About Us

ABOUT US
E.C.H.O. Society is a charitable non- profit society that is a service provider in the Northcentral Region of Alberta since 1998 throughout Whitecourt, Mayerthorpe and Fox Creek.   Our mandate is to support individuals with disabilities to attain their full potential. The society is governed by a volunteer board of directors and is funded primarily through the Government of Alberta (Persons with Developmental Disabilities) and community initiatives such as fundraising and donations. We are proud members of the Disability Services Northcentral Alberta along with twelve other service providers. We provide an array of training and lifelong learning support services to enable individuals with disabilities to become a valuable part of their community.

TARGET POPULATION
The target population consists of persons of any age who have a disability that creates barriers in either community living or employment.  These disabilities can include but not exclusive to developmental, physical, sensory, brain injury, blindness, deafness, or psychological.
 
GEOGRAPHICAL AREA SERVED
The primary service area will be Whitecourt, Mayerthorpe, Fox Creek and their surrounding areas.  Provision of support to persons living more than 10 kilometers outside of these communities will depend on the availability of funds to cover travel costs, or the feasibility of establishing a viable support base at the requested location.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS – GOVERNING BODY
The members of the board are nominated and elected for positions on the Board of directors as directed by the society’s by-laws.  There are seven positions on the organization's governing board.  Our current board of directors are as follows:
            Chairman                              Peter Webb
            Vice-Chairperson                  Maria Peters
            Secretary/Treasurer              Pam Helm
            Director                                 Terry Strom
            Director                                 VACANT
            Director                                 VACANT
            Director                                 VACANT

INDIVIDUALIZED SERVICES WE OFFER
COMMUNITY LIVING
Skill development and support service for individuals whose disabilities create barriers in living independently in their homes and communities.
ADULT LEARNING
Skill development to assist individuals whose disability creates barriers to employment.  Support is given through consultation, counseling and job coaching.
EMPLOYMENT
Skill development and support service which assists individuals whose disabilities create barriers to employment. Support is offered to such individuals through consultation and counselling.
TRANSITIONAL/VOCATIONAL
Assistance to individuals with the transition from school to community living/employment.
COMMUNITY ACCESS
Services to individuals with disabilities in the areas of personal skill development (including personal hygiene and socialization), inclusion in recreational activities, complex behaviors, and mental illness/addictions.