Where inclusion starts with a cup of coffee

By Lethbridge Herald on February 6, 2026.

HERALD PHOTO BY JOE MANIO Inclusion Lethbridge executive director Rene Plaizer and community engagement and advocacy coordinator Chelsey Peat enjoy their coffee at Inclusion Lethbridge's downtown space, where monthly Coffee and Chats help build friendships and support for people with developmental disabilities and their families.

By Joe Manio

Lethbridge Herald

For many, a cup of coffee is more than a morning ritual—it’s a chance to connect, share stories, and feel part of something larger. At Inclusion Lethbridge, the organization’s regular Coffee & Chats events are built around that idea: relaxed, welcoming spaces where people with developmental disabilities, their families, allies, and community partners can gather, connect, and be heard.

Held at Inclusion Lethbridge’s downtown location at 527 6 St. S., Coffee & Chats bring participants together over coffee and light refreshments. The events are informal by design, offering a low-pressure environment to discuss everyday topics, share experiences, and build relationships without judgment.

“Events like Coffee & Chats are vital because they create accessible, informal opportunities for people with developmental disabilities, their families, and allies to connect and be heard,” says Chelsea Peat, community engagement and advocacy coordinator and one of the event facilitators. “They reflect our mission to empower individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, in collaboration with families, to live meaningful, valued lives within the broader community.”

Coffee & Chats are a practical extension of that mission. By fostering social interaction and informal networking, the organization helps participants feel connected, respected, and supported—an essential part of living a fully engaged life. Facilitators guide conversation and encourage participation, ensuring everyone has a chance to contribute.

“Many individuals and families experience isolation or have limited informal supports outside structured programs,” Peat says. “Coffee & Chats fill that gap by offering a regular, low-barrier space to talk, ask questions, share experiences, and build friendships.”

The importance of such informal community spaces cannot be overstated. Social isolation is a significant barrier for people with developmental disabilities, and casual opportunities to connect with peers, families, and allies help foster confidence and build relationships that extend beyond the event itself.

In addition to the monthly gatherings, Inclusion Lethbridge recently expanded its open hours to Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering a welcoming space for ongoing connection, support, and access to resources.

“Expanding our hours means more people can drop in and feel welcome without an appointment or formal reason,” Peat says. “That’s a crucial step in making connection genuinely accessible.”

Coffee & Chats also serve as an entry point for individuals and families unfamiliar with Inclusion Lethbridge’s broader work. Through conversation, participants learn about advocacy initiatives, family-centred supports, and programs such as the Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network (PLAN Lethbridge), as well as opportunities to get involved in promoting inclusion within the community.

“We want people to understand that inclusion isn’t an outcome—it’s a practice,” Peat says. “Belonging doesn’t happen only through policy or programs. It happens when people show up, listen, make room for one another, and recognize that everyone has something to offer.”

Community inclusion is central to Inclusion Lethbridge’s work. Through partnerships with schools, employers, and local organizations, the agency advocates for meaningful participation for people of all abilities. Coffee & Chats offer a small but powerful example of that vision in action—a space where barriers are lowered, voices are amplified, and everyone is valued.

For participants, the impact is often immediate. Friendships are formed, advice is exchanged, and feelings of isolation give way to a sense of belonging. For families, the gatherings provide a chance to connect with others who understand the challenges and joys of supporting a loved one with a developmental disability.

“Initiatives like Coffee & Chats remind us that welcoming people into community life—even through something as simple as coffee and conversation—helps build the inclusive, connected, and compassionate community we’re working toward,” Peat says.

With its continued focus on advocacy, empowerment, and connection, Inclusion Lethbridge’s Coffee & Chats offer more than a social outing. They serve as a reminder that belonging is essential to living a full and meaningful life—and that sometimes, it begins with an open door and a shared cup of coffee.

For more information on Coffee & Chats, or to get involved with Inclusion Lethbridge visit: inclusionlethbridge.ca  or call (403) 327-2911.