Heartful Abilities
Heartful Abilities heart logoNot Another Program — A Person Who Shows Up

Real People. Real Visits.
Real Connection.

Heartful Abilities brings hands-on creativity, genuine connection, and a real sense of belonging into homes and communities across Ottawa β€” for adults with developmental disabilities, for seniors, and for anyone who wants to be part of something heartfelt.

Why I Do This

Mission, vision & values.

Mission

To bring creative, hands-on activities directly into the homes and communities of adults with developmental disabilities, seniors, and neighbours across Ottawa — building real relationships, one visit at a time.

Vision

A community where ability is celebrated, connection is never out of reach, and no one is left out of the room because of a label, a diagnosis, or an address.

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Every Person, Seen

We meet people as they are, not as a diagnosis or a checklist — and build every visit around who they actually are.

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Ability First

We start with what someone can do, loves, and enjoys — never with what they can't.

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Connection Over Convenience

A real relationship takes more time than a program ever could. We choose the relationship, every time.

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Belonging, No Conditions

Cost, dexterity, memory, or a label should never be the reason someone misses out.

Three Ways I Can Help

Wherever you are, there's a way in.

One-on-one visits for individuals, or creative and wellness experiences for groups and the wider community β€” every path brings hands-on activities directly to you.

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Heartful Connections

One-on-one, in-home activity visits for adults with developmental disabilities β€” in a private home or a group home, across Ottawa.

  • Flexible 1–2 hour visits
  • Activities adapted to interests & abilities
  • Group home visits welcome
  • Sliding scale & sponsorship available
Explore Heartful Connections β†’
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Heartful Moments

One-on-one, in-home activity visits for seniors β€” adapted for dexterity, memory, and pace, at home or in a retirement residence.

  • Flexible 1–2 hour visits
  • Adapted for dexterity & memory, dementia included
  • Retirement & care home visits welcome
  • Sliding scale & sponsorship available
Explore Heartful Moments β†’
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Heartful Community

Creative, seasonal, wellness, and speaker-led experiences for groups, workplaces, faith communities, and public gatherings across Ottawa.

  • Group & corporate experiences
  • Free monthly community workshops
  • Online & in-person options
  • Open to everyone, no diagnosis needed
Explore Heartful Community β†’
Upcoming Events

Come create with me this season.

Two holiday gatherings are coming up. Tap a flyer to see it full size.

Flyer: Holiday Keepsake Gift Workshop, Thursday October 22, afternoon 12:30 to 4:30 pm and evening 5:00 to 9:00 pm, $70 per person, all materials included
Thursday, October 22

Holiday Keepsake Gift Workshop

Make a framed jewelry-art keepsake gift before the holiday rush. Afternoon 12:30–4:30 pm or evening 5:00–9:00 pm. $70 per person, all materials included, 12 spots per session.

Flyer: Deck the Halls with Darlene at The Well Café, Saturday November 21 at 1:00 pm, making a Christmas wreath or outdoor urn arrangement, accepting donations for the pantry at Lanark County Interval House
Saturday, November 21 · 1–4 pm

Deck the Halls with Darlene

Make a Christmas wreath or outdoor urn arrangement at The Well Café. 1:00–4:00 pm. Free to attend; please bring a non-perishable food item for the pantry at Lanark County Interval House. Evergreen is provided; bring a wreath or urn and your Christmas decor. Space for 40, so reserve your free spot early.

See It In Action

Real sessions, real results.

A look at real pieces and real cooking sessions from past Heartful Experiences — browse the full galleries any time.

Our Promise

Welcoming experiences that bring people together.

Heartful Abilities creates welcoming experiences where people connect, create, learn, celebrate, and share what matters most.

Every Heartful Experience is thoughtfully designed to inspire creativity, encourage meaningful conversation, and foster genuine connection in a relaxed and inclusive environment.

Whether you're attending a public experience, organizing a community event, planning employee wellness, or looking for something special for your organization, there is a place for you here.

Heartful Abilities logo

Darlene Valentine

Founder β€’ Community Builder β€’ Experience Guide

β–Ά Meet Darlene

About Darlene

Where compassion meets leadership.

I founded Heartful Abilities because I believe every person deserves the opportunity to be seen for their abilities, encouraged to reach their potential, and welcomed into a community where they truly belong.

For more than 30 years, I've had the privilege of helping people grow in confidence, discover new abilities, build meaningful relationships, and experience the joy that comes from learning and creating together.

What makes my approach unique is the combination of experiences I've been fortunate to have. Few professionals have built careers as a corporate executive, developmental services leader, entrepreneur, experience guide, and artist. That diverse background allows me to combine strategic leadership with creativity, empathy, and a deep understanding of people.

Creativity has always been woven into my life. Over the years, I've designed and sold handcrafted jewelry, button art, mixed-media artwork, live evergreen planters, seasonal dΓ©cor, and a variety of handmade creations. I've also created and guided experiences in creativity, leadership, communication, business development, confidence building, and personal growth.

Today, Heartful Abilities brings together everything I value: leadership, creativity, education, inclusion, and community. Every Heartful Experience is designed to inspire learning, self-expression, friendship, confidence, wellness, and joy.

Connect

Bring a Heartful Experience to your community.

Not sure which Heartful Experience is the right fit? I'd love to help you find the perfect option.

Darlene Valentine
Founder β€’ Community Builder β€’ Experience Guide

πŸ“ž 613-227-3633
βœ‰οΈ darlene@heartfulabilities.com
🌐 www.heartfulabilities.com
πŸ“ Ottawa, Ontario

Email Darlene