REGINA — The room was full, but the story behind it was bigger.
More than 370 people gathered Tuesday night at the Conexus Arts Centre to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Autism Resource Centre, an organization built not by systems or institutions, but by families who refused to accept that support didn’t exist.
What unfolded was not just a milestone event. It was a living history of how a community can reshape itself.
From necessity to movement
Before there were programs, before there were services, there were parents searching for answers.
In the early 1970s, families in Regina found themselves navigating autism largely alone. That changed when a small group came together, connected through early work with healthcare professionals, and began building something from nothing.
By 1976, they formally incorporated.
“Those founding families laid the groundwork for everything we see today,” explained Executive Director Angela Ricci, reflecting on the organization’s beginnings.
They fundraised through bingos. They volunteered their time. They created opportunities where none existed.
“They worked hard to create opportunities where none existed,” Ricci said.
One of their earliest successes was a summer program for children, a simple but transformative idea that allowed kids to connect, build skills, and feel part of something.
Half a century later, that same program remains a cornerstone, now supporting more than 130 children each year with one-to-one care, life skills development, and inclusive experiences.
What ARC has become
From those early efforts, ARC has evolved into a multi-layered support system that touches nearly every aspect of life.
Today, the organization offers more than 20 programs and services. They range from employment readiness and independent living skills to mental health supports and community integration.
It is not just about services. It is about possibility.
Regina Mayor Chad Bachynski captured that impact in deeply personal terms.
“It’s honestly hard to articulate the impact that ARC has had over the years, because it’s something that is deeply felt rather than easily described,” he told the audience.
He emphasized the organization’s defining strength.
“What I find so impactful is ARC’s focus on the individual, not the diagnosis. It’s about creating a space where people feel safe, understood, and empowered to be themselves.”
That philosophy has guided decades of growth, including the move from shared school spaces into a dedicated facility in 2013, a turning point that allowed ARC to expand its reach and deepen its impact.
A night built for the community it serves
The anniversary event itself reflected everything ARC stands for.
This was not a traditional gala.
It was intentionally designed to be inclusive, accessible, and welcoming. A sensory space provided a quiet retreat. Tables featured fidget tools. Disposable earplugs were available for anyone who needed them.
A local autistic musician performed. Videos showcased decades of progress. A panel brought together professionals and lived-experience voices, including a child psychologist, an occupational therapist, autistic advocates, and parents.
The goal was not just to celebrate. It was to educate.
Lieutenant Governor Bernadette McIntyre spoke to that broader purpose.
“Stigma still exists concerning autism, and it can be emotionally and psychologically damaging,” she said. “There is a need to increase knowledge and to address prejudices.”
She praised the organization’s role in that effort.
“Thank you for five decades of service, helping autistic people realize their potential and be able to participate in their communities.”
Government support and growing demand
As awareness grows, so does demand.
Saskatchewan Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill acknowledged the growing need for services while using the event to announce additional provincial support for the organization.
Cockrill told the audience that the province is providing an additional $144,000 in funding to help the Autism Resource Centre expand its programming, particularly its summer camp offerings and supports for children and families.
“With more young people accessing services for autism spectrum disorder, supports like the Autism Resource Center are absolutely essential in this community,” he stated.
He described the camps as more than programming.
“They learn new skills they can use in future years. They reconnect with friends and peers in a group where they feel safe and heard and validated. Of course, they have fun.”
The investment reflects a broader recognition that organizations like ARC are not optional. They are foundational.
An earlier announcement in May of 2025 by Cockrill stated that the Government of Saskatchewan would be providing $235,000 to ARC to support the expansion of summer programs for children and youth.
Bringing the total amount of additional funding to $379,000 for the centre.
The power of partnerships
ARC’s growth has not happened in isolation.
Ricci highlighted a wide network of partners, from employers creating inclusive workplaces to community organizations sharing knowledge and resources.
Companies like SaskTel, Canada Life, and the Regina Police Service were recognized for supporting employment opportunities and inclusion efforts.
Nonprofits across the city have also played a role, contributing to a collaborative ecosystem that strengthens support for autistic individuals and their families.
“As a nonprofit, we depend on partnerships with like-minded organizations,” Ricci said. “Their success is our success.”
The next challenge
For all the progress, the night made one thing clear. The work is far from finished.
One of the most urgent gaps is housing.
Many autistic adults do not qualify for existing options. Others lack the supports needed to live independently.
Ricci was direct about what comes next.
“How can we build supportive, affordable housing that allows autistic adults to live independently and to thrive in our community?”
It is a question that will shape the organization’s future.
And based on its history, it is one ARC appears ready to answer.
A legacy that belongs to a community
As the evening came to a close, the focus returned to the people at the heart of the story.
Autistic members and their families.
“Remember, you are the reason why we are here tonight,” Ricci said. “Everything we do is built around you.”
It was a simple message, but one that carried the weight of five decades.
Fifty years ago, a small group of parents refused to accept the status quo.
Today, their work has grown into something far larger than they could have ever imagined.
