carya is a social profit agency dedicated to creating strong families and communities for generations.
Since 1910, carya has supported individuals and families through counselling, education, community development and in-home assistance, school-based support and more. We help thousands of Calgarians every year to realize their potential.
This helps build meaningful, thriving relationships in our families and communities.
Becoming The Carya Society of Calgary
carya has a long and proud history of quietly serving Calgary’s community.
Our organization was originally founded as the Associated Charities in 1910. It was more largely known as Calgary Family Services since 1947.
In 2014, we changed our name from Calgary Family Services to carya, which represents the hickory tree, known for its deep roots and strong, resilient wood. You can read more about our history here.
Our Mission
Engaging individuals, families and communities to realize their potential.
Our Vision
Strong families and communities for generations.
Our Values
Respect, Kindness, Creativity, Collaboration, Belonging and Wellness.
Our Key Focus Areas
- Childhoods that prepare and propel youth towards future success
- Parents who are confident, enabled and supported in raising families
- Stress reduction and management for those who are overwhelmed
- Security of housing and food supply for the city’s vulnerable
- Early literacy and lifelong learning and contribution across the age-span
- High school completion for vulnerable teens and tweens
- Socially connected and safe communities for families, individuals and seniors
- Long-term poverty reduction through education, resources and community
- Access to opportunity regardless of gender, race, creed, financial position, background or sexual orientation
Our Client Commitment
- They will be treated with dignity, respect and without discrimination.
- Their privacy will be protected; any limitations to this will be fully explained to you.
- Their environment will be safe and secure.
- We will address any concerns they may have in a timely manner.
You can read our agency’s privacy policy here.
Strategic Plan
carya’s Strategic Plan is a living document which sets out our agency’s intention and the strategy we will undertake to achieve it. You can find our Strategic Plan here.
Resolving Concerns
carya is committed to providing quality services to children, families, adults and older adults. If you are not satisfied with the services you receive, or you think that we have made a mistake, please contact us using the following process:
You are encouraged to express your concern to the staff member who has been helping you. If you are not comfortable with the staff member and/or are not satisfied with the response of the staff member they will set up an appointment (or you can call the carya office) for you to discuss your concerns with a supervisor.
If you are not satisfied with the supervisor’s response they will set up a meeting for you to discuss your concern with the program director.
If you are not satisfied with the director’s response they will arrange for a review of your concern with the CEO and/or a committee of the carya Board of Directors.
We aim to resolve all concerns within 5 working days.
Alberta Ombudsman – (888)455-2756 801-6 Avenue SW, Calgary AB T2P 3W2 www.ombudsman.ab.ca
Office of the Child and Youth Advocate Alberta – (888)661-3446 or (403)297-8435 2420, 801 6 Ave SW, Calgary AB T293W3 www.ocya.alberta.ca