AIM Society welcomes new manager

Posted on: Staff Writer

Shannon LeClair  
Times Reporter 
 
The Strathmore branch of the Foothills Advocacy in Motion (AIM) Society has welcomed a new program manager to its ranks. Bev Nadeau has been involved with the AIM Society for 13 years. Starting out as front-line staff, Nadeau worked her way up through intake coordination and financing.
“I kind of know AIM inside and out. It’s kind of good and with the government steering things differently within our sector,” said Nadeau. 
The AIM Society’s head office is in High River, so when the flood hit they had to put accepting new clients on hold. She said the Society had a number of clients displaced due to the floods. The priority was making sure they were safe, with a place to stay. The Society was able to get a building in the community of Cayley, south of High River, and was able to maintain some of its programs out there. 
Nadeau said it will take a few months to get everything back on track, but the big thing right now is making sure the individuals have homes to go to and making sure the homes are safe for them to be back in, both for their clients and staff members. 
“The last month has been a journey for all of us, and even though we’re not directly involved, it’s kind of had a ripple effect for all of us,” said Nadeau. 
“Hopefully we’ll have things back to what we consider normal come September.” 
On July 25 Chinook Credit Union presented a cheque for $15,000 from their annual charity golf tournament to the AIM Society. Nadeau said the funds from that will help enhance some of the programs AIM offers. 
“We offer employment preparation and employment assistance if they need it to get back on track. A day program if they just need to have social networking,” said Nadeau.
“We offer outreach to individuals that are a little higher functioning that need us to come out and do medical and appointments with them, do the budgeting and do meal prep with them.”
The AIM Society also offers residential programming to clients who may be looking for a place to live in the community, and respite care for those families or individuals who may need a little break. 
The Strathmore branch of the AIM Society currently has 15 clients, and Nadeau said there are a couple more they hope to invite into their family. The Society has been in Strathmore since 2009. 
It provides services and supports to adults with disabilities, helping them find the right support, people and placement in their lives and in the community.