Foothills Advocacy in Motion discusses new facility with town 

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Foothills Advocacy in Motion (FAIM) presented before Town of Strathmore council during the May 7 regular meeting as a delegation. 

FAIM is a nonprofit organization funded by the provincial government which supports adults with developmental disabilities in Strathmore, Wheatland County, and surrounding areas. 

Operations in Strathmore have been taking place since 2009. FAIM was originally founded in 1980, and has other branches operating in High River, Okotoks, and Airdrie.

Their services include employment support, inclusion activities, respite, and outreach support for independent living. 

Due to ongoing growth, acquisition of a larger space became necessary, leading to a waitlist for services. FAIM will be occupying 1016 Westridge Road, formerly a bowling alley, once renovations are completed and possession takes place approximately by the end of May or in early June. 

“Our biggest mandate is community and so being out in the community is most important; however, we do have lots of need for a space where people can gather and spend time with their peers during the day,” said Andrea Gawin, director of client services with FAIM. “This location, we feel, along with the parking that it will offer for our staff, as well as our families and care providers who do drop offs and pickups, this space if just going to fulfill a lot of those needs for us.”

Galwin added FAIM was able to make an offer on their new building in October 2024 and began renovations of the facility in January.

The delegation’s presentation before council did not aim to ask for anything of the town, rather to simply share information about FAIM. FAIM is reaching out to Family and Community Support Services for funding assistance.

“In most of our locations, we have experienced these pressures over the last couple of years and Strathmore was our most recent pressing matter,” said Galwin.

The new facility will feature approximately 12 offices, as well as two common areas for clients to gather in and utilize.

A grand opening of the new facility also aims to be hosted approximately in August to celebrate the new space and the ability to support a growing need in Strathmore’s expanding population.

Coun. Denise Peterson suggested to FAIM during their delegation to consider application for a New Horizons grant, as some of their members and clients would qualify them to receive it, as well as to reach out to Siksika Nation to establish more local partnerships.