FAIM partners with George Freeman School on new initiative

Posted on: Staff Writer

From edition: March 8 2019 Strathmore Times

By Janet Kanters Times Editor

Curtis Heenan and Abby Wolfe, who are supported by the Strathmore branch of the Foothills Advocacy In Motion Society (FAIM), are busy setting out snacks for K-9 students at the Falcon Café. Photo Courtesy of Lisa MacDougall

Curtis Heenan and Abby Wolfe, who are supported by the Strathmore branch of the Foothills Advocacy In Motion Society (FAIM), are busy setting out snacks for K-9 students at the Falcon Café.
Photo Courtesy of
Lisa MacDougall
A new initiative is ensuring that local students learn about diversity, all while being served tasty snacks.
Since the beginning of February, George Freeman School has been lending Foothills Advocacy In Motion Society (FAIM) a space to bake and prep snacks every Monday to sell to its students three days a week.
According to Beverly Roppel, FAIM program manager, the opportunity shows the students how much diversity there is in the community, while also giving adults with developmental disabilities a chance to interact with students and learn employment skills.
“One of the goals we’re working towards is to eventually have some of the students helping in the cafeteria and working alongside the individuals we support,” Roppel said. “Currently we only offer snacks but we’re planning on selling hot lunches and more items in April.”
Currently, the initiative offers fruit and veggie cups, banana bread, cookies and other treats. Roppel said FAIM has been well received by the students and staff, and they have started calling it the AIM Falcon Café.
Lisa MacDougall, FAIM fundraising and communications coordinator, said the idea behind the program is to support adults with developmental disabilities to be active and engaging members in the community, while also helping George Freeman School fill its void of not having anyone to run its cafeteria.
“The (school’s) vice-principal, Jill McDonald, was in touch with us about possibly having the people we support pick up their recycling,” noted MacDougall. “Bev (program manager at FAIM) and Jill were chatting and the cafeteria came up in conversation. Bev said to call if they ever needed help with it and a few months later Jill called and offered the opportunity … Bev sent her a proposal, and the rest is history.”
Since this partnership is so new, it’s currently only a volunteer position.
However, the long-term goal is to eventually pay FAIM individuals minimum wage once they start selling hot lunches and are more established at the cafeteria.
“Having them work at the Falcon Café gives them valuable work experience and promotes inclusivity within the Strathmore community,” said MacDougall. “This also benefits the students as it promotes diversity in the school. It exposes them to see the different gifts and abilities that we all have and that everyone can bring to the table if given the chance.”
At this time, three individuals supported by FAIM volunteer at the cafeteria on rotation, with the goal of eventually having five individuals working there.
MacDougall said FAIM is always open to new employment partnerships in the community. For more information email bev@faims.org or call 403-934-4888, ext. 222.