It’s always the hope that you find a career doing what you love. For some, that connection is even deeper and goes beyond a job—it becomes a calling.
Tina Delainey, the Executive Director of the Autism Society of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) embodies a dedication to community and inclusion, born from a deeply personal journey. Her involvement with the Autism Society traces back to its start, a brainchild of her sister and her long-time friend.
During the 2016 wildfire, Delainey’s sister and her autistic child, relocated to Edmonton while waiting to re-enter the community. In Edmonton, they found invaluable support programs related to autism. When the two families returned to Fort McMurray, however, they found a support void.
“At the time, there were no organizations. There was a support group for moms helping each other, but we knew we needed more,” says Delainey. Tina was recruited by her sister and friend to help establish the society, thanks to her business background.
"I literally googled how to make a society," she says, a testament to the grassroots effort that built the organization from the ground up. This early work has now blossomed into a comprehensive society that serves more than 80 clients in the region.
The journey became even more personal for Delainey when her son received an autism diagnosis, cementing her commitment. This connection, along with a Board member's insightful question about support for adults turning 18, spurred the development of their Transitions program.
A group of participants in the Transitions program take in some social bowling.
Transitions include a variety of Life Skills, chat and chill social sessions to build connections, as well as Employment Supports, becoming a lifeline for many in the region from neurodivergent adults to parents supporting their children as they navigate life.
WBCF played a pivotal role in the program thanks to a Community Grant for the society. WBCF’s funding was critical during a period of financial uncertainty for the organization, allowing the program to continue supporting 50-80 participants each year.
“We have heard from parents that our programming has brought their children out of the basement—they find employment, they gain self-esteem, and they come into our space raring and ready-to-go,” says Delainey.
The impact has been transformative: participants gain a tight-knit community, form relationships, secure meaningful employment or volunteer opportunities, and build self-esteem.
"This week alone we had three people find jobs," Delainey shares, highlighting the tangible success. “It is challenging to find work for any adult right now, let alone for a neurodivergent person. This kind of success shows us that we are doing the right work.”
While ‘autism’ is in their name, Delainey emphasizes that the society embraces a pan-disability approach, supporting individuals with a wide spectrum of physical and cognitive disabilities, including ADHD, hearing, visual, and cognitive impairments.
With 27% of Canadians identifying with some form of disability, the need for their services in the region is immense, with a potential audience of 27,000 people in the community.
WBCF’s funding has empowered the society to provide a critical ‘no judgment zone’ where individuals can truly be themselves, free from the exhaustion of masking their differences—bridging a gap in funding that would have made it difficult to continue the program. This safe space allows participants to build meaningful friendships, find purpose, and thrive.
“I am grateful to this community, because our ability to support vulnerable people is a collective effort,” says Delainey. “We can build a true wrap-around community that embodies the spirit of Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo.”
