CUPS Calgary Society

CUPS Calgary Society is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families in Calgary who face challenges related to poverty, trauma, and systemic marginalization. Established in 1989, CUPS adopts an integrated approach to care that emphasizes building resilience and promoting healthy brain development to create lasting positive change in the lives of those it serves.

Mission and Vision

The mission of CUPS Calgary Society is to assist adults and families living with the adversity of poverty and traumatic experiences to become self-sufficient through integrated healthcare, education, and housing services. The organization envisions a community where Calgarians overcome adversity, reach their potential, and break the cycle of poverty and trauma for themselves and future generations.

Programs and Services

CUPS Calgary offers a broad range of free programs designed to holistically address the complex needs of its clients. These services focus on three key areas:

• Housing & Economic Support
• Health Services
• Family & Child Development

The organization uses an Integrated Care Tool to understand and support the multi-dimensional health and well-being of individuals, facilitating tailored interventions that foster resilience.

Approach and Impact

For over 35 years, CUPS has been a formative presence in Calgary’s social support landscape. Instead of focusing on "what is wrong" with individuals, it asks, "what happened to you as a child," centering trauma-informed care in its approach. By combining healthcare, housing, and educational support, CUPS helps clients navigate community resources and build stronger, healthier lives.

In the 2023 fiscal year, CUPS reported assisting over 6,000 individuals through its programs. The organization is recognized for its financial transparency and effectiveness, earning a 5-star rating from Charity Intelligence Canada and ranking among the Top 100 Impact Charities in Canada.

Strategic Vision

CUPS Calgary’s strategic plan for 2024-2028 focuses on strengthening partnerships, enhancing service delivery, and increasing its overall impact to better serve Calgary’s most vulnerable populations amidst ongoing economic challenges.

Governance and Values

The organization operates under values of compassion, dignity, collaboration, accountability, and ingenuity. It maintains high standards in financial management, with approximately 83 cents of every donated dollar directed towards program delivery.

CUPS Calgary Society represents an essential resource for marginalized Calgarians, combining evidence-based practices with a compassionate, integrated care model to foster resilience and empower individuals and families to achieve sustainable well-being.

[1] https://www.cupscalgary.com [2] https://www.cupscalgary.com/about-us [3] https://www.cupscalgary.com/contact [4] https://www.charityintelligence.ca/charity-details/404-cups-calgary-society [5] https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/calgary-urban-project-society-cups/