the purpose of the Change Coalition
Our History
Founded in 2024 by Marcel Allen and Cynthia Irving, The Change Coalition was created from lived experience with invisible, hidden, and non-apparent disabilities, and a shared belief in the power of collaboration—uniting individuals and organizations to strengthen support and drive meaningful change.
Mission
To support Canadians with invisible, hidden, and non-apparent disabilities through advocacy, collaboration, and access to resources—reducing barriers and empowering individuals to achieve their full potential.
Vision
A Canada where individuals with invisible, hidden, or non-apparent disabilities are fully supported, understood, and empowered to thrive without barriers.
how do we fulfill our mission
Promotion of Health and Wellness
Advancement of Education Public Education and Awareness Initiatives
Promotion of Health and Wellness
Virtual Workout Room and Wellness Bursary Program
The Change Coalition advances health and wellness by operating the Virtual Workout Room, a community-based initiative designed to promote physical health, mental well-being, accessibility, and inclusion for individuals living with hidden, invisible, or non-apparent disabilities.
Many individuals with disabilities face barriers to participating in wellness and fitness activities, including financial constraints, accessibility challenges, and fluctuating health conditions. Through its Wellness Bursary Program, The Change Coalition helps reduce these barriers by providing financial assistance that supports participation in activities that contribute to improved health, well-being, independence, and quality of life.
The Virtual Workout Room provides access to adaptable exercise routines that can be completed at home or in a gym setting, allowing participants to engage in physical activity at a pace and intensity appropriate to their individual needs and abilities. By encouraging regular physical activity and healthy lifestyle practices, the program supports both physical and mental wellness.
Comfort Quilt Program
As part of its commitment to promoting well-being, The Change Coalition coordinates the creation and donation of handcrafted comfort quilts to charitable and non-profit organizations serving individuals experiencing illness, disability, hardship, or other vulnerable circumstances.
To date, more than 150 comfort quilts have been donated throughout the Ottawa Valley. These donations provide recipients with a tangible expression of care, comfort, and community support, contributing to their emotional well-being, sense of dignity, and social inclusion.
Reducing Stress Through Tax Clinic Services
The Change Coalition's free tax clinics contribute to health and wellness by helping reduce the stress, anxiety, and uncertainty that many low-income individuals experience when navigating their tax obligations and government benefit programs.
Many clients seek assistance after postponing tax filing for several years or when faced with complex tax situations. By providing free, compassionate, and confidential assistance, the organization helps clients complete outstanding tax returns and access benefits for which they may be eligible.
Through a client-centered approach grounded in respect, dignity, patience, and understanding, the program helps reduce financial and emotional stress while fostering greater confidence, peace of mind, and overall well-being.
Relief of Poverty
Advancement of Education Public Education and Awareness Initiatives
Promotion of Health and Wellness
Free Income Tax Clinics
The Change Coalition advances its charitable purpose of relieving poverty by operating free income tax clinics for low-income individuals, including persons living with hidden, invisible, or non-apparent disabilities.
Many individuals experiencing financial hardship face barriers to accessing professional tax preparation services, which can prevent them from receiving government benefits, tax credits, and income support programs for which they are eligible. Through its free tax clinics, The Change Coalition assists eligible individuals in completing and filing their income tax returns at no cost.
To date, the organization has completed more than 600 tax returns. By helping individuals access benefits and credits, including disability-related supports, income-tested benefits, and other forms of government assistance, these services contribute to improved financial security and help alleviate conditions associated with poverty.
Food Security Support
The Change Coalition contributes to the relief of poverty through donations of food and essential household items to community organizations, including Lifecentre Food Bank, that provide assistance to individuals and families experiencing financial hardship.
These contributions help increase access to necessities of life for individuals with limited financial resources and support community-based efforts to address food insecurity.
Clothing and Essential Goods Donations
The Change Coalition helps relieve poverty by collecting and distributing clothing and other essential items to individuals and families experiencing economic disadvantage.
Access to appropriate clothing can be a significant challenge for persons living in poverty. By providing donated clothing and basic necessities at no cost, the organization assists beneficiaries in meeting essential needs, reducing financial strain, and improving their ability to participate in employment, education, community life, and other daily activities.
Advancement of Education Public Education and Awareness Initiatives
Advancement of Education Public Education and Awareness Initiatives
Advancement of Education Public Education and Awareness Initiatives
The Change Coalition advances education by providing structured educational resources and public awareness programming focused on hidden, invisible, and non-apparent disabilities. Through its website, social media platforms, educational articles, awareness campaigns, webinars, resource materials, and lived-experience storytelling, the organization delivers information designed to increase public knowledge and understanding of the challenges faced by individuals living with invisible disabilities.
Many invisible disabilities are poorly understood, often resulting in stigma, misconceptions, and barriers to participation in community life. The Change Coalition addresses these issues by providing accurate, accessible, and evidence-informed educational content that helps individuals, families, employers, educators, service providers, and community members better understand the realities of living with non-apparent disabilities.
By sharing practical information, educational resources, and personal experiences, the organization promotes greater awareness, empathy, accessibility, and inclusion. Its digital education model ensures that learning opportunities are widely available, easily accessible, and inclusive, enabling individuals across diverse communities to access educational materials regardless of geographic location or physical barriers.
Through these ongoing educational activities, The Change Coalition helps foster a more informed and inclusive society while amplifying perspectives that are often underrepresented or misunderstood.
Bursary Program for Students with Invisible Disabilities
The Change Coalition advances education through its Bursary Program for Students with Invisible Disabilities, which helps reduce financial barriers that may limit access to educational opportunities.
Students living with invisible disabilities often face additional expenses and challenges that can affect their ability to pursue post-secondary education and skills development. Through financial assistance, the bursary program supports eligible students in achieving their educational goals and participating more fully in academic life.
By helping students access and continue their education, the program contributes to educational attainment, personal development, and future economic participation, while promoting greater inclusion and equal opportunity for individuals living with invisible disabilities.