Hello Tama Lynn,

We hope you’re enjoying the start of summer in the Sea to Sky. It’s been an exciting season for WISH, with growing momentum, expanding community involvement, and meaningful progress toward bringing our vision to life.

As Whistler continues to evolve, so does the opportunity to help shape a more inclusive, connected, and compassionate community for adults with developmental disabilities. WISH is proud to be part of that future, and this spring feels like the beginning of something truly meaningful.

In this newsletter, we’re excited to share recent highlights, community updates, and the momentum driving WISH forward.

WISH was honoured to be featured in The Bookless Club article highlighting Sue Hargrave’s advocacy and the vision behind The Traverse. The story shares the journey that inspired WISH’s work to create inclusive housing and supportive opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities in Whistler.

We’re grateful to see these important conversations gaining momentum and thankful to everyone helping build a more connected, compassionate, and inclusive community.

WISH is exploring a range of programs that foster independence, belonging, and overall well-being. With strong community support and meaningful progress underway, we’re closer than ever to bringing this vision to life.

This is about more than housing; it’s about creating a place where adults with developmental disabilities feel supported, connected, and empowered to thrive.

WISH is exploring future programming focused on:
💙 Life skills development
💙 Social connection and community inclusion
💙 Independence and well-being

Because when we create spaces where everyone belongs, the whole community becomes stronger.

Stay tuned as we roll out this exciting new opportunity. Please connect with us if you are interested in learning more.

Future Resident Feature: Sarah                                                                                    

"I want to be a cartoonist," says Sarah. Sarah was born with an undiagnosed cognitive disorder, which in very broad terms means she has mental developmental issues. Today she has a regular job in a local grocery store, is an artist, an athlete, a client and mentor with the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program and a valuable member of the Whistler community. Involvement in the community helps correct societal misperceptions of intellectual disability and mental illness.

After leaving high school, young people like Sarah find themselves heavily dependent on family members. In school there is a support system, which includes aid workers and counsellors, but once they graduate some feel the support and structure falls away. Whistler is still developing the support systems these young people need to positively contribute to the community they live in. Support for employment, life skill training, and programs for supported housing needs to be considered in Whistler. People with developmental disabilities, like anyone, don’t want to live with their parents forever, they want to be with their friends and experience the world around them. They have career aspirations and dreams of a fulfilled life.

It has been suggested that Sarah move to Squamish or Pemberton where there is supported housing options. Sarah’s friends, work, social life and her sense of belonging is in Whistler. Whistler is her home.

We invite you to make a gift today to help WISH reach our endowment goal. Your support will create a lasting impact for generations to come.

Registered Charitable #: 78756 0739 RR0001 
WWW.WISHSOCIETY.CA
info@wishsociety.ca 

102-4369 Main Street
Whistler, BC V8E 1B4

We gratefully and respectfully acknowledge that our workplace, the land now known as Whistler, lies in the unceded territory of the Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh and Líl̓wat Nations.