As we approach the holiday season, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to each of you - our supporters, members, and new friends. Your contributions are more vital than ever. With the rising number of autism diagnoses in Canada, the demand for our services is growing rapidly. We are working hard to keep pace, constantly adapting our programs to meet the diverse needs of our community.
This year, our Life Skills team introduced new workshops and learning series, addressing emerging topics to support our members in their day-to-day lives. Our Employment team integrated virtual technology into its programs, enriching our members' experiences as they prepare to enter the job market. We are committed to using our resources efficiently and stretching every dollar to make the most impact possible.
Your generosity helps us continue this essential work and so much more. During this season of giving, we are deeply grateful to everyone who considers supporting the Autism Resource Centre. We are only as strong as the community that stands with us, and with your support, we can continue to advocate for and empower autistic individuals.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Wishing you a joyful and safe holiday season.
Warm regards,
Angela Ricci and the ARC staff
Executive Director, Autism Resource Centre
My name is Nick Anderson, and I would like to share part of my story with you.
In 2019, I moved to Regina from British Columbia, leaving behind the familiar to start fresh in a new place. I felt isolated in my early months, navigating the challenges of a new environment.
Then, in March 2021, I joined the Autism Resource Centre (ARC). At first, we could only meet online because of the pandemic. When I finally stepped into an in-person program, everything changed. I was finally meeting people face-to-face and feeling connected to a community.
One of my first in-person activities was “Active with ARC," a group that combines physical activity with socializing, which was exactly what I needed after so much time indoors. ARC's welcoming atmosphere helped me rebuild my confidence and reconnect with the community.
Beyond social connection, ARC's Employment Program has been a key experience for me. With the support of an employment counselor, I revamped my resume, practiced for interviews, and strengthened my skills. This guidance led me to a job at Superstore and even part-time work with ARC itself, where I help scan documents. Having ARC’s support made all the difference - making me feel comfortable and prepared every step of the way.
Since joining ARC, my life has changed in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I'm more independent, more social, and more confident in my day-to-day life. I've tried new things - like archery! - and I've formed lasting friendships. I now have a community that genuinely cares, helping me build a future full of potential and possibility, providing support at every step.
This journey wouldn't have been possible without the Autism Resource Centre - and
without people like you who believe in its mission. Your generosity helps
individuals like me find support, guidance, and a sense of belonging.
Your continued support ensures that every individual looking for hope,
connection, and purpose has a place to turn. I am living proof of what that
support can mean.
Thank you for standing with ARC and for believing in people like me.
My name is Jeanette Quon, and I’d love to share how the Autism Resource Centre (ARC) has become an important part of my family's life.
My husband, Ray, and I have spent our lives here in Regina, raising our two children, Kalieb and Kaylee, with our beloved dog Fluffy. We cherish family time, whether cheering at Roughrider games or camping in the Saskatchewan summers. Through it all, we strive to support Kalieb and Kaylee as they grow and navigate life’s challenges.
We learned about ARC's Summer Program through Kalieb's teacher. She recommended it as a safe, structured environment for autistic youth. We were thrilled when Kalieb got a spot this past summer. Sadly, Kaylee wasn’t accepted this year, which was difficult for her as she had truly bonded with peers and staff the year before. It was heartbreaking to share the news, especially since we couldn’t find a similar camp that could accommodate her needs in such a supportive way.
The ARC Summer Program offers far more than a traditional day camp. For Kalieb, it’s been a place to practice routines, strengthen life skills, and learn self-regulation strategies. For example, he now uses stretchy fidgets and looks for “STOP” signs before crossing the street. You can see the love he's found in new activities, like swimming and helping with tasks like wiping doorknobs or pulling weeds. These moments of growth may seem small, but to us, they mean the world. They are precious moments of discovery, and we love seeing him thrive, given the opportunity.
The outings and social experiences ARC provides are equally important. Field trips to places like the RCMP Heritage Centre and the Saskatchewan Science Centre help our children. They can adjust to new surroundings, practice social skills, and enjoy experiences with their peers. When school resumes in the fall, these experiences make their transition smoother, which is a relief for all of us.
As parents, we're grateful for ARC’s impact on our lives, and we wish every family had the chance to benefit from their programs. The demand for the Summer Program is high, and every year, families like ours face
the reality that not every child can get a spot. Expanding programs like ARC’s would
allow more kids to thrive, build confidence, and gain critical life skills.
Supporting ARC means supporting families like ours. It ensures a brighter, more
inclusive future for our children. Thank you for believing in ARC’s mission and
helping make a difference for families in our community.
When Tyson first joined the Autism Resource Centre, he felt uncertain and out of his comfort zone. But ARC’s welcoming and flexible environment helped him ease into programs like Chill & Connect—without pressure, without judgment.
Now, nearly two years later, Tyson reflects on how ARC has become like a second home. From riding the bus and recognizing familiar faces to feeling truly at ease in a supportive community, he’s found belonging:
💬 “The staff help to support me in the right ways… helping me keep going in the right direction. I’m not forced, and I’ve learned over the last years what my limits are thanks to that.”
Through Chill & Connect, Tyson has built friendships, ventured outside his comfort zone, and embraced the joy of being part of a group:
💬 “It’s getting out of the house, hanging out with people you probably wouldn’t know otherwise, socializing, and just having fun with people who are similar to you.”
For Tyson, ARC isn’t just a place—it’s a feeling of comfort, acceptance, and understanding:
💬“It’s comfortable and welcoming… to the point of, ‘Hey, I’m not any different than anyone else here.’”
This December, your donation can ensure more individuals like Tyson find their second home at ARC. Programs like Chill & Connect rely on your support to provide the safe spaces and life-changing opportunities that help people thrive.
🌟 Tyson’s advice for someone considering joining?
💬 “Just go, get a word search or a coloring sheet, and try. This is the
new best thing.”
Make a gift today and help create more stories like Tyson’s:
Together, we can make ARC a place where everyone belongs. ❤️