What we are
People Advocating for Children with Exceptionalities is a local, non-profit organization of families based in Meadow Lake, SK, who are supporting one another in raising children with challenges due to varying abilities. Children in our families are affected by diagnoses such as Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Cystic Fibrosis and Muscular Dystrophy as well as less familiar ones, including but not limited to, DiGeorge Syndrome, Spinal Muscular Atrophy and Trisomy X. A diagnosis is not necessary to be a member. As families, we see value in raising the level of awareness around these diagnoses and the issue of disability in our community by bringing individuals and other organizations with experience and knowledge to the Greater Meadow Lake Area. We attempt to provide services and sources of information for families that are presently unavailable.
Who can join
There is no diagnosis needed for an individual in order to be a member of PACE. All that families need is a genuine belief that their child is experiencing something outside of the ‘typically’ developing range. Our main objective is to reach out to all families who are experiencing difficulty in raising a child. Nothing would please PACE more for a family to utilize our network and then, through support, receive the help that they need and discover they no longer need it. Supports can be temporary or permanent depending on your family’s needs.
How to join
Membership is free and only a phone call or an email to PACE is needed. You are encouraged to give your contact information so that you can be notified of the upcoming events. PACE holds monthly meetings which are the backbone of the support it can offer to families. This is the venue to voice your concerns about exising or non-existant services and to get help in achieving the things you need. Your opinion will have an impact on what type of workshops, information, and conferences we will sponsor in the future.
When and where
Monthly meetings are held on the second Monday of every month at 7:00 upstairs at the Meadow Lake Hospital, unless it falls on a statutory holiday. If you are on the contact list, you will be notified by email if there are any changes and will be reminded of the meeting date in the previous week. Our speakers, workshops and group activities vary and the contact list will be notified of those specific events.
Our history
In January of 2009, we had our first community forum where government, organizations, and community services came together to listen to concerns, stories and experiences of families. It was very informative for all involved. From there, the family support group was organized and monthly meetings ensued facilitated by Positively Parenting. Since that time, we became incorporated and began fundraising efforts like Setting the PACE Race that we hold each September. We have hosted numerous speakers on topics that affect our families along with various community workshops and social events involving the community. Success is a feeling we experience often.