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A New Season. New Opportunities.
More Ways to Make a Difference.
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Dear Making Changes Community,
Fall is a season of new beginnings — a new school year, new career opportunities, and new goals to work toward.
Across Making Changes Association, women and teen girls are taking their next steps toward employment, education, independence, and new possibilities. Join us online on September 9 for Making Changes Association’s 2026 Annual General Meeting as we reflect on our 2025/26 fiscal year and look ahead to the opportunities ahead, register today to reserve your spot.
And this fall, there are even more ways to learn, participate, volunteer, donate, and support our community. From launching a brand-new digital skills program, to welcoming new cohorts, preparing for the Women in Technology Hackathon, and helping teen girls start the school year feeling confident, there is a lot happening at Making Changes.
Here’s what’s happening this fall — and how you can be part of it.
| | Help Her Start the School Year with Confidence | | Our Back to School campaign continues until September 18, and your support can help more Calgary teen girls start their school year with confidence. | | NEW! Digital Skills for Work & Learning | | Learn the tools. Practice the skills. Prepare for what’s next. | | |
This fall, Making Changes Association is introducing Digital Skills for Work & Learning, a new no-cost, 8-week program designed to help women and gender-diverse learners strengthen the digital skills needed for work, job search, and education.
From joining an online meeting and writing a professional email, to navigating learning platforms, organizing documents, and using workplace tools, the program provides a supportive space to practice everyday digital tasks and build confidence using technology more independently.
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Along the way, students will also explore their employment and education goals, strengthen their communication and problem-solving skills, and prepare for their next steps.
This program is designed for foundational learners with beginner English or literacy skills, low computer and technology skills, and plans to pursue education or entry-level employment.
Digital Skills for Work & Learning is funded through Calgary Learns.
| | Fall Registration: Build Confidence, One Click at a Time | | |
Ready to Build Your Future in Tech?
A new Women in Technology cohort is coming this fall, offering women the opportunity to build technical skills, gain practical experience, and prepare for new career opportunities in Calgary’s tech sector.
The program combines Full-Stack Web Development with Python, Employment & Power Skills, and a 4–6 week practicum, creating opportunities to strengthen both technical and workplace skills.
Applications are open until September 13.
| | | Hackathon: Turning Skills into Solutions | | |
The experience is made possible with industry support:
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MNP Digital is providing App in a Day training, hackathon environments, business case design support, and day-of coaching.
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Alberta Blue Cross is providing mentors for each of the five teams, along with support in preparing and designing the business case.
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Suncor is providing the business case students will tackle.
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Our Closet Needs Your Help
Right now, some of our most-needed items are:
- T-shirts — all sizes
- Pants — especially XS–S / sizes 0–4
- Smaller-size bras
- Brand-new underwear
Your clothing donations help ensure teen girls can find items that fit their bodies, needs, and personal style.
| | Dress For Success Calgary | | A New Look. The Same Commitment to Women. | |
In Her Own Words: Violeta’s Journey
For Violeta, a newcomer navigating Calgary’s job market, a visit to Dress for Success Calgary meant much more than finding professional clothing.
“As a newcomer navigating the job market, opportunities like this mean much more than simply receiving professional clothing. They provide confidence, encouragement, and a reminder that there is a community willing to support and uplift others as they work toward their goals.”
Her experience is one of many. In the first half of 2026, 950 women have been supported through Dress for Success Calgary, gaining access to clothing, support, and a community that helps them feel more prepared for what comes next.
Be Part of What Comes Next
This fall, you can continue supporting women in our community by:
| | Your Time Can Help Someone Move Forward | | |
Community engagement helps us build stronger connections and ensures women and teen girls know about the resources, programs, and opportunities available to them.
This fall, we are looking for volunteers to support:
Basic Digital Skills
Help foundational learners practice and build their confidence using computers and technology.
Digital Skills for Work & Learning
Support learners as they practice digital skills for employment, job search, and education.
Whether you contribute your time, skills, or experience, volunteering is another way to strengthen our community and help learners move toward their goals.
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Exciting Events Are Coming This Fall
Mark your calendar! This fall, we’re bringing our community together for two special events in support of women and teen girls across Calgary.
| | Making Changes Association Event & Silent Auction | |
Join us on October 7 for a special Making Changes Association event and silent auction.
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Dress for Success Calgary
Fall Into Confidence
| Save November 4 for our Fall Into Confidence Fundraising Event, an evening in support of Dress for Success Calgary and the women we serve. | | | |
As we move into fall, we’re looking forward to another season of learning, connection, and opportunity across Making Changes Association.
Every program, milestone, and new beginning is strengthened by the people who make up our community — our clients, learners, volunteers, donors, partners, and supporters.
Want to help?
Monthly gifts make a big difference. Just $10 can cover a woman’s ride to career training, and $25 can provide a week of digital access. Your steady support creates lasting, year-round impact.
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💛 Volunteer — bring your time, talents, and compassion to support women in transition.
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💛 Share our mission — forward this email, post on social media, or talk to your community. Every voice amplifies our mission.
Thank you for being part of Making Changes and for helping women and teen girls across Calgary move forward with confidence.
Together, we’re making changes.
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STAY IN TOUCH WITH US
Did you know that you can find us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube?
If you aren’t already, follow us on social media where we share information about our programs and events. Share links with your networks to help us spread the word!
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