Autism Aspergers Friendship Society’s Clubhouse of CARE: FAQ

Have a question but don’t see it here? Contact Executive Director, Dean Svoboda at .

Why does AAFS need a permanent clubhouse?

A permanent AAFS Clubhouse will enable AAFS to achieve the following:

  • Fill current service gaps in the Autism Community, namely:
  • Transitional Housing: A section of the house will be dedicated as space where individuals can learn and practice daily living skills.
  • 24 Hour Overnight Respite: There are very limited options for families requiring overnight respite. A section of the house will be renovated to accommodate up to 10 individuals for overnight respite.
  • Before/After School Care: The AAFS Clubhouse would be open 24/7 so itcan offer respite to families as needed.
  • Vocational Opportunities: Maintenance and upkeep of the facility would be performed by community members looking for meaningful part-time work. Through real work experience, they will learn and develop essential job skills.
  • Customize space to meet its operational needs
  • For years, AAFS has adapted its needs to fit the space. A permanent home will mean dedicated office and storage space, as well as calming areas for youth and embed other important elements to support its members. .

How much does AAFS want to raise?

To fund the purchase and renovation of a permanent facility (“the AAFS Clubhouse”), the AAFS Board of Directors and Staff have a launched a $1,000,000 capital campaign entitled “Building Friendship and Community Brick by Brick”.

The Capital Campaign is the result of an 18-month Feasibility Study conducted in 2011-12 by Social Venture Partners (SVP). One of thekey recommendations called for a more stable facility for AAFS to successfully manage their growth and operations. The AAFS Clubhouse will achieve exactly that.

The goal includes all costs associated with this project:

Item / Revenue
**House Purchase / $800,000
Renovations / $100,000
*Sustainability Fund / $100,000
Total / $900,000
*Taxes, Additional renovations, emergency repairs etc.

**Includes legal fees and other associated fees with property purchase

How many families does AAFS support?

AAFS currently supports more than 500 families impacted by autism and similar disorders and expects this number to increase to 1500 families within the next 3 years.

How does AAFS plan to raise $1,000,000?

AAFS is asking all of their families to raise at least $1,000 from their personal and professional contacts and resources. A one-time contribution of $1000 per family costs less than a tall latte at Starbucks a day for a year!You can do this by reaching out to family and friends to make a direct donation to AAFS, holding a fun event to raise funds, asking your employer if they have an employee giving and matching program – all ideas are welcome! By doing so, AAFS families will raise at least $500,000 – half the goal!

AAFS representatives are also approaching prominent Calgary businesses and organizations to invest in the AAFS Clubhouse. If you would like AAFS to approach a business leader or company, please contact Dean Svoboda, Executive Director, at .

Is there a deadline to raise the $1,000,000?

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What happens if AAFS doesn’t raise $1,000,000 by a specific date?

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I have an idea for an event but need some help. How can AAFS help me?

Contact Dean at and AAFS will try and support you as much as possible.