SPECIAL ESSEX COUNTY & PELEE ISLAND SECTION
CHARITY PROFILE
Community-Based Programming Helps Adults With Disabilities By Victoria Rose Build Skills
Lauryn Lefrancois (in t-shirt with organization logo) stands with clients from the day program at Lola’s Roundtable Developmental Services & Programs in Essex. Photo by Sanja Tabor.
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fter graduating from Developmental Services at Fanshawe College and working for agencies in her field for more than 10 years, Lauryn Lefrancois knew there was a real need for doing more for adults with disabilities. “I always knew I was in the right space, but I felt I wasn’t doing enough,” states Lefrancois. Families often mentioned that there was little for their children to do after high school and eventually, a parent approached her to spend one-on-one time with their son, a recent graduate with Down syndrome. That connection made everything click. “I felt fulfilled and I wondered, ‘How do I do this forever?’” she expresses. Lefrancois had been sitting on the business idea for a few years and one day thought, “I’m just going to do it!” So in 2018, she sold her house and her car and put everything into launching Lola’s Roundtable Developmental Services & Programs, an organization designed to encourage independence through skill building, while providing stability and routine (and fun!). Lola’s Roundtable currently offers a day program that runs weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A recent move to a bigger location means that food prep and cooking are now part of the program, as well as activities like fitness classes, walks, shopping, and anything else that keeps participants developing social and life skills.
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They offer pick up and drop off services, and the cost of many activities are covered by the organization. Future goals include registering for charitable status, bringing on staff for the fall for a 4:1 client to worker ratio, building a weekend program, offering overnight services, providing summer programs for those still in high school, and buying a home to bring all of the services together in a fully accessible space. Those big goals will take a lot of work; however, Lefrancois is ready, even if there are some unknowns. “I didn’t realize how much work it would be transitioning from a sole proprietor to a not-for-profit,” she comments. From research to paperwork to recruiting a board — paired with the hesitancy of giving up control — Lefrancois says it was quite an adjustment. “I didn’t think it would change that much, but it did. It’s been good though . . . I just wasn’t prepared for it.” Along with that lesson learned, Lefrancois indicates you need to have drive, be comfortable calling almost anyone to get advice, and realize that you cannot always do it alone: “Learn to ask for help!” Lola’s Roundtable Developmental Services & Programs is located at 41 Talbot Street in Essex and mainly serves residents of Essex County. You can see further information about the organization’s services, apply for programs, learn how to donate, and find out about volunteering on the website: LolasRoundTable.com.
