
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.
Hi, I’m Darlene, founder of Heartful Abilities
Not Another Program — Real People Who Show UpHeartful 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.
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.
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.
We meet people as they are, not as a diagnosis or a checklist — and build every visit around who they actually are.
We start with what someone can do, loves, and enjoys — never with what they can't.
A real relationship takes more time than a program ever could. We choose the relationship, every time.
Cost, dexterity, memory, or a label should never be the reason someone misses out.
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.
One-on-one, in-home activity visits for adults with developmental disabilities — in a private home or a group home, across Ottawa.
One-on-one, in-home activity visits for seniors — adapted for dexterity, memory, and pace, at home or in a retirement residence.
Creative, seasonal, wellness, and speaker-led experiences for groups, workplaces, faith communities, and public gatherings across Ottawa.
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.
Darlene meets with you first, learns what matters to you, and matches you with the guide who fits best.
Every guide holds a current Vulnerable Sector Screening and First Aid & CPR, and is covered by liability insurance.
Guides are trained in our approach: ability first, adapted for dexterity and memory, and always at your pace.
Darlene checks in regularly, so you always have someone to call with questions, ideas or changes.
Two holiday gatherings are coming up. Tap a flyer to see it full size.

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.

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.
A look at real pieces and real cooking sessions from past Heartful Experiences — browse the full galleries any time.
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.
Founder • Community Builder • Experience Guide
▶ Meet Darlene
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.
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.
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
Thursday, October 22 · Speak Your Soul Magicks, 5450 Canotek Rd., Unit 41, Ottawa. Create a 5×7 framed keepsake from vintage pieces, costume jewelry, pearls and crystals: Christmas tree, angel, wreath, star or heart. $70 per person, all materials included. Only 12 spots per session. Choose your session:
Jewelry art, keepsakes, gifts and kits, handcrafted with heart.