Our History

Excel started as a community project from Alberta Hospital Edmonton in 1964. It was recognized that if the hospital's clients were to reintegrate into the community, they would need help in developing personal and employment skills. The initial project consisted of a "Sheltered Workshop" conducted in the basement of Robertson-Wesley United Church. Initially they began with 15 clients and soon out grew that location moving downtown and eventually into several sites as the Excel Resource Society.

The original objectives: encouraging respect, security and personal independence have never been lost and these are the corner stones of "Person Centred Planning" today. Whether it's learning to plan and cook our first meal, preparing for our first job or planning programs for our clients of the future, our programs have always focused on the needs of our clients.

In scope we have grown from a few employees to some 400 who are there for countless clients. Excel today supports over 260 clients in its Residential Programs about 100 in the Employment Placement Program and 120 in the day program at Gerry Raymond Centre and at the John McGee Day Options. In addition Excel has successfully operated a private vocational school - the Excel Academy - to train Community Support Workers and ongoing professional development for staff. Helping clients prepare for and to seek out employment is an important part of today's programs. An upholstery business is active, as are enclaves of specialized employment fulfilling contracts with various businesses. Excel's history has always been people helping people within the community and we continue to actively seek opportunities to broaden our support.