Heartful Abilities
Darlene Valentine, founder of Heartful Abilities, smilingHeartful Abilities heart logo

Hi, I’m Darlene, founder of Heartful Abilities

Not Another Program — Real People Who Show Up

Real People. Real Visits.
Real Connection.

Heartful Abilities and our team of screened, insured and caring Heartful Guides bring hands-on creativity, genuine connection, and a real sense of belonging into homes and communities across Ottawa — for adults with developmental disabilities, for seniors, and for anyone who wants to be part of something heartfelt.

Why We 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.

👁️

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.

🌱

Ability First

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

🤝

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 We 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 — every path brings hands-on activities directly to you.

🤲

Heartful Connections

One-on-one, in-home activity visits for adults with developmental disabilities — 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 →
🌼

Heartful Moments

One-on-one, in-home activity visits for seniors — 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 →
🌿

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 →
Our Team

A growing team of Heartful Guides.

Every visit and workshop is led by a Heartful Guide: Darlene herself, or a caring, qualified guide she has personally chosen as our team grows. You get the warmth of one familiar face, backed by standards you can trust.

💞

Personally Matched

Darlene meets with you first, learns what matters to you, and matches you with the guide who fits best.

🛡️

Screened, Insured & Safe

Every guide holds a current Vulnerable Sector Screening and First Aid & CPR, and is covered by liability insurance.

🎨

Trained the Heartful Way

Guides are trained in our approach: ability first, adapted for dexterity and memory, and always at your pace.

📞

Darlene Stays Involved

Darlene checks in regularly, so you always have someone to call with questions, ideas or changes.

Upcoming Events

Come create with us 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 • Community Builder • Experience Guide

▶ Meet Darlene

Meet Our Founder

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 décor, 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.

Today I lead a growing team of Heartful Guides. I personally make every connection: I get to know each person, family and organization, match them with the right guide, and stay in touch to make sure every visit feels just right.

Join Our Team

Share your gifts. Become a Heartful Guide.

We're growing! We're building a list of warm, qualified people in the Ottawa area to join us as contract Heartful Guides as new visits and workshops come in. If you love helping others create, connect and feel they belong, we'd love to hear from you.

Who we're looking for

  • Artists, crafters and makers
  • Developmental services and support workers
  • PSWs, recreation and activity staff
  • Retired teachers, nurses and caregivers

What you'll need

  • Current Vulnerable Sector Screening
  • First Aid & CPR certification
  • Reliable transportation
  • Patience, kindness and a love of people
Introduce Yourself
Connect

Bring a Heartful Experience to your community.

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

Darlene Valentine
Founder • Community Builder • Experience Guide

📞 613-227-3633
✉️ darlene@heartfulabilities.com
🌐 www.heartfulabilities.com
📍 Ottawa, Ontario

Email Darlene