Not all heroes wear capes – Soaring Eagle Support Society provides unique services to people with learning/developmental barriers

By Quinn Fisher

“We do this kind of work out of passion and the love of helping others,” said Shelagh Watson, co-founder of Soaring Eagle Support Society (SESS). Since 2007, she and her husband, Dennis Watson, with their two sons and daughter have been providing advocacy support to special needs individuals that may be marginalized in society due to developmental or learning barriers. SESS is a non-profit organization that falls under the Society Act of Alberta. Currently, the association is looking to apply for charity status through Revenue Canada.  

On a separate note, SESS is also in the process of partnering with CALP or the Community Adult Learning Program which is based at Grant MacEwan and will provide training for staff in assisting clients with basic math and reading literacy skills. Shelagh said, “We would have volunteers and advocates work with clients one-on-one. This will allow them to study in a safe, stigma-free environment that is not classroom oriented. Clients could then work towards getting their GED or driver’s licence.” SESS also helps clients with medical and legal documents and assists with filing taxes for up to 10 years. Currently, there is a free tax filing service offered through the Allan & Jean Millar Centre that only files for the current year. Some clients have never filed income tax.

“We provide a centre for marginalized people and services to clients that they cannot get anywhere else either because the client doesn’t know how to access services or faces developmental barriers that prevent them from understanding what is required and needed to be done. Our goals are to provide hand-holding support for potential clients by taking them to referrals, ensuring things get done correctly, and assisting individuals with access to support that promotes self-reliance and interdependence. Navigating the legal system can be a herculean task. To that end, Dennis is our court advocate and works closely with clients, lawyers, and judges,” Watson said.

Mr. Watson elaborated by saying, “We are the buffer between the client and the legal system. I’ll sit beside them during court, explain what the judge is saying to the client in a way that the client can understand, and provide referrals to other agencies such as doctors and social workers.” The Watsons spend a lot of time with their clients advocating for them.

SESS is currently in the process of renovating its building where it will become the central hub for the many programs they would like to offer to the Town of Whitecourt.  “We want people to feel safe and welcomed when they come to see us,” said Dennis.  SESS is hoping to build more washrooms and showers for people who usually don’t have access to these amenities. Plans also include a laundry room, a central kitchen area, and meeting areas for clients, family members, and support workers.

Finding enough funding has been a big hurdle. SESS relies heavily on volunteers and donations to operate. The society is planning to apply for government grants which will allow for paid staff. An application is also planned for funding to upgrade the building.  In the meantime, SESS is looking for volunteers and donations to make this encompassing vision a reality to serve Whitecourt. Contact Dennis at 780-778-0148 if you’re interested in volunteering.