June 2 @ 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Members of our community are invited to drop-in and use our space on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays to unwind or recharge—with no pressure to engage in structured activities. We have several rooms available–a quiet lounge, computer desks, hang out sofas–you choose. It’s your time to use your way.
Each week, we offer a “third space”—a place separate from home, work, or school where there is no obligation to spend money on food or beverages—to members of our community.
We provide flexible seating, focus tools, and adjustable lighting options in an effort to make our space welcoming and inclusive to those who wish to spend time in it.
Drop-in hours are 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Here are some suggestions of things you may like to do, but this is not an exhaustive list:
- Socializing: Chat with others, make new connections, or catch up with friends
- Using Computers: Access the internet, complete personal tasks, or explore hobbies online. Use our computers and wifi or bring your own device and connect via our network
- Relaxing: Sit quietly, read, listen to music with headphones, or just enjoy the calm space
- Independent Work: Bring personal projects, homework or studying you may need to do, or use the time to focus on tasks
- Unstructured Activities: puzzles, sketching, journaling, or engaging in other personal hobbies
- Exploring Resources: Learn about other programs, events, or services Sinneave offers
- Simply Being: Spend time in the space without any specific activity, just enjoying the presence of others without any expectations to engage
To ensure a welcoming and safe environment for all users, please read over the Rules of the Space before you arrive:
- Check-In is Required: Everyone signs in upon arrival
- No Alcohol or Drugs: This is a substance-free space for everyone’s safety and comfort
- Respectful Content and Behavior: No engagement with explicit content and all interactions should be respectful
- Noise Levels: Keep volume moderate to accommodate diverse activities
- No formal supervision provided: Attend and engage independently
Related Events
June 22 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Are you interested in the programs and services The Sinneave Family Foundation (Sinneave) has to offer? Are you or your child Autistic or neurodivergent and age 15 or older? This presentation is for you! Join us for a 60-minute virtual information session and Q & A and get to know all about us!
We will talk more about who we are and how we can support Autistic and neurodivergent youth and adults with the major life transitions they are facing. Some of these life transitions are:
- Graduating high school and going to university
- Getting a job
- Moving out and living independently
- And more!
Monday, June 22
10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Online via Sinneave Connects
This session is ideal for Autistic and neurodivergent individuals, their support networks, such as parents, caregivers and guardians, as well as local service providers and professionals who may be seeking more information about our programs and services in the Calgary area and beyond.
This virtual session takes place on Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub. If you already have an account, just log-in as usual. If you need an account, it’s free and easy to set up. Click the button that says Sinneave Connects and follow the prompts on the log-in screen.
About the Presenter
Nabeeha Nadeem is a Learning and Connection Associate at The Sinneave Family Foundation. She delivers the information and navigation service where she has the pleasure to meet with Autistic and neurodivergent individuals one-on-one providing consistent, person-centred information and navigating individuals to Sinneave programs and services and/or community-based resources.
If you need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help!
Related Events
June 24 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Navigating the healthcare system can often feel overwhelming–from knowing which provider to see, to preparing for appointments, asking the right questions, and managing follow-up care.
To support individuals in these everyday situations, this 60-minute facilitated session will introduce participants to four micro-eLearning modules, which are available on Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub:
- Figure Out Who to See,
- Plan for Your Next Health Appointment,
- Communicate Effectively During Appointments, and
- Take Charge of Follow-Up Care.
Learn how these resources can support you in different stages of the healthcare journey, and how to access them for ongoing use.
Wednesday, June 24
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Online via Sinneave Connects
This virtual session is hosted on Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub. If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s free and easy to set up. Click the button that says, “Sinneave Connects” and follow the prompts on the log-in screen.
About the Presenter:
Alexandra (Ali) Skeet is a Learning and Connection Associate at The Sinneave Family Foundation. She delivers the Information and Navigation service where she has the pleasure to meet with Autistic and neurodivergent individuals one-on-one to provide consistent, person-centred information, and navigate individuals to Sinneave programs and services and community-based resources. Ali has more than a decade of experience in the mental health field and has a passion for person-centred care and intersectional inclusivity.
If you have questions, please reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Related Events
May 26 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Navigating the healthcare system can often feel overwhelming–from knowing which provider to see, to preparing for appointments, asking the right questions, and managing follow-up care.
To support individuals in these everyday situations, this 60-minute facilitated session will introduce participants to four micro-eLearning modules, which are available on Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub:
- Figure Out Who to See,
- Plan for Your Next Health Appointment,
- Communicate Effectively During Appointments, and
- Take Charge of Follow-Up Care.
Learn how these resources can support you in different stages of the healthcare journey, and how to access them for ongoing use.
Tuesday, May 26
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Online via Sinneave Connects
This virtual session is hosted on Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub. If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s free and easy to set up. Click the button that says, “Sinneave Connects” and follow the prompts on the log-in screen.
About the Presenter:
Alexandra (Ali) Skeet is a Learning and Connection Associate at The Sinneave Family Foundation. She delivers the Information and Navigation service where she has the pleasure to meet with Autistic and neurodivergent individuals one-on-one to provide consistent, person-centred information, and navigate individuals to Sinneave programs and services and community-based resources. Ali has more than a decade of experience in the mental health field and has a passion for person-centred care and intersectional inclusivity.
If you have questions, please reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Related Events
May 6 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Do you find it difficult to communicate when someone disagrees with you? Do you struggle to know how to respond in moments of tension and conflict?
We have updated and improved our “Handling Disagreements” workshop to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals with opportunities to reflect on the causes of disagreements, and to develop tools to effectively address disagreements when they happen.
In this session, you will have the opportunity to:
- Learn the difference between disagreement and conflict through realistic, scenario-based examples
- Brainstorm with others the role emotion plays in disagreements and conflict
- Explore practical strategies for resolving disagreements
- Reflect on and measure your confidence at the beginning and end of the workshop
Wednesday, May 6
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
There is no cost to attend
This workshop is designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals with opportunities to learn and practice a variety of social communication skills in a safe and welcoming setting. Participants will be provided with information, tips, and strategies that they can choose to apply common day-to-day social situations.
Advance registration is not required, however, if you want to sign up, our team can contact you in the event of any last minute changes or cancellations. Click the button that says “Sinneave Connects” to enroll in the course.
If you have not created a free Sinneave Connects account yet, you will need to do that. Just follow the prompts on the sign-in page.
About the Presenter:
Sanique Denton is a Life Skills Coach at The Sinneave Family Foundation and has been working with neurodivergent/Autistic individuals for more than 10 years. She has experience teaching and enhancing communication skills for Autistic individuals across their life span. She is passionate about fostering an inclusive community and supporting individuals to thrive and reach their full potential.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Related Events
May 14 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
We are pleased to offer Carya’s Relationships With Your Adult Children group with a focus on supporting parents and caregivers of Autistic adults as they grow in independence.
This group is designed to support parents as they reflect on and adapt to changing relationships with their adult children. In this group, parents and caregivers will:
- Build understanding around family dynamics and how they change as children develop into adults,
- Learn how to maintain personal boundaries and communication skills to improve or support relationships with their adult children, and
- Learn how to maintain personal wellness when encountering challenging family relationships.
Participants will examine and explore their values when it comes to relationships with their children who are now adults. You will receive information from our experienced facilitators and be introduced to tools and information while having the chance to have group conversations with others who have similar experiences.
We are inviting interested parents, caregivers and guardians to express interest in participating. As a first step, you’ll be asked to book a 30-minute conversation with one of our facilitators. This is an opportunity to:
- Learn more about the group
- Ask questions
- Explore whether the group is a good fit for you
Space is limited and the group will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. When you click the button that says “Book an Appointment”, you will be directed to a Calendly site where you can select a time for a 30-minute intake conversation with one of our facilitators.
If you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us by email: info@sinneavefoundation.org or call us at 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
About Carya
Carya is a social impact agency that has been responding to the evolving social needs of the Calgary community since 1910.
With more than a century of expertise, they are deeply rooted in being a place of connection and support for Calgarians when and where they it most.
Carya impacts the lives of thousands of Calgarians each year, through a range of comprehensive, low to no-cost programs and services that enhance mental well-being, strengthen families, improve living conditions, and create meaningful social connections.
Visit their website to learn more about Carya Calgary.
Related Events
May 26 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
This presentation will include an overview of research on the impacts of trauma and stigma on Autistic people. Together, we will explore how autism-related stigma in society, research, and interpersonal interactions translates into a greater risk of experiencing trauma, including exclusion and discrimination, for many Autistic people.
The presenter will discuss Autistic peoples’ experiences with stigmatization and trauma in a variety of contexts (including interpersonal relationships, school, work, clinical, and community spaces), and address the self-reported coping methods Autistic people use.
They will also explore intersectional, neurodiversity-affirming, and trauma-informed approaches to supporting Autistic people in their day-to-day lives.
This session is brought to you by Autism Edmonton with support from the Sinneave Family Foundation.
Tuesday, May 26
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)
Online via Autism Edmonton
Registration for this event is via Autism Edmonton’s Eventbrite page. You can register by clicking the button that says “Register.”
About the Presenter:
Tamara Garfield is a doctoral student at Drexel University in the Community Health and Prevention program of the Dornsife School of Public Health in Philadelphia, PA. Tamara identifies as Autistic and uses she/her and they/them pronouns. Their work includes a focus on meaningfully including Autistic people in research to improve quality of life and health-related outcomes for Autistic people. Tamara discovered a passion for this work as a peer mentor in high school and pursued a BA in psychology and a MA in community counseling with a focus on neurodivergence, stigma, and trauma.
In her current work, Tamara is studying how contextual factors, including stigma and trauma, shape Autistic peoples’ experiences in employment and education and, in turn, how these experiences impact their health and wellbeing. In their free time, Tamara loves spending time with her cats, gardening, cooking, listening to podcasts, and watching movies or TV shows.
Related Events
May 28 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
In this session, attendees will learn how to identify their values and what’s important to them and how they can use that knowledge to live more authentically. Living authentically means valuing yourself and learning to live according to your values instead to the expectations of others.
While this session is for everyone, its focus will particularly benefit women and aging adults.
This session is brought to you by Autism Edmonton and YMCA with support from the Sinneave Family Foundation.
Thursday, May 28
1:00 – 2:30 p.m. (Mountain Time)
Online via Autism Edmonton
Registration for this event is via Autism Edmonton’s Eventbrite page. You can register by clicking the button that says “Register.”
About the YMCA:
At YMCA, we believe in the power of people. Every day, our dedicated employees and volunteers bring energy, positivity, and inclusivity to everything they do. They are the spark that ignites potential in others – helping individuals grow, thrive, and truly belong.
When people feel connected and supported, communities become stronger, more resilient, and full of life. That’s the impact of people-powered change. Together, we create welcoming spaces where everyone is valued, differences are celebrated, and possibilities are endless. Be the spark. Shine bright. Help others shine too.
Related Events
May 19 @ 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
As caregivers, feeling disconnected and lonely can impact physical wellness. In this session, learn how these things impact you, while gaining important strategies to help you enjoy the world outside the house.
This session is intended for everyone, however, its focus will particularly benefit women and aging adults.
This session is brought to you by Autism Edmonton and YMCA with support from the Sinneave Family Foundation.
Tuesday, May 19
3:30 – 5:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)
Online via Autism Edmonton
Registration for this event is via Autism Edmonton’s Eventbrite page. You can register by clicking the button that says “Register.”
About the YMCA:
At YMCA, we believe in the power of people. Every day, our dedicated employees and volunteers bring energy, positivity, and inclusivity to everything they do. They are the spark that ignites potential in others – helping individuals grow, thrive, and truly belong.
When people feel connected and supported, communities become stronger, more resilient, and full of life. That’s the impact of people-powered change. Together, we create welcoming spaces where everyone is valued, differences are celebrated, and possibilities are endless. Be the spark. Shine bright. Help others shine too.
Related Events
May 14 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Join us for an engaging workshop where, together with Caregivers Alberta, we’ll navigate the art of meaningful conversations and connections.
This session focuses on how to initiate and lead meaningful, compassionate conversations with employed caregivers. It covers the importance of clear communication, appropriate tone, and body language, and creating a safe, private setting for discussion.
Attendees will learn practical steps to apply to conversations, such as explaining the purpose of the meeting, practicing active listening, expressing empathy, and using supportive language.
The goal is to build trust, reduce stress, and connect caregivers with resources while fostering an inclusive and understanding workplace.
This session is presented by Autism Edmonton in partnership with Caregivers Alberta and support from The Sinneave Family Foundation.
Thursday, May 14
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)
Online via Autism Edmonton
Registration for this event is via Autism Edmonton’s Eventbrite page. You can register by clicking the button that says “Register.”
About the Presenter
Christina Henderson is a highly motivated and professional trainer in workshop facilitation, administration, and program development. As the founder of Peerspective Consulting and Facilitation in Calgary, Alberta, and the Coordinator for Caregivers Alberta Work & Care program, Christina has collaborated with organizations across Canada to integrate positive and supportive programming into staff, client, and partner interactions.
Christina is the mom of twin sons who both have special needs. Her lived experience has given her a deep understanding of the importance of fostering supportive environments and empowering individuals through peer connections.