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Gladys, Courtney, Jayda, Kelsey and Maggie
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A Wonderful Summer Taking Place at Astonished!Summer is in full-swing here at Astonished! with sunshine, friendship, community and joy! From evening adventures under the open sky, getting our hands dirty in the Garden of Wellness soil, and lots of reading and learning, our Core Members are making the most out of every opportunity to build connections!
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Summer Literacy is Underway!
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1st day of Summer Literacy
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Summer Literacy kicked off on Thursday, July 2nd, and we're off to a fantastic start! Core Members welcomed our summer staff, participated in fun icebreaker activities to get to know one another, and celebrated Dennis's 50th birthday together—a wonderful way to begin the program!
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This summer, we're reading If at Birth You Don't Succeed by Zach Anner. This humorous memoir shares Zach's experiences growing up with cerebral palsy, highlighting how he has faced life's challenges with resilience, optimism, and plenty of laughter. His story reminds us that everyone's journey is unique and that finding humour in everyday life can help us overcome obstacles.
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Along with our reading, Core Members have been exploring a variety of engaging literacy topics. So far, we've learned about environmental literacy, including ways to reduce our carbon footprint and make environmentally friendly choices. We've also had some great discussions about artificial intelligence (AI), learning how to recognize AI-generated content online, think critically about what we see on the internet, and understand the importance of checking whether information is real or misleading.
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Celebrating Dennis turning 50!!
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There's even more to look forward to in the coming weeks! We'll be exploring topics such as healthy habits, exercise and movement, relationships, friendships, and networking, self-care, and financial literacy.
We're excited to continue learning, sharing ideas, and making memories together. We can't wait to see what the rest of the summer has in store!
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|  | Carter, Jerome, Amanda, Logan, Lexie, Sean @ Scavenger Hunt | |  |
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The Big Sky Outdoor Adventure program has been making the most of another fantastic summer! Each event has provided a new opportunity for Core Members to get outdoors, connect with friends, and create lasting memories. So far this season, Core Members have enjoyed exploring local vendors at Bazaart, getting creative during Paint and Picnic, relaxing at Movie Night (which moved indoors due to weather), and putting their teamwork to the test with an exciting Scavenger Hunt. These experiences are about more than just summer fun—they help build friendships, confidence, and a strong sense of community.
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Pagan & Jerome @ Paint & Picnic
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Sophie & Sean @ Backyard movie night that moved to garage due to rain!
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Every Monday in June and every Tuesday throughout July and August, Core Members come together in community and creativity through the Garden of Wellness. Set within a vibrant community garden, this program blends relaxation, nature, and hands-on experiences that encourage connection and self-expression. Throughout the summer, Core Members enjoy a variety of seasonal activities, including plant label making, solar paper art, crystal sun catcher creations, clay nature impressions, pressed flower jars, tie-dye tote bags, birdhouse painting, and crafting pine cone feeders. These creative projects add colour and personality to the garden while giving Core Members meaningful opportunities to explore, create, and connect with one another in a welcoming outdoor space.
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Celebrating Rebekah's birthday at the Garden
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While we’ve already shared many memorable experiences together this summer, there’s still plenty to look forward to in the Garden of Wellness. Core Members will continue to connect through upcoming activities including nature painting, bingo and meditation, and rock painting paired with a nature mandala. We’re grateful for the creativity, enthusiasm, and sense of community that each Core Member brings, and we can’t wait to finish the season by making even more meaningful memories together.
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Growing GratitudeGrowing Gratitude - Rooted in Strength raises money to fund the innovative and vital work of Astonished! and shares stories of gratitude. Almost 60% of our annual budget is supported by generous donors like you. We invite you to support Astonished! and share your story with us. We are better together!
Young adults with complex physical disAbilities are leading the way as they pursue their dreams and create a vibrant, inclusive community. With your support, together we are building something truly meaningful! All donations of $15 or more receive a charitable tax receipt.
The 2026 Growing Gratitude - Rooted in Strength campaign runs from June 1 to August 30.
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Megan AndersonHi everyone! My name is Megan Anderson, I'm 35 years old, and I love being part of the Astonished! community.
One of my favourite things is music. I love listening to it, singing along, and having fun at the Music with Emma events. They're always a highlight for me because I know the words to just about every song! Singing along with everyone always puts a smile on my face.
I'm also really excited that summer is here! There are so many fun things happening at Astonished!, and I can't wait to enjoy them all. One of my favourite programs is the Big Sky Summer Outdoor Adventure Program. I love spending time outside with the Astonished! staff and other Core Members. Our winters are so long in Saskatchewan, so I think it's important to get outside and enjoy the sunshine while we can!
Something I'm really proud of right now is that I've been reading more often at work. This summer, I'm looking forward to being part of Summer Literacy and reading If At Birth You Don't Succeed. Reading has become something I really enjoy, and it's exciting to keep building that habit.
When I'm not at Astonished!, I have lots of hobbies that keep me busy. I enjoy doing puzzles, going to Friendship Club every week, bowling in my league, and going to the movies.
I'm also a diehard Regina Pats fan! I have season tickets and hardly ever miss a game. The only thing that might keep me away is if it's -50 outside! (And anyone who knows Saskatchewan winters knows that's saying something!)
Another thing people know about me is that I'm a huge Shania Twain fan. My favourite song is “Don't Be Stupid (You Know I Love You),” and one of my biggest dreams is to see her perform live in concert someday. I think it would be an unforgettable experience!
And here's another fun fact—you can almost always find me with a Dr Pepper!!! It's definitely my favourite drink!
During the week, I work Monday to Friday at Cosmopolitan Learning Centre. I also love spending time with my niece whenever I get the chance. Family means a lot to me, and I enjoy making special memories together.
Here's something people might not know about me: I'm a great-aunt! It's something I'm very proud of, and I love that role.
Thank you for taking the time to get to know me a little better! If you see me around Astonished!, come say hi—you'll probably find me singing along to a favourite song, talking about the Regina Pats, enjoying a Dr Pepper, or looking forward to the next fun adventure!
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Saydi ReinhardtMy name is Saydi. I have been with Astonished! since March of 2024 as a fieldwork student and then moved through roles as a Summer Literacy Leader, Program Support Person, and as Garden Lady Saydi!
After 5 years of University, I convocated with my Bachelor of Health Studies in June of 2024. Throughout my education and fieldwork placements, I developed a passion for person-centred programming, learning from people’s lived experiences, and fostering inclusion.
I believe it is important to always try something new as you can never have too many hobbies. That being said, I have so many things I love to do. Some include reading, drawing, playing video games, fibre arts, exercising and travelling with my partner! I can't wait to try new things in Summer Literacy and have fun outdoors with everyone this summer!
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Alexandria Adrian-BergenHi! I’m Lexie! After completing my fieldwork placement and earning my Bachelor of Kinesiology in Human Kinetics, I am grateful for the opportunity to continue with Astonished! as part of the Summer Literacy Team. I’m also excited to begin the Therapeutic Recreation program this fall.
Over the past several months, I have had the pleasure of connecting with Student Researchers, Core Members, and the dedicated staff. Through these experiences, I have built meaningful relationships while gaining a deeper understanding of inclusion, community, and the important role that connection plays in people’s lives.
I have truly enjoyed being part of weekly programming, social club events, dance nights, the 14th Annual Spring Gala, Big Sky Summer Outdoor Adventure, and Garden of Wellness. Continuing with Astonished! this summer has allowed me to further grow both personally and professionally.
When I’m not studying or at Astonished!, you can usually find me spending time outdoors, crocheting something cozy, or enjoying time with friends and family.
Thank you to everyone at Astonished! for welcoming me so warmly and making this experience so meaningful!
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Sophie LipothHi everyone! My name is Sophie, and I am a fourth-year Human Kinetics student at the University of Regina. I began my journey with Astonished! in January 2026 as a volunteer for A!TLC and Social Club. I was welcomed with open arms by all of our members and staff, who accepted me as part of this wonderful community.
Throughout the winter semester, I continued to volunteer, enjoying each and every A!TLC program day and Social Club event I was able to attend. During this time, I formed significant bonds with our members, developing a deep passion for accessible and inclusive community work. I am now lucky enough to be working as a summer student for Astonished!, continuing to learn and grow every day from this experience.
Working with Astonished! has been incredibly valuable, supporting my journey to be a better support worker, ally and future Occupational Therapist. The relationships I have developed through this program have allowed me to better understand the lived experiences of people with complex physical disabilities. I greatly look forward to continuing this growth throughout the summer, and into the semester.
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Daniel Ekine
My name is Daniel Ekine, and I am currently in my final semester at the University of Regina, pursuing a Bachelor of Kinesiology with a major in Health Studies.
I am grateful for the opportunity to complete my Fieldwork at Astonished! and to build meaningful relationships with the Core Members, staff, and A! community. My experience with the organization has strengthened my skills in many ways, but I especially enjoy planning, organizing, and facilitating activities that foster an inclusive, supportive, and welcoming community.
Every day at Astonished! brings new opportunities to learn and grow, and I am excited to continue developing my skills while contributing to the Summer Programs.
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Amel Osman
My name is Amel, and I am in my final semester at the University of Regina, pursuing my degree in Health Studies. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time learning and growing in this field, and I have been incredibly excited to bring my knowledge into a practical, hands-on environment.
I am passionate about health equity, community wellness, and learning how to support individuals through inclusive, person-centred care. I enjoy helping plan programs with the Astonished! team, where I can focus on creating inclusive, engaging, and meaningful community experiences. I have enjoyed being a part of Astonished! this semester, helping out with A!TLC was insightful and being able to also experience Summer Literacy, Social Club, Outdoor Adventure and Garden of Wellness has been exciting. I am thrilled to continue to offer my support in daily activities, and help design recreational initiatives for the Core Members that foster connection and independence.
Outside of my studies and work with Astonished!, I love reading, and immersive fantasy books like the Mistborn trilogy are my absolute favourite way to unwind.
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Yashvi Laicha
Hi! My name is Yashvi Laicha, and I am currently completing the final semester of my Bachelor of Kinesiology and Health Studies with a major in Human Kinetics at the University of Regina.
This summer, I am completing my fieldwork placement with Astonished!, where I have had the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with the Core Members while learning more about inclusion, accessibility, and recognizing each person's unique strengths.
Being part of Astonished! has been an incredibly rewarding experience that has helped me grow both personally and professionally. I have always enjoyed helping others and find joy in making a positive difference, no matter how small.
Outside of school, I enjoy cooking, going for walks and spending time in nature, connecting with friends and family, and listening to music. I look forward to continuing to grow as a future healthcare professional and carrying the lessons I've learned at Astonished! with me throughout my career.
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Thank You
We are thankful for our collaboration with the City of Regina. Astonished! receives funding from the City of Regina Social Development Grant - to partially fund the Social Club.
In the letter accompanying the grant, the city wrote “Your program provides supportive, meaningful, and accessible social, recreational, and cultural activities to young adults with complex physical disabilities. The committee acknowledged that your program responds to a great need in community and aligns strongly to the City’s social development priorities.”
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Thank You
Thank you, Fidelity Investments, for supporting the work of Astonished! through a generous donation to support our overall programs.
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Thank You
Thank you to our summer volunteers. You have gone above and beyond during the summer programs. Special thanks to Amanda LaRose, Carter Brown, Lindsay Martin, Julianna Gaudreau, Elisa Wong.
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University of Regina
3737 Wascana Parkway
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Regina, | S4S 0A2 CA |
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