About Us

Making a difference in lives of children, youth and families in Calgary & Area since 1980.

McMan Calgary & Area

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McMan Youth, Family and Community Services Association of Calgary & Area is a responsive and innovative organization making a difference in the lives of close to 3000 vulnerable children, youth and families annually.

We support children, youth and families with complex needs that can include mental health issues, addiction, homelessness, poverty, and disability by providing them with the services and supports they need to thrive. As a fundamental practice across all McMan’s services, we work with individuals to help them build and maintain strong connections with family, friends, and their community while providing them with the skills and resources to make positive long-lasting changes in their lives.

Vision

Together we transform the lives of children, youth and families through sustainable supports and connections, leading to healthy and fulfilling lives.

Mission

To support and encourage individuals and families to achieve their full potential as members of their community.

Values

Commitment, trust, empathy, respect, genuineness.

Accreditations

Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) Canadian Accreditation Council

Acknowledgement

McMan acknowledges that we reside on Treaty 7 Territory; the ancestral and unceded land of the Blackfoot Confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, as well as the Îyarhe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina Nations and the Mêtis Nation of region 3 who call this land home. With the spirit of reconciliation we respect their histories, languages, and cultures whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant communities.

We stand with each other to speak out against racism and inequality.

Our People

McMan Calgary & Area has 120 highly skilled and trained staff who are passionate about our mission. Every one of our staff is committed to helping children, youth and their families to strengthen their relationships, build connections within their communities, and achieve their full potential.

LEADERSHIP TEAM
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Soraya SalibaMA, RSW, Executive Director

Soraya has been the Executive Director of McMan Calgary & Area since 2012, and has over 25 years’ experience in the not-for-profit sector, including 15 years of comprehensive leadership experience in senior management roles. Soraya is a Registered Social Worker and holds a Master of Arts in Leadership. Throughout her career she has been involved in a number of local and provincial initiatives aimed to address the needs of vulnerable children, youth and adults. Her interests include golf, spending time outdoors and culinary experiences.

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Jeff MorrisB.Sc., MBA Senior Director of Strategy & Operations

Jeff has been in the public service industry for over 25 years; beginning his career as a paramedic, while his last 10 years he served as senior leader of operations in the non-profit sector.  With a B.Sc. in Biology, an MBA and a recent certification in Big Data Analytics, Jeff’s innate drive to find opportunities to improve on system functions, connect with communities and provide vulnerable populations with equal access to support services has helped him navigate over 15 years of progressive senior leadership roles in operations with a strategic focus. Jeff’s interests are hiking, fishing and cooking international cuisines for friends and family.

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Alannah TurnerCPHR, Director of People & Talent

Alannah is a Senior Human Resource leader with a proven track record of supporting the growth of people and organizations by executing strategic, proactive, and practical Human Resources operations. Alannah has supported organizations (both in profit and not for profit) over the past 20+ years in Alberta. Alannah has provided HR support to many Calgary based non profits including Centre for Sexuality, Alcove Addiction and Recovery, and was a previous board member to Discovery House and Bragg Creek Community Association. Other roles included HR roles with SMART Technologies and Garmin/Dynastream as well as oil and gas service industries.

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Karin MatthiessenMA, RSW Director of Services

Inspired to pursue a career in social services by her parents who fostered numerous children throughout her childhood, Karin has been working at McMan Calgary & Area for 30 years. A Registered Social Worker, Karin also earned a Master of Arts in Leadership from Royal Roads University. Karin is passionate about program innovation and design for improved and lasting client outcomes.

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Albert MoCPA, CGA, MPAcc, Director of Finance

Albert is a CPA and CGA with a Master’s Degree in Professional Accounting with financial management & leadership experience in non-profit organizations and industry. He has done evaluations, strategic planning, and has led high-performance teams. Whether it be through impactful analysis on a diversification strategy, conducting reviews to increase perspective, or navigate complex systems to strengthen processes, Albert delivers high-integrity work and decisions to move organizations forward. His passion for serving the vulnerable aligns with McMan’s values, mission, and strategic aims. His interests outside of work are spending time outdoors and playing tennis.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Our governing Board of Directors are comprised of diverse individuals with varying backgrounds and areas of expertise. Board members volunteer their time and resources to support McMan Calgary & Area in achieving its mission to support and encourage individuals and families to achieve their full potential as members of their community.

About Us
Kirstin DanielsonBSc, LLB, LLM, MBA Board President

Kirstin has 10+ years of diverse legal and business experience including major transactions, corporate strategy and complex disputes. Kirstin’s expertise includes corporate, commercial, intellectual property, regulatory, aboriginal, and safety law. Kirstin obtained a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Law. She is a member of Bar in Alberta and British Columbia (Non-Practicing).

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Marla Van GelderBComm, CPA, CFA Treasurer

Marla has over 25 years combined experience in banking, finance, oil and gas and education. She has extensive experience in leadership development, strategic communications, financial management, enterprise risk management, investor relations and corporate governance. Marla is acting Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Services at Calgary Academy Society and is CEO of Marla Van Gelder Consulting.

About Us
Michael SelciBBA Board Member

Michael is Senior Vice President for Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC). A business leader with more than 30 years of experience, Michael’s background spans commercial finance, consulting and banking in the business, wealth and retail services areas.

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Young DawsonMSW, PMP Vice President

Born in Vietnam, Young came to Canada with her family as a refugee. Young’s background includes leading, evaluating and recommending programs that provide services to disadvantaged youth, new immigrants, people with disabilities, and individuals facing homelessness. Young is currently a Project Manager with the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) & Co- Chairs the AESO’s annual United Way Campaign.

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Zahra IsmailM.Ed, MA Board Member

Zahra is an educator and peacebuilding practitioner. Currently a faculty member at Mount Royal University, her career spans work with international non-governmental organizations such as the Aga Khan Foundation Canada, The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development, Nonviolent Peaceforce, and the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice at the University of San Diego.  Zahra’s work in the international sector focuses on training, advocacy and program design.

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Zabin JadavjiM.Sc, Secratery

Zabin has over 20 years of experience in human resources and corporate strategy in the private and not-for-profit sectors. Born and raised in Calgary, Zabin’s global experience includes over 10 years in international emerging markets recruiting, retaining and managing high performing teams. An active volunteer in the community, Zabin is committed to a better Calgary for all.  Zabin has a MSc, in Public Policy and is currently an HR Partner with Elevated HR Solutions.

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Gabriel OyedeleBComm, CPA, Board Member

Gabe is currently a Financial Analyst at Dexterra Group Inc. with previous experience auditing various industries including; oil and gas, construction, mining and non-for-profit organizations. Most recently, he worked as a Teaching Assistant with the Accounting faculty at the University of Calgary. An active volunteer in the community, Gabe has served as a mentor/coach at Immigrant Services Calgary and Calgary Youth Justice Society.

History

  • I think a lot of what happened with McMan getting started was sheer serendipity.

    Norah (McNamara) Cantin
  • McMan was one of the most exciting and gratifying experiences of my life.

    John Meston
  • My beliefs have led me down an interesting road that has produced some highlights in my life.

    Jim Allers
  • McMan couldn’t have happened without the energy, philosophy and strength of its founders.

    Rick Newcombe

On November 15, 1975, four graduates of Grant MacEwan College decided to open a group home in the inner city of Edmonton. With a vision to evoke change and contribute to the community, these individuals sought to provide support to young people who required care. This ambition ultimately resulted in the foundation of McMan Youth, Family and Community Services Association as we know it today.

Since then, the organization has evolved into a multi-regional body that serves the province of Alberta. Offering a variety of services that respond to the needs of their local communities, McMan has enabled Albertans to achieve their full potential as members of their community.

Our Partners

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Family & Community Support ServicesFunder
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City of CalgaryFunder
About Us
Calgary Fetal Alcohol NetworkFunder
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Calgary Homeless FoundationFunder
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Health CanadaFunder
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Alberta GovernmentFunder
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Calgary FoundationFunder
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Not In My CityFunder
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AventaPartner
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Hull ServicesPartner
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Catholic Family ServicePartner
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Children's Cottage SocietyPartner
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G4Partner

News

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