Aimhi 2013

One Community - One Vision

AiMHi supports over 1000 people throughout the year.

AiMHi provides a wide range of services to Infants, Children, Families, Adults and Senior Citizens.

P R I N C E G E O R G E A S S O C I AT I O N F O R C O M M U N I T Y L I V I N G

Adventure Odyssey | Children’s and Adult’s Life Skills | Children’s Respite Home | Community Access Services | Family Network Group | Family Support | Home Sharing | Infant Development Program Infinite Employment Solutions | Kerry Kitchen | Residential Options | Self Advocate Peer Support | Skill Building Library (Toy Library) | Snoezelen Room | Summer Recreation for Children

950 Kerry Street | Prince George BC | p 250.564.6408 | f 250.564.6801 | www.aimhi.ca

FOLLOW US ON

2

AiMHi - Prince George Association for Community Living | 2013

One Community One Vision

The Since 1957 AiMHi has strived to offer the best supports and services to infants, children, youth and adults who have special needs, and their families. This has been successfully accomplished, in part, due to the ongoing support of our donors, sponsors, and the partnerships we have with individual citizens, organizations, and businesses in our community.

This support has come in the form of donations and planned giving which directly results in making a positive difference in the lives of others. Together we invest in people; addressing their needs because we care.

How You Can Help • • • •

Join the Sustaining Supporter Program Make a one-time donation Donate Securities Or make a planned gift of: • Bequests in a will • RRSP’s and RRIF’s • Life Insurance • Real Estate

Visit our Website www.aimhi.ca

of AiMHi is You! Family Services Funds will be used to increase access to quality services for families who are raising a child with special needs, i.e.: Respite Services, Family Networking Group Seminars, Wills and Estate Planning, Infant Development Program, Children’s Life Skills, Family Support, Family Advocacy, Developing Personal Family Networks, Hospitality Industry Responsibility.

Health and Wellness Funds will be used to improve the quality of care for people who have disabilities and special needs, i.e.: Affordable and Safe Housing, Medical Equipment, Advocacy, Prince George Self-Advocates Caucus, SelfAdvocate Peer Advisor, Adventure Odyssey / Emergency Funds Club, Summer Camps for Children, Youth and Adults, Bully Prevention and Training Resources.

Community Access Services Funds will be used to enhance Community Engagement, i.e.: Raising Awareness in the Community, Developing Community Partnerships, Developing Community Personal Support Networks, Skill Building Library, AiMHi Internet Bistro, AiMHi Community Garden, Community Access supports for people, ongoing and increased access to AiMHi’s building for other Non-Profit Associations.

Facility Needs (950 Kerry Street Building and Homes) Funds will be used to address facility needs such as building enhancements, repairs, renovations to meet specific needs of people served (mobility access), expansion and equipment needs for various departments, i.e.: Maintenance Shop, Parking Lot, Snoezelen Room, Bike Warehouse, and the Purchase, Repairs and Renovations associated with Homes operated by AiMHi.

“Real Work for Real Pay” Services Funds will be used to purchase equipment and supplies for training and to create new and enhance existing employment opportunities for people, i.e.: Infinite Employment Solutions equipment, Kerry Kitchen, Supported AiMHi Business (Document Shredding and Digitizing of Information), Employment Transition for Young Adults, and Training Resources.

I give my donation without restrictions to use as best needed.

Support generously, your donation will go to maintain this essential community service.

Planned Giving Financial assistance is essential to support and sustain charitable work. Many people generously give their money, time and energy to their local not-for-profit organizations and are unaware that by leaving a gift in their will or estate plan to the charitable groups of their choice, they can continue to help people in need or promote a favorite cause.

‘Planned Giving’ is making a gift to a charity through estate planning. This also provides your family with much needed tax benefits for the estate.

Charitable organizations need financial assistance from people like you to continue their work. Government funding only covers basic needs and services.

By making bequests and other “planned gifts,” you can continue to help organizations like AiMHi make a significant difference in your community.

What better way to thank an organization

that has had an impact on your life, than to make a contribution from your estate through a bequest?

I want to support AiMHi, please accept my gift.

Donor Name:_________________________ Address:_____________________________ City:_________________________________ Postal Code:__________________________ Telephone:___________________________ E-Mail:_______________________________

Is this a one time gift?

Yes, or No, I would like to make a monthly donation in the amount of $_____________ commencing on the 1st or 16th of each month Mailing List

Do not list my name - I wish to remain anonymous

100

$

10

Other $_________

$

$

• • •

Why Give?

Canadians give for many different reasons.

• It is a way to ensure that their memory lives on, • It is a way to ensure that their cherished charity is able to continue helping others in need, • It is a way to reduce taxes.

• A well planned gift can be a smart way to take care of your family and your community.

Here are just a few of the creative ways to make a charitable gift that will reduce income taxes and ensure that your family and AiMHi are taken care of in the future:

YES!

• • •

Gifts of Cash Gifts of public securities are exempt from capital gains inclusion.

A Gift through a bequest reduces estate income taxes and leaves a legacy for the future when you remember charities in your will.

Gifts from RRSP and RRIF proceeds avoid probate fees and offset estate income taxes.

Gifts of life insurance provide significant income and estate tax benefits.

Charitable gifts plus annuity provide you and your spouse with higher after-tax income.

If you want to learn more about how to give and support AiMHi please contact Julie O’Reilly or Amber Genero at 250-564-6408 or visit www.aimhi.ca

75

50

$

$

25

Payments can be made by one of the following methods: Cheque made payable to AiMHi Visa Mastercard Online Donations: www.aimhi.ca Credit Card #________________________________ Expiry Date:_________________________________ Cardholder Signature:________________________ A tax receipt will be issued for all donations over $10 Charity Registration Number 11910 3323 RR 0001

3

AiMHi - Prince George Association for Community Living | 2013

One Community One Vision

to celebrate the diversity and uniqueness of our Community Living Month in BC is a great time i we welcome community into the work we community here in Prince George. Here at AiMH ing services from us, providing services to receiv do each day, in many ways. Whether you are – we want everyone to feel welcomed when us, or sharing the space in our building with us . We are part of a welcoming community.

Street they head into our Main Office at 950 Kerry s located in various neighbourhoods, or our Whether you are neighbours of our many home for the support you show to AiMHi every day. ul neighbours here at Kerry Street, we are gratef J. W. (Bill) Fildes Executive Director

Melinda Heidsma Executive Director

AiMHi Accreditation AiMHi was accredited by CARF (in 2012) for another three years for the following areas: Community Services: Community Services: Community Services: Community Services: Community Services: Community Services:

Child and Youth Services Community Housing Services Community Integration Services Family Services Respite Services Supported Living Services

Community Services: Host Family Services Employment Services: Community Employment Services Employment Services: Employment Planning Services Employment Services: Organizational Employment Services Governance Standards Applied

CARF is an independent, non-profit accrediting body whose mission is to promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process that centers on enhancing the lives of the persons served.

AiMHi has maintained our accreditation award from CARF since 2003. A three year accreditation award is the highest level possible from CARF. We currently conform to 39 sets of standards; work that is ongoing all year long. This success is attributed to our strong Governance Board, our Employees, and our many Community Stakeholders.

AiMHi’s Mission Statement Strong communities recognize and celebrate the value of all citizens. AiMHi contributes to a strong community by providing advocacy, supports and services to people who have special needs and their families.

Our culture supports people to have good lives at work, at home and in the community.

AiMHi’s Board of Directors We are fortunate to have a number of Board Members who have been with AiMHi for many years.

These people are volunteers who spend time each month representing the interests of AiMHi as an organization, together with the interests of the people and families we serve. They believe in the importance of relationships and partnerships in the community and each of them bring various skills and expertise to our Board of Directors. Our special thanks to each of them.

OUR 2013/2014 BOARD

ors Message from AiMHi’s Executive Direct

Rory Summers

Brenda Peacock

Paul Raines

Bryan Mix

President

Vice President

Secretary/Treasurer

Director

Fred Nelson

Gary Godwin

Holly Kavannaugh

Lorelei (Dolly) Hilton

Director

Director

Director

Director

Lynn McCormack

Mary Parkin

Pete Tiani

Vince Scott

Director

Director

Director

Director

4

AiMHi - Prince George Association for Community Living | 2013

One Community One Vision

em: o P t s r i Rick’s F

l w O n r a B e Th

A Poets’ Heart

These past few years have been very exciting for Rick. He had a personal night. e th goal to accomplish in ts o o h The barn owl which has turned his life t. h ig fr a e gives m it around. es im et m So .

Rick was tired of having ce fa l tifu He has a beau to rely on others to help . ce his pla in ch him read, especially n ra b e th He sits on when he enjoyed his t! h g si l fu independence so He is a wonder much, this was one part of his life that really bothered him.

So Rick decided to learn to read! He found a program that could help him at the Prince George Native Friendship Centre called the Learning Circle Literacy Program and he has never looked back!

Each week for two years Rick committed himself to this program and working with his tutor Brenda. Brenda is a retired preschool teacher who now volunteers her time. With the support of Brenda, Rick now enjoys a new found freedom that comes from understanding the written world around him.

While learning to read Rick was asked to start writing poetry and to his surprise he discovered that he has a poets’ heart. Writing poems has been so much fun; he unearthed his hidden talents and is all the richer for it.

Rick never imagined this would be one of the outcomes of learning to read and happily embraces

- By Rick

the new opportunities saying “It’s Better to do something with your life rather than waiting on the side lines.”

Rick is very proud of the work he has done, and when asked what’s the next step he says ‘I want to take a computer class this fall.”

Congratulations Rick and maybe we will see some of your poetry on line one day!

Rick & Brenda

AiMHi - Prince George Association for Community Living | 2013

The Ministry of Children and Family Development The Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) has worked with AiMHi for many years in this community to ensure that children are provided with quality supports and services. Many of these services are critical to families who are raising children who have special needs. The funding provided by MCFD makes a real difference to many families here in Prince George and surrounding

areas.

We wish to acknowledge this longstanding partnership between AiMHi and MCFD and we look forward to continuing our work with some of the most vulnerable people in our society. Our thanks to MCFD for the difference you are making in this community!

AiMHi’s Skill Building Library One Community – One Vision We believe that we share a responsibility to address the needs of others; addressing the needs of others makes a stronger community which benefits us all. One way that we contribute to making a better community is by addressing the acute need for meeting space.

Since our move to Kerry Street we have provided access to approximately 25 community groups and non-profit groups each and every year. These groups access our gymnasium and meeting rooms, on a regular basis.

For many of the group leaders it has had a profound and positive impact on their ability to provide the best services possible to their members.

The Skill Building Library was opened in 1982, and is managed by volunteer Gillian Taylor. The Library is free to the public – you do not need to have a connection to AiMHi to enjoy this resource! It was our goal to take the pressure off of parents who may find educational toys too expensive for their short term use.

The Library offers toys, books, games, puzzles, parenting resources and it is free to borrow! There are Lego, musical toys, baby toys and puppets!

Parents can borrow the toys until their child (children) have mastered them, or no longer show an interest.

You will also find games to enhance math, reading and writing skills, activities to streamline fine motor skills and heaps of toys that build gross motor ability.

With resources that can be used from birth and into the teen years you will be delighted with what you find!

So if you are a parent who wants to teach your child times tables or recognize shapes, or just need some new ideas for fun learning then check out this brilliant community resource – you won’t be disappointed!

The Skill Building Library is free to the public, and is supported through fundraising initiatives.

The hours of operation are as follows: Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Friday: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Volunteer Gillian

5

Back Row: Francine Blanchard (left) Chantal MacDonald (right) Front Row: Deb Mueller (left) Bharti Megha (right) Missing from photo: Sarah Morris/Maureen Madjitey/Monique Bouchard

6

AiMHi - Prince George Association for Community Living | 2013

AiMHi Self-Advocate Peer Advisor Penny Soderena-Sutton is employed as AiMHi’s Self Advocate Peer Advisor. Penny’s role is to provide training, advocacy and support to her peers. Currently Penny and a peer continue to offer sessions on ‘How to Manage Diabetes’ and throughout the year Penny offers support and training on topics such as ‘rights’, ‘self-advocacy’ and plain language.

Penny has a strong interest in local, provincial and federal politics (she had a meeting with Canada’s 20th Prime Minister The Right Honorable Jean Chretien when he sat in opposition in 1990) and for her having the right to vote is paramount to people who have special needs. With this said Penny felt it was important to organize opportunities for people to meet the local candidates who were running for seats in the May 2013 BC Provincial Election.

Invitations were accepted by Minister of Justice and Attorney General, MLA for Prince George-

Valemount Shirley Bond as well as NDP candidates Sherry Ogasawara and Bobby (Sarbjit) Deepak.

These meetings were held at AiMHi and were very well attended. People brought up issues and barriers that impact them in their daily lives. All the candidates listened intently to everyone.

One Community One Vision Penny SoderenaSutton

Throughout early May 2013 Penny continued to host a BC Election Info booth for self advocates.

Penny shared newspaper clippings on all the candidates and reminded people if that if they don’t vote they shouldn’t complain later.

Running the booth was a good reminder for people to start thinking about what they need and want from their local MLAs. By May 14th Penny had done her best to review all the steps involved in the voting process and hoped that people got out to vote!

Thank you Penny for reminding us all of our democratic right and responsibility to vote!

The Prince George Self Advocates Caucus The Prince George Self Advocates Caucus was formed in April 1991 to give people a voice to affect change in their community. Many people who have developmental disabilities are learning to speak up for their rights and call themselves “Self Advocates.”

Although they use the same office space, the PG Self Advocates Caucus operates separately from AiMHi. Many members of the Caucus sit on the BC Self Advocates Caucus and speak up for their peers in the north!

This year, caucus members were supported to participate in many conferences around the province - 4 people travelled to Prince Rupert, 3 people travelled to Terrace, 3 people travelled to Penticton, 2 people travelled

to Williams Lake and 8 people travelled to the Endenvale Retreat in Richmond.

Throughout the year Caucus members volunteered their time to support activities like the Snack Shop, the Value Village ‘Bagging event’, the Family and Friends Picnic and the AiMHi Christmas banquet where they held a 50/50 draw and ran the coat check. A number of green thumb caucus members worked hard in the AiMHi Community Garden helping our community bloom.

Volunteers are the backbone of the PG Self Advocates Caucus; therefore they extend a heartfelt thank-you to the many volunteers and AiMHi for their support throughout the year.

Back Row (left to right): Kim, Rod, Cheryl, Rose Front Row (left to right): Connie, Lynn, Neil, Rose, Penny & Carol

7

AiMHi - Prince George Association for Community Living | 2013

One Community One Vision Community Living British Columbia Services Community Living British Columbia (CLBC) has been a great support to AiMHi throughout the years. Many of the services provided by AiMHi to adults and their families in Prince George are funded through contracts with CLBC. For the most part, AiMHi’s services require a referral from CLBC before service can be accessed. These are services that many individuals and families in Prince George have come to rely on.

While funding contracts is an important task on the part of these CLBC representatives; more noteworthy, is their genuine dedication to ensuring that adults and families who are seeking services in this community have their needs met and their dreams realized! The long standing partnership between AiMHi and CLBC is a partnership that AiMHi is very proud of.

Left to Right (back row): Anna Jones, Dave Sutton (Quesnel), Cheryl Ryan, Pam Danchuk, Katarina Djuric, Cristy Hogan, Beth Bressette, Lynn Davies Left to Right (front row): Pat Marshall, Sherri Peterson, Corinne Faller, Carole Barriault, Jennifer McCord Missing: Kathleen McNeil, Kelly Nelson, Andrea Emmons, Patricia Lewis, Ann Lewis, Carmen Nutter, Ahmed El Namer

Getting to Where We Need to Go, and On Our Own! In the past year and a half, a partnership with the City of Prince George’s Transit Department has made it easier for people learning to ride the bus. With bus passes generously provided by the City of Prince George, the people supported at Adult and Children Life Skills have been able to take the time they need to learn and practice the routes so they feel comfortable taking the bus on their own. For many, being able to independently take the bus means a newfound freedom.

As each person supported by AiMHi is different, each person’s needs in how they learn is different. This summer, the bus training programs built by Life Skills Instructors and the people they support varied from learning how to use the bus schedule, to taking a couple bus rides together to a certain location, to more intensive programs where a number of routes were taken together until the individual was comfortable to do so on their own. Stephanie Tremblay and Jasmyne Morgan are two of this past summer’s recent bus program graduates.

Stephanie Tremblay wanted to learn how to ride the bus “to show her father and her Life Skills Instructor how responsible she could be”. Learning how to take the bus is “one of the most wonderful things she has learned at Life Skills, besides living on her own”.

Stephanie now uses the bus to go to school, the mall, and her appointments at AiMHi. Stephanie estimates that she probably uses the bus five times a week!

the City of Prince George for their part in helping people get to where they need to go, and on their own!

Jasmyne Morgan wanted to learn how to ride the bus to so she could get to her college program on her own. Jasmyne and her Life Skills Instructor worked on the bus program by first learning how to read the bus schedule and then riding the bus together. Jasmyne thinks that learning the bus was “cool and fantastic”. Jasmyne says she now “takes the bus to and from school every day and no longer needs rides from her dad”.

In the Life Skills Department, we are happy for the success that the people we support have had in becoming more independent in getting around in our community. We want to thank

Jasmyne & Stephanie

8

AiMHi - Prince George Association for Community Living | 2013

One Community One Vision

My Tattoo!

Melissa has always been fascinated with tattoos, it was one of the first things she asked me when I met her many years ago. When I showed her my tattoo she immediately felt a connection with me, and me with her.

Over the years Melissa has learned how to express herself and direct her life more, and in 2012 she told people she wanted to get a

Melissa & Teresa

tattoo.

Melissa was born with Noonan’s syndrome and has autistic tendencies. She needs structure and routine in her life. When these routines are disturbed or when something happens that is not predictable she can expresses her frustration in undesirable ways. This has caused difficulty in forming lasting relationships.

Employees Teresa and Marta have looked past the behaviors and see the person inside, the Melissa who is curious and interesting.

They have encouraged Melissa to use her words and try her best to use appropriate social skills to interact with others.

Gradually Melissa has started to express her wants and desires and when she said she wanted a tattoo, both Teresa and Marta were

on board one hundred percent!

Picking out the Tattoo was easy for Melissa – since childhood she has had a fish called Rosa (a soft toy fish). Rosa has been a constant source of comfort in an ever-changing world.

Getting a tattoo is a very big deal, so Teresa and Marta watched YouTube videos with her so she could get an understanding of how a tattoo is applied to the skin. Then they talked about the pain and tried their best to explain how that might feel. After that they visited several tattoo shops and chatted with the tattoo artists. They felt a connection with one particular artist and booked the appointment – for all three ladies! Yes, both Teresa and Marta decided to have the same tattoo in support of Melissa!

This was Teresa’s first Tattoo saying ‘It really shocked my family – but it was important to me because we have accomplished so much together – Melissa had her first dental appointments and first hair cut with me, so why not join her and get our first tattoo together!’

On the day, Melissa, Teresa and Marta all rolled up their sleeves to get a Rosa Tattoo!

Melissa went first. Everyone held their breath watched and waited.....and to their delight everything went smoothly. Melissa was anxious at first but stuck it out to the end!

When I asked Melissa what it was like she said ‘It was scary’.

It took a total of 8 months from the time she decided to get the tattoo to the day she got it. For Teresa and Marta it was worth every moment of planning and rehearsing to help her make a dream come true. Teresa truly believes that with the right supports Melissa the sky is the limit!

Melissa and Teresa

10

AiMHi - Prince George Association for Community Living | 2013

One Community One Vision

Volunteering Our Time!

Barb has been volunteering with the Hospital Auxiliary for over two years now and seems confident and relaxed walking around delivering books and magazines to the waiting rooms around the hospital. This hasn’t always been the case. Barb has a fear of tests, blood work, and the hospital in general until she started volunteering for the Hospital Auxiliary.

At first, Barb would only go into the library room. Over time, staff assisted Barb to overcome her fear of the hospital and now she delivers magazines to the waiting rooms on two floors and the Emergency department.

Becoming a volunteer was a perfect fit for her as she loves to visit with people. It was an excellent choice as Barb has overcome most of her fears of the hospital and is more relaxed now when going for tests. A real sign of success was when Barb had an X-ray done without a bother!

Barb, with the support of AiMHi employee Kerrie, seems to enjoy her volunteer job and looks forward to delivering books every Saturday!

Kerrie & Barb

Joyce has been volunteering at the Salvation Army Thrift Store for two years. She stocks shelves, dusts, removes

hangers off the racks and puts clothing out on the racks.

She loves her job saying ‘Mary treats me very well, she helps me and I work hard. It feels good and I like the people.’ Joyce loves to shop there too. She buys CDs, DVDs, books and jewelry finding great bargains! Mary adores Joyce as she is an exceptionally hard worker.

Mary can assign a task and Joyce has it done in a flash – this speed has earned her the nickname ‘Speedy Gonzales’!

Melissa volunteers her time at the Salvation Army Thrift Store. She is responsible for cutting the buttons off of clothing that is being recycled. Melissa has met some wonderful people who share her joy of volunteering.

Mary and Vickie who supervise her work are very supportive and encouraging. Vickie says Melissa has a great sense of humour and they joke around making their time together very special. Melissa has been volunteering for many years now and is happy to contribute her time and skills to a great charity!

Vickie says they are both amazing workers and I hope they never leave!!

Joyce, Vickie & Melissa

11

AiMHi - Prince George Association for Community Living | 2013

One Community One Vision

The Kerry Kitchen

The Kerry Kitchen provides people with an opportunity to learn skills needed to prepare meals and many of the skills needed to find entry level work in the Food Service Industry.

Lily had an opportunity to take both the Baking Program and the Kitchen Skills Program this year. Each program is 12 weeks long and the participants learn a multitude of skills that enable a person to secure employment. Then she applied to work in the Kerry Kitchen and was successful at getting her first job!

Lily is eager to work and likes cooking; she remembers taking cooking classes in high school.

Lily and Debbie (Kerry Kitchen Manager) have a lot of fun which makes learning so much better!

Lily has a great sense of humor and brings this and other skills to her job each day. Lily says that one day she may need to do more cooking at home and anything she learns today will help her with being more independent at home.

Congratulations Lily!

Debbie and Lily

October is COMMUNITY LIVING MONTH! Living Month

October is Community Livin g Month in our province.

Each year, throughout the mon th of October, communities across BC hos t festivities to celebrate the many gifts and talents that people with developmental disAbilities bring to Canadia n Society.

We thank the City of Prince George who has supported our endeavors by proclaiming October as Community

AiMHi’s Community Garden The garden has been invaded! But only by people who care about it. This year the garden has several patrons who are working hard to create growing things.

The Prince George Self Advocates Caucus planted several different kinds of produce and have been seen up to their elbows in dirt. They are all volunteers and spend a lot of time watering and weeding.

Sunny Day Care has a plot again this year. Since they can work all year round, they have had some success with growing plants. This year they have planted pumpkins and we are all excited to see how big they will get before Halloween. They also have taken the strawberries under their wing and weeding is progressing.

AiMHi’s Children’s Life Skills Program planted again this year as well and they decorated their plots with round cement stepping stones that they made themselves.

AiMHi’s Family Support Program are the newcomers in the garden this year, but they must have a Master Gardener to

consult with because their plot looks amazing.

Lac de Bois, the French Immersion School directly east of the garden tried for a couple years to make a difference in the garden. The school schedule, which includes summer vacation, did not work out very well for harvesting.

So, the kindergarten teacher had a brilliant idea. The children would plant flower bulbs! Bulbs, as you may know, are planted in the fall and come up in the spring and fit perfectly with the school schedule. The children worked hard to design and plant their garden plot with tulips of many different hues which have been admired by everyone walking and driving by.

Our big news is the garden mural. The AiMHi Children’s Life Skills Program began planning for the mural; when completed it will be on the outside wall facing the garden. Everyone is invited to stop in and see the mural.

See you then!

Keenan, Morgan, Ashley, Miranda & Kim from Sunny Daycare

in Prince George.

In recognition of Community Living Month – AiMHi is hosting an Open House!

Date: October 29, 2013 Place: 950 Kerry Street Time: 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm Everyone Welcome!!

Workplace diversity equals success…

Studies* and employer experience show adults with disabilities: work

98% 5x safer

stay on the job

have

86%

create longer

greater attendance records

...and

20%

80%

higher productivity

of consumers prefer to support businesses with diverse workforces

* “Recruiting Federal Minister’s Council Report: and Retaining Persons with Disabilities In British Columbia”

Does your workplace include everyone?

Many of the 15,500 adults with a developmental disability in B.C. want to work.

To learn about hiring people with diverse abilities, please contact:

1-877-660-2522 | www.communitylivingbc.ca

13

AiMHi - Prince George Association for Community Living | 2013

One Community One Vision

Kelly’s Bakery Kelly’s Bakery in Mackenzie is owned and operated by Kelly Rouble which opened for business in November of 2012. With continual growth, the bakery now supports three fulltime and two part- time employees.

Recently, David Sebelius has joined Kelly’s Bakery participating in a Work Experience placement with support provided by AiMHi and Work BC. The goal of AiMHi is to provide a real work experience for adults with various abilities. The Work Experience Placement program provides David with an opportunity to gain practical knowledge and discover his abilities, talents, and skills. Instruction and training are the key elements for participants to realize their employment and personal potential.

Having David as part of the team has been rewarding for the employer, employees, and for David. It has been a great learning opportunity and a very positive experience for all those involved; learning the ability to teach and teaching the ability to accept each person for who they are. Kelly has involved David in all aspects of the bakery; exposing David to a variety of tasks and assisting him in developing

David and Kelly

new skills. David reveals “having this work experience has taught me so much about the industry and myself. I have learned things that I didn’t think I could do. Kelly has given me more opportunities for learning about life as a baker – getting up before the crack of dawn. But like Kelly says… it’s the way the cookie crumbles” Kelly’s Bakery is open from 5:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday and 7:00am to 4:00pm on Saturday.

The bakery offers a wide variety of fresh baked items for every sweet tooth! For the health conscious there are fresh vegetable and fruit salads available. As the menu continues to grow, the bakery will strive to maintain quality and preservative free choices.

Look for upcoming events this fall as Kelly’s Bakery will be working with the local Mackenzie Community Performing Arts Society to bring you live entertainment for the Saturday night Coffee House.

As Kelly’s Bakery continues on this journey, they look forward to future opportunities to work with AiMHi and Work BC.

Food Skills for Families This past year AiMHi employee Adina Raine took part in the Canadian Diabetes Association program to ‘Train the Trainer’ on Food Skills For Families. The training provided Adina with a resource ciriculum and some funding to carry out several six week sessions on how to cook healthy and balanced meals on a budget. AiMHi supplied the kitchen and time to implement the program for people receiving services who live on a limited income.

Adina was the perfect candidate for this endeavor as she has honed her own cooking skills over the years while raising a large family. Adina is realistic in her approach and provided people with practical skills and a dash of her own experience with cooking on a budget.

There were 12 people in each six week session and they learned to cook from the menu plan – this included an appetizer; salad; veggie dish; meat dish; and a healthy dessert. Each week the participants worked in a different station – which gave them opportunities to prepare something different each week.

Adina also took people out on a shopping tour – this could have been expanded she says but with the time she had she gave people tips on how to compare items. ‘It’s not just about reading labels but knowing how to compare to get the best value for your dollar!’ says Adina. After the tour and training at the grocery store she saw that people were starting to get it – get how to read labels on meat packages for example and how to spot the bargain!

The dropout rate was very low, which was a tell tale sign that the training was valued by people. Cooking together and eating together seemed to fulfill something else that was missing in one’s life – and that was the social aspect of cooking together. ‘By the sixth session everyone had gotten to know one another and it was really neat to see how people opened up to one another.’ Says Adina.

Adina is planning on offering sessions in the fall of 2013 and hopes that people reap the rewards of cooking, sharing and all the other health benefits of a good home cooked meal!

Food Skills for Families is a hands-on program that makes healthy eating, shopping and cooking easy, quick and fun. http://www.foodskillsforfamilies.ca/

Ken and Don, Food Skills participants.

14

AiMHi - Prince George Association for Community Living | 2013

Closer to the Sky At AiMHi we work to meet the needs of each person, and we ask people what it is they want out of life. For Amanda she wanted to fly up in the sky. Amanda is a curious person, she loves watching Star Trek, Star Wars and the Discovery

Channel. When swimming she loves to float face first in the water with goggles so she can look at the bottom of the pool, she finds this view fascinating, saying ‘it’s the sky’.

Rachael, who worked with Amanda for six years, wanted to find a way to give Amanda the experience of flight. There were some barriers to new experiences as Amanda expresses herself poorly when she is anxious or stressed. Over the years she has learned to control herself, but there are days when the urge gets the best of her and she will scream or may hit people when she is upset. With these thoughts in mind Rachael felt that Amanda would do well with a small excursion in a helicopter as a first step.

Amanda had some savings as she rarely spends money on recreation and paired up with a friend to make her dream come true. With someone to share the costs she happily booked her inaugural flight with

One Community One Vision

Aberdeen Helicopters!

The morning of the flight Amanda was very excited – she was acutely aware that she was going to go up into the sky. She asked to fly around Prince George because she specifically wanted to fly over her home and the AiMHi office. With camera in tow four people and Pete, the pilot started to lift off the ground.....

Rachael noticed Amanda was nervous and waited to see how she was going to handle her emotions. Amanda was really nervous at first and put her head on Rachael’s shoulder, but it didn’t take long before the fear of taking off was behind her and she moved to that of place of fascination. She peered out the window the entire flight while Rachael explained where they were, pointing out her house, AiMHi and other places in her community. They flew around Prince George for 20 minutes looking at houses and people on the ground. In all her wonderment Amada could not get over the fact of how tiny people looked. She kept saying over and over ‘Look at the tiny tiny ants’.

A goal or lifelong dream is so individual and Rachael was happy to assist Amanda with her aspirations and Amanda’s enthusiasm was definitely enough validation that this had been the right thing to do!

HANDICAPABLE

‘We are all capable of doing something special’

Jenna Tschampa

As a young adult I was nervous and intrigued about my opportunity to work at AiMHi. As a result I found myself finding a true joyfulness in working with such great people at AiMHi. Above all, it is a heartwarming experience to form a relationship

and experience people with disabilities as they are all capable of something magical. Their motivation to accept the daily challenges life brings is an inspiration to me and I have made some wonderful friendships.

Although, we as a society use

the terminology handicap, meaning physical or intellectual challenges. I, on the other hand call it ‘handicapable’, as all people are capable of doing something remarkable!

Testimonial by Jenna Tschampa

15

AiMHi - Prince George Association for Community Living | 2013

Open your heart, open your home Adults with Developmental Disabilities face a variety of challenges. One of these challenges is finding adequate housing. For 55 years, AiMHi has helped people with these needs by providing housing options and supports for daily living assistance. Currently, we are further developing these services through our Home Sharing Program. This program connects a person like yourself with someone who is looking for a supportive place to live and to call home.

Going into our 3rd year of successful Home Sharing, we are in search of more places for people to call home. We want to connect people with developmental disabilities to a place where they can call home. A place where they can have the freedom to live a more independent life, a place where they have people who care about them to provide them with the support needed to be a member of their community and have a sense of belonging. We are looking for people who can provide the stability that comes from being part of a home and family, just as we have for the past 50 years.

If you or someone you know have room in your hearts, an extra room in your home, and are interested in giving a person with a developmental disability a sense of family, connection and belonging, then we want to speak with you. We understand that families and homes come in all different shapes and sizes and are interested in speaking with anyone who would like to learn more about this rewarding opportunity. We’ll be happy to give you more information, or simply answer some of your questions on becoming one of our Independent Home Share Providers. Please call Home Sharing Coordinator @ 250-5646408 ext 251 or email home.sharing@aimhi.ca My Adventures in Home Sharing ‘Coming to Canada is a dream come true for me. My name is Marisa Castro from the Philippines. I came to Prince George September 15, 2005, my family joined after 4 years. I first

You Never Know Until You Try!

worked as a caregiver for a wonderful woman, the late Mrs. Georgina Williams – the first white woman born in Prince George and owner of McInnis Lighting. After she passed away I worked at Amigos Taco Shop and Hamilton House - Assisted living home for seniors owned by a generous couple Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Dittmar.

I loved looking after people and I believe I made a significant change in the quality of their life.

I then looked after 10 seniors with different disabilities at Hamilton House. I found out that it’s not really hard to do when you give your heart to them and try to reach them and understand what they want or need. I listened to their stories and often asked about their history. I tried to find their “gifts” and helped them maintain this interest as long and as near possible. I feel very comfortable looking after people; it’s just like a natural task for me.

I enjoy their company and am happy to learn something from them.

When the Hamilton House closed due to the owners retirement, Mrs. Lorna Dittmar encouraged me to do Home Sharing. She told me I can do this within my family life which is wonderful for me. Now, I am looking after one senior referred from social worker at UHNBC and am now in my second year contract to AiMHi for another senior. I can say Home Sharing is a very rewarding experience. We have so enjoyed the new members of our family. My family was so happy I only worked at home and they enjoy living with the seniors. My neighbourhood and friends are very welcoming.

I am glad to have this opportunity from AiMHi. I am grateful to have a very supportive Home Sharing Managers - Mrs. Ginny Arsenault and Ms. Dawn Taylor. I and my whole family are so thankful for this opportunity to be participating member of the community.’

- Marisa Castro

Mike and Carol Carr have been very busy parents.

Their son Patrick was born almost three years ago and during this time they have experienced an emotional rollercoaster. When Patrick was 6 months he started to experience visual issues and was diagnosed with cone dystrophy manifesting with rotary nystagmus. This basically means that his pupils move involuntarily in circular patterns, particularly when he’s tired or in poor lighting. He has a photosensitivity and finds a well lit room blinding. With this discovery Mike and Carol were referred to local services and often travel to Vancouver for check-ups.

With so many activities centered on Patrick’s therapies they have found a real pleasure in the approach of Infant Development Program (IDP) consultants, Shelley Anderson and Judie Smith.

Their approach is a combination of observation, assessment, and discovery – and the discovery has been that Patrick is a much more capable person than predicted.

Patrick attends the IDP Toddler Drop-In Playgroup most Tuesday evenings where he plays with his parents and with other children. It also gives Mike and Carol the opportunity to chat with other parents and with the IDP consultants. With the opportunities of free play with other kids, and playing with skill building toys that challenge him, Patrick has made some surprising advances. ‘Shelley and Judie are seasoned professionals and they have a very positive and reassuring nature. They push us to try new things with Patrick.’ says Mike. They observed Patrick taking turns with another child while playing, and they had been told that he would not learn that skill. They were told he would never run down a hallway and just the other day he ran down the hallway while playing with kids his own age. They have found that one of the best ways to

Carol, Patrick and Mike

learn and discover things is to let him play with a bunch of kids!

As parents Mike and Carol have embraced the challenge head on – but it’s always nice to know someone has your back. Shelley is a great support and helps them ask the tough questions with important assessment meetings. Shelley offers ideas and helps translate clinical/ medical information and offers her observations to other professionals which helps tremendously. Shelley does home visits as the main part of her work as an IDP consultant and she often brings toys and equipment and provides suggestions of things to try. Loaning toys are part of the services that IDP offers and these have been very helpful. You just never know which toy he will take to, and sometimes Patrick masters a toy that is way beyond his age...but you never know until you try!

The IDP program supports children up to three years of age, so Mike and Carol only have a year left, but they are so very thankful for the support they receive from Shelley and Judie as it has made a real difference to the entire family!

16

AiMHi - Prince George Association for Community Living | 2013

One Community Are you experiencing a labor shortage? Recruitment challanges? One Vision

People with diverse abilities bring unique perspectives to any workplace setting. Having the right amount of support can make all the difference to ensure this partnership is maintained.

Econolodge City Center’s General Manager, Andrew Cuthbertson, knows this all too well. He learned about AiMHi’s Infinite Employment Solutions division through a family friend and was pleasantly surprised to meet a prospective employee named Leah Ekholm, an enthusiastic worker who impressed him with her positive attitude, a solid skill base and a willingness to learn.

Leah is a Mother and a Grandmother. For Leah, like many of us, having employment is vitally important for several reasons. Employment allows her a sense of independence and the ability to take charge of her life. It gives her an income that allows her to purchase items she would otherwise do without.

Leah has always demonstrated her enjoyment for working with others. She takes great pride in

taking care of and cleaning other people’s homes and enjoys the contribution she makes in the lives of others. Employment also has a benefit that cannot be measured by just a paycheck for Leah; employment has allowed Leah to develop a sense of belonging and build relationships with her co workers eliminating the social isolation so often experienced by persons with barriers to employment.

Job coaching supports were offered to enable a successful transition into the workplace. The job coach uses techniques to help the employee learn to perform job tasks to the employer’s specifications and to learn the interpersonal skills necessary to be accepted as a worker at the job site and in related community contacts. In addition to job-site training, job coaching includes related assessment, job development, counseling, advocacy, travel training and other services needed to maintain the employment. Her job coach used a few simple tools like photo cards and separate easy to read schedules

to ensure Leah maintained her independence at her new job as a chambermaid. Andrew revealed “Leah required nothing extravagant just changing things slightly to make it work for her.” He shares “We went into this not knowing what was going to happen, and it has worked out very well. The first day Leah was here, she wanted to stay and make it work. Her happy demeanour affects the climate with the other workers and people can’t help but smile when she is around.”

Leah reveals “I like the people I am working with, they are very friendly and treat me as they would any other person, the staff is always kind and they show me tips on making my job easier” Leah works a 6 hour day 3 to 5 days a week depending on hotel occupancy.

Econolodge, of the Choice Hotel franchise, has 53 rooms in its downtown Prince George location. It is one of the Global sponsors for this past summer’s 2013 World Baseball Challenge which will keep Leah

AiMHi’s Common Goods AiMHi is making it easy for you to donate.

With one phone call we will pick up your donations from your home!

busy throughout the season. Andrew tells “Leah trys very hard. It’s not often that you see this in a new employee. We see her as a life timer.”

When asked about future hiring considerations Andrew exclaims “With AiMHi’ friendly job coaching staff, great candidates and helpful support, I would absolutely do it again without Leah hesitation.”

Volunteering for Operation Red Nose

All you have to do is place your donations out on your driveway!

Your donations benefit others on so many levels.

Not only do your donations translate into funds for much needed services, but it provides employment opportunities for people who have special needs!

Our message is simple – donating means recycling reusable items and helping AiMHi at the same time. It really is a win - win situation.

On behalf of AiMHi I wish to express a sincere thank you to the Value Village team and to our ‘Bin Supporters’ for embracing this partnership.

Together we are making a difference in the lives of others.

Value Village pays AiMHi every time you donate.

Donations are accepted at these seven locations: • Vanway Transfer Station • Hart Hwy Landfill • Canadian Tire • Our Saviours Lutheran Church • First Baptist Church • Quinn Street Recycling Depot (18th & Quinn Street) • AiMHi 950 Kerry Street

Please donate • Jeans • Long Sleeve Shirts • Sweaters • Coats • Active Sportswear • Scarves • Hats

• Gloves/Mittens • Shoes & Boots for the Family • Bed and Bath Linens • Home Décor, Housewares and Small Electrics

Volunteering for Operation Red Nose The Operation Red Nose program is operated

by The Rotary Club Prince George - Nechako and they need your help to make it a success.

AiMHi employee volunteer Julie O’Reilly says “It is a very well organized event. They really appreciate the volunteers and it was evident that our safety was high on everyone’s list. I highly recommend this program!”

“We are grateful to each and every volunteer who helped keep Prince George roads safer during the holiday season; without the support of volunteers like those from AiMHi, Operation Red Nose wouldn’t be a success.” says Andrea Johnson of the Rotary Club Prince George Nechako.

2013 Red Nose dates are Nov 29, 30th, Dec 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21 and 31st.