$1.25M grant for CASE to support purchase of facility

EDMONTON Tears ran down Ashley Willis’s face Friday as she described how much Children’s Autism Services of Edmonton (CASE) means to her and her family.

“This place equipped us with having a life … having a close to regular life with Derek,” she said.

Derek, her five-year-old son, began experiencing developmental challenges when he was about 12 to 18 months old.

“We didn’t know what we needed, but we knew we needed help,” she said. “We didn’t know what kind of help we needed. So the different services they provide, from speech and behaviour … This is how they help you and you realize this is the kind of help you need.”

Culture and Tourism Minister Ricardo Miranda announced Friday a $1.25-million grant to CASE to support its purchase of a facility at 9765 54 Ave. in south Edmonton, a news release said.

The purchase and renovations will cost $3.3 million, with CASE providing $1.95 million from its capital campaign and private financing.

CASE executive director Terri Duncan said the recent economic downturn meant less corporate funding and donations, so the grant fills that gap.

“This building is not about bricks and mortar. It’s about the feeling that families get when they’re here,” she said. “It’s about creating a safe space where they are understood, where we get it. Autism is a journey that requires every ounce of strength from families.”

Willis is thankful for the services CASE offers.

“I have a young son with autism and it is such, such a learning curve to figure out how to bring up this child with all of the challenges and struggles that come with it,” she said.

Derek has been at CASE for two years and will go to kindergarten next year.

“He has changed and grown so much in the last two years that I look forward to seeing the improvement. I don’t know what his future looks like, but we are looking forward to it,” she said.

Parent Jocelyn Psikla’s six-yearold son, Calum Jones, was born prematurely at 26 weeks and suffers from neuromuscular delays, sensory processing issues and behavioural issues.

But with help from CASE, her son is now in preschool, Psikla said.

“This was huge for my family. This changed our lives,” she said. “It’s a foundation for my son that will ( be with) him through his entire life.”

SHAUGHN BUTTS Derek Willis, 5, plays among NDP MLAs Ricardo Miranda, left, and Jon Carson, at Children’s Autism Services of Edmonton (CASE). CASE provides assistance for Derek and his mother.