Resilient Hearts is a Calgary-based organization dedicated to empowering young adults with developmental disabilities. Led by CEO Arshdeep Sandhu, the organization was founded to address a gap in services for those transitioning into adulthood. Resilient Hearts provides skill-focused programs that teach essential life skills and advocacy, fostering independence, confidence, and meaningful community involvement for individuals with conditions such as autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy. Their unique approach emphasizes a long-term vision of self-sufficiency, ensuring participants are equipped to thrive beyond their time in the programs.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Resilient Hearts is a Calgary-based organization dedicated to empowering young adults with developmental disabilities. We equip our participants with essential life skills, fostering independence, confidence, and meaningful community involvement.
What made you want to do this work?
Growing up, I didn’t always have the opportunity to live, learn, and play freely. That experience fuels my passion for ensuring that young adults with developmental disabilities are not overlooked. I wanted to bridge the gap in services for those transitioning into adulthood by creating a space where they are supported, celebrated, and empowered to become self-sufficient.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
We wanted to address the lack of skill-focused programs for young adults with developmental disabilities. Our goal is to teach advocacy and life skills, helping participants build confidence and become as independent and self-reliant as possible.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
We serve young adults between the ages of 16 and 35 with developmental disabilities such as autism, down syndrome, cerebral palsy and related challenges. Our participants come to us to learn life skills, increase their independence, and actively engage in their community.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
We are privately owned and offer fee-for-service programs. Participants or their families pay for our programs, and many receive government funding that reimburses them after submitting our invoices. This model allows us to remain accessible while delivering high-quality and individualized services.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
We’re centrally located in SE Calgary in Atrium Square Plaza, just steps away from the 39 Ave C-Train station. Our Address is 220-4014 Macleod Trail SE, Calgary, Alberta T2G 2R7
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
Q: “How is Resilient Hearts different from other programs?”
A: Unlike many recreation-based programs, we are skill-focused with a long-term vision of empowering individuals, so they continue to be independent beyond our programs. Moreover, our day programs and respite services are designed to help participants build independence, learn practical skills, and grow in confidence while still having fun and engaging in meaningful activities.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part is watching our participants grow, learn new skills, and achieve milestones they once thought were impossible. Their success stories are the heart of what we do. The hardest part of our work is navigating rigid systems and endless bureaucracy, fighting to ensure our participants get the support they deserve—while knowing there are still families out there who need us but haven’t found us yet.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
“Why did the life skills coach bring a ladder to work? Because every day is about helping people take the next step!”
Where can we follow you?
Instagram | Linkedin | Facebook | TikTok | YouTube | Website
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
Plan Calgary, an incredible organization that supports individuals with disabilities and their families in planning for a secure and meaningful future.
