About Us - Taber Special Needs

Young man with Down syndrome and his mentoring friend sitting and taking selfie indoors cafe

About TSN

Taber Special Needs Society is an accredited organization in Creating Excellence Together Standards (CET) and workplace safety Certificate of Recognition (COR) that provides a broad range of services to help people with developmental disabilities achieve their best life.

Our History

Taber Special Needs Society has been providing valuable services to families and individuals with developmental disabilities since 1987. The Society is a registered non-profit organization and governed by a board of directors.

In 1989, we changed our name from “The Concerned Citizens for Exceptional People” to “Taber Special Needs Society.”
In 1989, the Society began providing employment supports to adults with developmental disabilities and in 1991, residential and community inclusions supports.
1992 brought the opening of the first accessible 24-hour staff home for 3 individuals.
In 1999, we ventured into a social enterprise opportunity and opened The Beary Patch, a retail consignment store.
We expended our social enterprise in 2012 to include The Health Equipment Locker.
In 2018, the Society relocated its main office and employment and community inclusions supports to the heart of Taber community, where remain today.

The Society continues to empower and support people with developmental disabilities to experience the vibrancy and opportunities available to them in the community of Taber and to feel a sense of belonging.

Executive Director

Krista Douglas

I am the Executive Director of the Taber Special Needs Society. I bring over 35 years of experience in the Community Disability industry. I have a passion for creating spaces where everyone feels they belong and have opportunities to thrive in their community. I am honored to work alongside a committed Team at Taber Special Needs Society that is dedicated to making meaningful impacts on the lives of those we support.

Board Members

“Taber Special Needs (TSN) society is a valuable agency serving Taber & area for over 30 years. Collectively Krista & her staff serve over 30 individuals – they are caring & committed people who make a positive impact on the everyday lives of those individuals. It is my privilege to participate on TSN’s Board of Directors.”

Rob Cressman
Chair

“I have been on the Board of Taber Special Needs for some 7 years. I have ALWAYS been impressed by the administration and staff. They are very empathetic and compassionate with the people we serve. I think we are truly blessed to have this organization in this community.”

Garth Bekkering
Vice Chair

“Before I joined the Taber Special Needs (TSN) society board, I was not aware of the well established, organized, and far reaching impact that TSN has on some of Taber’s most cherished individuals. TSN promotes inclusion and respect, and helps relieve stress on families by promoting friendships and constructive activities for its individuals and their friends and families. It is truly an agency that is more like a large caring family. I am grateful to be involved and I always experience a special admiration and inspiration being around the staff and the individuals.”

Darin Wight
Treasurer

“I joined the Taber Special Needs Society Board as I wanted to learn about an area of our community I knew little about. The experience has been very rewarding. The Board members are very action oriented and caring and wish to make a difference. I have gotten to know some of the staff and the individuals we represent and have been nothing short of amazed. The individuals and those that work with them volunteer in so many capacities and are such an important part of our community. I am so glad I made the decision to join the board as my life is better for it.”

Aline Holmen
Secretary

“I have been a Director on the Taber Special Needs Board since 2019. I am a former school administrator and honoured to be on the TSN Board. I look forward to achieving the goals on our strategic plan which will benefit both our clients and employees. I’m married to Kevin, who is the past president of the Taber Food Bank, Director of the Handi-Bus Board and a member of the Knights of Columbus. As a family Kevin and I believe that it is important to give back to the community that they live in.”

Val Leahy

“Taber Special Needs have given our son a big group of social activities and friends. Allowing him to be doing the activities appropriate for his abilities at this time in his life. We are thankful for those who work with him to accomplish his goals.”

Nola Williams

“I’m honored and excited to be given the opportunity to be involved with a society that has a strong history in our town and strives to enhance the quality of life of individuals with developmental disabilities. I’m always amazed at how our community “steps up the plate” to support organizations and I look forward to being a voice of Taber Special Needs Society so that our goals are met.”

Jeanne Rudolf

Purpose

To empower, support, and promote the participation of people with developmental disabilities in their community.

Mission

We are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of individuals with developmental disabilities by providing supports and opportunities that they may live, learn, work, and be valued participating members of their community.

Vision

Our vision is to be a viable organization that supports people with developmental disabilities to have the same opportunities as everyone else in their community.

Values

To promote and support the participation of individuals with developmental disabilities in their community.
That all persons should have the opportunity to experience a quality of life that reflects pride and accomplishment.
Provide environments which allow people the opportunity to express themselves without fear of ridicule and that nurtures self-reliance and self-motivation.