The Believe, Engage & Inspire Awards are back! Twice per year, this ceremony recognizes actions that help fulfill our mission and strategic objectives and align with posAbilities’ values like person centeredness, inclusion, learning, and excellence.

It’s not every night that you get to witness a rock legend from Kiss, a sultry Marilyn Monroe, the peppy jig of an Irish Leprechaun, and a multicultural cooking show with a Bishop and Bob Marley all in one sitting. But Stage Door Theatre Troupe delivered a one-of-a-kind sketch comedy show jam packed with all of this and more.

They fed us, bathed us, dressed us, cheered us on every step of the way, and played a role in shaping the person we are today. Everyone’s relationship with their mom is unique. As Mother’s Day is approaching, we’d like to take this opportunity to share the stories of a few inspiring moms who are making big strides for diversity and inclusion in our communities.

This story was originally published in the April issue of the Laurel Okanagan Imagine Newsletter. Johnathan is pursuing a fearless and fulfilled life, with Autism being one of his diagnoses. From a young age, Johnathan Higgins has been known to embrace opportunities for adventure and adrenaline. You can always count on him to be up for another round on a daring amusement ride at the fair. Perhaps he has realized that trying and learning new things brings a certain zest into his life, or maybe he simply embraces a “live life on the edge” motto.

Minette Julian has lived in Vancouver since 2005. For many years, she lived apart from her two sons who lived in the Philippines with their grandparents where they had more family to spend time with. While the two boys were in the Philippines, healthcare professionals diagnosed Gio with autism.