Launch Calgary Quest Services Life Skills Lab

The Cause

The Life Skills Lab at Calgary Quest Children’s Society’s Centre for Opportunity will play a transformative role in the lives of teens and young adults (ages 15-28) with moderate to severe developmental disabilities by equipping them with essential skills that foster independence, employability, and social integration. Through comprehensive training in independent living tasks such as laundry, budgeting, and home repairs, participants will gain the confidence and practical abilities to manage their day-to-day environments. These skills are vital for participants to transition into adulthood with greater independence, confidence, and community integration. For many, this marks the first step towards reducing reliance on caregivers and achieving greater autonomy in their homes and communities.
Additionally, the Life Skills Lab’s focus on employment readiness offers participants the opportunity to develop job-specific skills in a simulated work environment. With hands-on tools like grocery bagging stations and occupational therapy task boxes, participants will prepare for real-life employment, volunteer work, or day programs. This training not only enhances their employability but also contributes to their sense of purpose and self-worth, opening pathways to meaningful participation in society.
Equally important, the Lab promotes social and community involvement, helping participants develop social skills through personalized coaching and real-world community placements. Programs like MindUp and PEERS focus on emotional regulation and social interactions, enabling participants to manage stress, build relationships, and engage more fully with others. By improving both their practical and emotional skills, the Life Skills Lab ensures that participants are not only prepared for independent living but are also empowered to become active, confident members of their communities. This initiative fosters a more inclusive society, where individuals with developmental disabilities can thrive and contribute, ultimately benefiting not just the participants but the broader community.

Who Will it Benefit?

Begun in 2021, Quest’s Centre for Opportunity (CFO) addresses the unique abilities and needs of young people with moderate to severe developmental disabilities facing significant barriers to a successful, independent adulthood. The primary beneficiaries of the Life Skills Lab at the Centre for Opportunity are teens and young adults (ages 15-28). These individuals require specialized, hands-on support to prepare for life beyond school. Participants are from a range of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds and the transition-to-adulthood time in their lives can be a highly stressful adjustment for them and their families. They are very vulnerable to isolation, exploitation, and decreased health outcomes and face many barriers to economic independence.
Families of our participants will also experience significant benefits, including:
Increased Confidence in Their Child's Future: Families will have greater peace of mind knowing their children are developing essential life and employment skills, preparing them for adulthood.
Community Integration: The program will foster a greater sense of inclusion, as families witness their children become more independent and involved in community life.
Tailored Support: The program offers personalized plans for each participant, ensuring families feel their child’s unique needs are being met. Life Planning Coordinators will ensure that families are kept informed about their child’s progress and evolving needs.
In summary, both the participants and their families will benefit from the Life Skills Lab’s focus on developing independence, employability, and social skills, leading to a more confident transition into adulthood for participants and reassurance for families regarding their future.