which he found extremely valuable. He is eager to use his skills and experiences as a way of giving back. Nathan began cooking at the age of 14 and has been working professionally for three years.
During this time, he has gained experience in nearly every aspect of the job, including: prepping ingredients, making cold salads, grilling, sautéing pastas and other dishes, and plating meals. He is proud to call himself, “a self-proclaimed foodie” that enjoys eating and making meals from multiple cultures.
If you have questions or if you need help navigating Sinneave Connects, please reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Related Events
October 27, 2025 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Whether independent living is one of your current goals and you are planning to move out soon, or it is a long-term goal for the future – you can begin preparing for it now – starting in the kitchen!
This hands-on session is a great way to help you increase your confidence in the kitchen. While preparing a tasty and well-balanced dinner, participants will also learn about:
- the importance of good hygiene,
- cleanliness in the kitchen and the importance of preventing cross-contamination,
- the proper use of utensils, and
- how to properly measure and prepare food, and work with others.
And then, you’ll get to enjoy what you’ve made for dinner! The menu for this session is Chicken and Rice with Black Pepper Sauce and a side of Steamed Broccoli (Yum!)
Monday, October 27, 2025
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
This session is limited to six participants. If there are no spots available, you can sign up to be placed on a waiting list and a member of our team will reach out to you if spots open up.
There will only be light support provided by staff, so participants need to be able to follow instructions, and be willing to work in a small group to prepare the meal. All supplies will be provided.
To register, click the button that says, “Sinneave Connects” and follow the instructions. If you have an account, just log in as usual. If you don’t have an account yet, it’s free and easy to sign up.
- Create a user name
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
- Select “Register”
- Choose the Joy of Cooking: Cooking Skills for Independent Living – October 27, 2025 course and click on the, “Enroll” button.
About the Presenter:
Nathaniel Anderson is a former participant of the Launch + Skills program, which he found extremely valuable. He is eager to use his skills and experiences as a way of giving back. Nathan began cooking at the age of 14 and has been working professionally for three years.
During this time, he has gained experience in nearly every aspect of the job, including: prepping ingredients, making cold salads, grilling, sautéing pastas and other dishes, and plating meals. He is proud to call himself, “a self-proclaimed foodie” that enjoys eating and making meals from multiple cultures.
If you have questions or if you need help navigating Sinneave Connects, please reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Related Events
August 6, 2025 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
If you live in the Calgary area and have considered independent living as an option for yourself or a family member, the Autism Housing Network of Alberta (AHNA) is hosting our Housing Specialist for a webinar designed to introduce individuals and families to the rental market in Calgary.
Participants will learn and have an opportunity to discuss:
- What can I expect in the different areas of Calgary?
- Where can I find safe and affordable housing?
- How do I start my search and how do I get approved?
- And more!
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)
Online via Eventbrite
This Lunch & Learn is free to attend. When you click the button below that says “Register Here” you will be directed to an Eventbrite registration page hosted by the Autism Housing Network of Alberta.
About the Presenter:
John Seigner has been leading the housing initiative at The Sinneave Family Foundation since 2012. He is knowledgeable about the housing industry and rental market in Calgary and is passionate about meeting with individuals and families to assist them along their housing journey.
Related Events
June 19, 2025 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
If you live in the Calgary area and have considered independent living as an option for yourself or a family member, you’re invited to join our Housing Specialist for a presentation designed to introduce individuals and families to the rental market in Calgary.
Participants will learn:
- Where to find secure, affordable, safe and sustainable housing in the city
- What a lease is and how to understand the key components of a rental lease
- How to communicate well with a landlord
- How to assess potential housing options for security, safety, affordability and sustainability
- How to apply these techniques to your personal housing journey
Thursday, June 19
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
About the presenter:
John Seigner has been leading the housing initiative at The Sinneave Family Foundation since 2012. He is extremely knowledgeable about the housing industry and rental market in Calgary and is passionate about meeting with individuals and families to assist them along their housing journey.
Related Events
May 5, 2025 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Whether independent living is one of your short term goals and you’re planning to move out soon, or it’s a long-term goal for some time in the future – you can begin preparing for it now–starting in the kitchen!
This hands-on session is a great way to help you increase your confidence in the kitchen.
While preparing a tasty and well-balanced dinner, participants will also learn about:
- the importance of good hygiene
- cleanliness in the kitchen and the importance of preventing cross-contamination
- the proper use of utensils
- how to properly measure and prepare food, and
- working with others.
And then, you’ll get to enjoy what you’ve made for dinner!
The menu for this session is Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps with Homemade Potato Chips! (Yum!)
Please note: This activity is in-person only at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW) and limited to six participants. There will only be light support provided by staff, so participants need to be able to follow instructions and be willing to work in a small group to prepare the meal. All supplies will be provided.
To register for this session, click the button below that says, “Joy of Cooking: Cooking Skills for Independent Living” and follow the instructions. If you have an account, just log in as usual. If you don’t have an account yet, it’s free and easy to sign up.
- Create a user name
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
- Select “Register”
- Choose the Joy of Cooking: Cooking Skills for Independent Living course and follow the instructions.
About the Presenter:
Cedric Nicholson is a self-proclaimed foodie that enjoys eating and making meals from multiple cultures. Being from the Southeastern part of the USA, Cedric enjoys introducing some of his favorite dishes he ate growing up to his friends in Canada such as: Cornbread, Grits, Sausage Gravy Biscuits and Collard Greens.
As one of the Life Skills Coaches at The Sinneave Family Foundation, Cedric has helped numerous participants succeed with the goal of becoming more confident at cooking.
Related Events
March 24, 2025 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Whether independent living is one of your short term goals and you’re planning to move out soon, or it’s a long-term goal for some time in the future – you can begin preparing for it now–starting in the kitchen!
This hands-on session is a great way to help you increase your confidence in the kitchen.
While preparing a tasty and well-balanced dinner, participants will also learn about:
- the importance of good hygiene
- cleanliness in the kitchen and the importance of preventing cross-contamination
- the proper use of utensils
- how to properly measure and prepare food, and
- working with others.
And then, you’ll get to enjoy what you’ve made for dinner!
The menu for this session is Baked Ziti with Greek Salad! (Yum!)
Please note: This activity is in-person only and limited to six participants. There will only be light support provided by staff, so participants need to be able to follow instructions and be willing to work in a small group to prepare the meal. All supplies will be provided.
To register for this session, click the button below that says “Sinneave Connects” and follow the instructions. If you have an account, just log in as usual. If you don’t have an account yet, it’s free and easy to sign up.
- Create a user name
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
- Select “Register”
- Choose the Joy of Cooking – March 24 course and follow the instructions.
About the Presenter:
Sydney Crosby is a born and raised Calgarian who has had a passion for cooking ever since she was a child, making mud pies in her back yard. Sydney is former Launch + Skills participant who attended SAIT and graduated with a professional cooking diploma. When she isn’t working on her business or YouTube channel, she likes to relax by listening to music, reading, writing, knitting or leading the Sparks unit for Girl Guides that she has been a member of for the past 15 years!