URSA
URSA is a Calgary-based non-profit charitable organization founded in 1985 that delivers rehabilitation, residential, and community support services to over 300 individuals with brain injuries, developmental disabilities, and complex medical needs annually across Calgary and Airdrie, Alberta.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1985
- HeadquartersCalgary, Canada
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What URSA does
Universal Rehabilitation Service Agency (URSA) is a Calgary-based non-profit charitable organization founded in 1985 that delivers rehabilitation and support services to individuals with disabilities across Alberta. The organization operates three core service lines: Brain Injury Services (including Easy Street, a life-sized simulated city street for relearning daily living skills; the Brain Injury Services Day Program; and Supports for Community Living Services); Developmental Disability Services (24-hour staffed Residential Services, Wholistic Day Programs, and the Airdrie-based North Stars program); and Specialized Services (Indigenous Services via Kootenay Lodge, Children's Services via The Cub House for medically fragile children, and Assessment and Customized Programs). URSA also operates the URSA Retreat Centre, an 18-acre accessible recreation facility acquired in 2009.
URSA serves more than 300 individuals annually across Calgary and Airdrie through over 25 programs, with an average of 100 volunteers per year and a workforce in the 251-500 range. It does not operate proprietary technology platforms, AI systems, or digital products; service delivery is conducted in physical community settings, group homes, and the Easy Street rehabilitation environment using conventional clinical and social-service methods. Customer acquisition occurs through government referral pathways rather than commercial sales channels.
URSA's revenue is generated primarily through managed-service contracts with Alberta Human Services programs — specifically the Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) program, Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD), and the Alberta Brain Injury Initiative — supplemented by fee-for-service arrangements with the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) and private insurers for program graduates. URSA holds registered charity status (Revenue Canada Charitable Number 108160904RR0001) and supplements government funding with community donations and fundraising events, including an annual fundraising goal of $120,000 for 2026-2027. The organization is governed independently with no parent company or external equity backing.
URSA firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- URSA
- Legal name
- Universal Rehabilitation Service Agency (URSA)
- Website
- https://ursa-rehab.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1985
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- URSA is a Calgary-based non-profit charitable organization founded in 1985 that delivers rehabilitation, residential, and community support services to over 300 individuals with brain injuries, developmental disabilities, and complex medical needs annually across Calgary and Airdrie, Alberta.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
URSA industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Disability Rehabilitation Services
- NAICS
- Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (62431)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Nursing & Personal Care Facilities (8050)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGACAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Adult Day Rehabilitation & Therapy Programs (PT/OT/SLP) (HLADAIAD), Adult Day Respite Programs (Daytime Relief) (HLADAKAC)
Keywords
Where URSA is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Calgary
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
URSA business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Government Program Funding: Primary revenue stream from government-funded programs including Alberta Human Services - Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD), Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD), and Alberta Brain Injury Initiative. These programs fund residential services, day programs, and community support services for individuals with disabilities.
- Fee for Service: Some services are funded through fee-for-service arrangements including WCB (Workers' Compensation Board) and private insurance company funding arrangements. URSA has developed an affordable fee for service program schedule for graduates of the Supports for Community Living Services program.
- Donations and Fundraising: URSA relies on community donations to fund 'extras' beyond government-funded operations. The annual fundraising goal for 2026-2027 is estimated at $120,000. Revenue Canada Charitable Number: 108160904RR0001.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels6 records
URSA product offering
Product offeringCore offering
URSA (Universal Rehabilitation Service Agency) is a Calgary-based non-profit charitable organization that provides community-based rehabilitation, residential, and day program services for individuals with developmental disabilities and brain injuries. The organization operates over 25 programs across Calgary and Airdrie, including specialized facilities such as Easy Street (a life-sized replica city street for brain injury rehabilitation) and Kootenay Lodge (culturally-focused supported housing for Indigenous individuals with disabilities).
Product overview
URSA (Universal Rehabilitation Service Agency) is a Calgary-based non-profit charitable organization established in 1985 that provides rehabilitation and support services to individuals with disabilities. The organization operates a multi-service portfolio structured around three core service lines: Brain Injury Services (featuring Easy Street, a life-sized simulated community environment for rehabilitation), Developmental Disability Services (including Residential Services, Airdrie Program, and Wholistic Day Programs), and Specialized Services (comprising Indigenous Services/Kootenay Lodge, Children's Services/Cub House, and Assessment and Customized Programs). URSA also operates the Retreat Centre as an 18-acre accessible recreation facility. Programs range from 10 hours per week in-home support to 24-hour staffed residences, serving hundreds of individuals annually across Calgary and Airdrie locations.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Easy Street: A life-sized replica of a city street with shops, vehicles, and a bank designed to help brain injury survivors relearn everyday living skills in a safe environment.
- Kootenay Lodge
- The Cub House
- Bob Ward Residence
- Aurora Explorers
- North Stars
Products and services
- Easy Street
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 300 individuals supported annually
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use URSA
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
URSA technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
URSA partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
19 partnerships are on record, tiered notable, core and minor.
- iA Financial GroupnotableiA Financial Group helped fund the sensory room at URSA's Aurora Explorers program in Calgary, providing a calm, accessible space with bubble tubes and lights to help ease anxiety for individuals with disabilities.
- Porte Development GroupnotablePorte Development Group contributed to funding the sensory room at URSA's Aurora Explorers program, helping create an accessible environment for adults with disabilities.
- Government of AlbertacoreThe Province of Alberta committed $5.7 million to support the Alberta Brain Injury Initiative, which comprises 12 organizations including URSA. This funding supports brain injury survivors in relearning life skills. Minister Jason Nixon announced the funding at URSA's Easy Street facility. Alberta Human Services provides ongoing funding through PDD and other programs.
- Rocky Mountain AdaptivecoreRocky Mountain Adaptive partners with URSA for the Rehab on the Mountain program, providing adaptive ski instruction and equipment for brain injury survivors to experience skiing in the Rocky Mountains. Partnership has continued for over 10 years.
- Dave Irwin FoundationnotableFoundation partners with URSA for Rehab on the Mountain program supporting brain injury survivors.
- Sunshine VillagenotableSki resort partner for Rehab on the Mountain program, providing venue access for adaptive skiing experiences for brain injury survivors.
- NAVIGATE Financial Group Ltd.minorPresented Brain Art 2018 fundraiser event, supporting URSA programs and art therapy initiatives.
- CB MedicalnotableCB Medical has been a proud partner with URSA for over 20 years, managing medical supplies for clients. Works with URSA staff to provide outstanding service.
- Marshall DrugsminorMarshall's Prescription Center has partnered with URSA for over 25 years, assisting with medication and clinical needs of clients.
- Repsol Sport CentreminorRepsol Sport Centre works closely with URSA staff and clients to help meet individual fitness goals and achieve active, healthy lifestyles.
- CBC CalgaryminorCBC Do Crew came to URSA's Bob Ward Group Home, doing painting, building shelves and custom storage cabinet. CBC aired the event and helped organize volunteer efforts.
- JB MusicminorJB Music Therapy partners with URSA providing music therapy services that help individuals boost mood, recover from injury, decrease stress, and ease difficult life transitions.
- Jon CornishminorTwo-time Grey Cup Champion and Calgary Stampeder Legend served as guest speaker at Brain Art 2017, giving inspirational speech about brain injuries and personal concussion experience.
- Super-Fly ApparelminorSuper-Fly Apparel creates contemporary outerwear suitable for individuals of all abilities. Donated clothing to URSA clients and volunteers time to support the organization.
- First Calgary FinancialminorVolunteered at URSA's Administration building for Brain Injury Services Day Program, completing various projects.
- Lowe's Signal HillminorLowe's Hero Makeover Day volunteers painted, set up furniture and created patio space for URSA clients.
- Calgary Marriott Downtown HotelminorMarriott volunteers participated in 'While You Were Out' projects, painting and personalizing spaces at group homes. Also planted flowers and did yard work.
- Hudson's Bay CompanyminorHBC partnered with URSA for 'The Giving Day' shopping event at Chinook Mall where proceeds from ticket sales supported URSA programs.
- Hopewell Residential CommunitiesnotableHopewell Residential donated land for URSA's Copperfield home in Calgary's southeast community. The 6-bedroom barrier-free home was built through this partnership, providing residential services for adults with developmental disabilities.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves12 records
Expansion highlights5 records
URSA competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Cerebral Palsy Alberta: Cerebral Palsy Alberta is an Alberta-based non-profit providing services to individuals with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, including residential, community, and recreation programs. Directly comparable to URSA in mission, non-profit structure, and Alberta geographic focus, serving a similarly vulnerable population.
- Winnifred Stewart Association: Winnifred Stewart Association is an Edmonton-based non-profit providing residential, day program, and community services for adults with developmental disabilities. Directly comparable to URSA in non-profit structure, residential services, and developmental disability focus across Alberta.
- Renfrew Educational Services: Renfrew Educational Services is a Calgary-based non-profit providing education and support programs for children with developmental disabilities and complex needs. Directly comparable to URSA in Alberta geography and overlapping service areas including children's disability services and respite.
- Options Services to Communities: Options Services to Communities is an Alberta-based non-profit providing community-based residential and day services to individuals with developmental disabilities. Directly comparable to URSA in Alberta geography, non-profit structure, and residential/day program service model.
- Blue Heron Support Services: Blue Heron Support Services is an Alberta-based non-profit supporting adults with developmental disabilities through residential and community inclusion programs. Comparable to URSA in non-profit developmental disability services and Alberta geographic footprint.
- Vita Community Living Services: Vita Community Living Services is a Toronto-area non-profit providing residential, day program, and community services for adults with developmental disabilities. Comparable to URSA in non-profit structure and developmental disability service portfolio, though operating in Ontario rather than Alberta.
- Hull Services: Hull Services is a Calgary-based non-profit providing child and family services including residential treatment and programs for children with disabilities and complex needs. Directly comparable in Alberta geography and overlap with URSA's children's services, including The Cub House medically fragile program.
Broad incumbents
- March of Dimes Canada: March of Dimes Canada is a national non-profit providing employment, accessibility, and rehabilitation services to people with disabilities across Canada. Comparable to URSA in non-profit disability services but operates at a national scale with broader programming beyond URSA's regional residential and day program focus.
- CBI Health: CBI Health is a large Canadian for-profit healthcare and rehabilitation services provider offering brain injury rehab, home care, and disability services across multiple provinces. Comparable to URSA in brain injury and rehabilitation services but operates as a broader incumbent with for-profit, multi-service model across Canada.
Emerging players
- Brain Injury Canada: Brain Injury Canada is a national non-profit dedicated to brain injury awareness, education, and advocacy. Comparable to URSA in brain injury focus but operates at a national advocacy level rather than direct service delivery like URSA's Easy Street and brain injury day programs.
Market position
Strengths1 record
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
URSA social profiles
Digital presenceURSA financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
URSA leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
URSA subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
URSA funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
URSA M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about URSA
What does URSA do?
URSA (Universal Rehabilitation Service Agency) is a Calgary-based non-profit charitable organization that provides community-based rehabilitation, residential, and day program services for individuals with developmental disabilities and brain injuries. The organization operates over 25 programs across Calgary and Airdrie, including specialized facilities such as Easy Street (a life-sized replica city street for brain injury rehabilitation) and Kootenay Lodge (culturally-focused supported housing for Indigenous individuals with disabilities).
Is URSA a public or private company?
URSA is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was URSA founded?
URSA was founded in 1985. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is URSA based?
URSA is headquartered in Calgary, Canada, in the North America region.
How does URSA make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Government Program Funding is the primary driver. The others are fee for Service and donations and Fundraising.
Who are URSA's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Cerebral Palsy Alberta, Winnifred Stewart Association, Renfrew Educational Services, Options Services to Communities, Blue Heron Support Services, Vita Community Living Services and Hull Services. Broad incumbents are March of Dimes Canada and CBI Health. Brain Injury Canada is listed as an emerging player.
Does URSA have an API?
No public API is recorded for URSA.
What industry is URSA in?
URSA's product category is Disability Rehabilitation Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGACAG, Disability Services & Independent Living Support, with a secondary code of HLADAIAD, Adult Day Rehabilitation & Therapy Programs (PT/OT/SLP). Its NAICS code is 62412 and its SIC code is 8300.