March 2003 Central Seven Association for Community Living Our Association currently provides service to about 160 people and we employ the same amount of staff in both full and part time positions. Our vision is that all persons live in a state of dignity, share in all elements of living in the community and have the opportunity to participate effectively. Simply put, we support people who have a developmental disability to live, work and play in their community. Our services are varied as we try to meet the needs of those in our community. The majority of our employees provide residential supports to people. Through this model we offer 24 hour residential care to 46 adults in a number of households throughout the region. A number of people involved in our agency require less intensive support and live in their own apartments/homes with a few hours support a day. Typically they receive assistance with such things as budgeting, banking, & household skills. We also have many families who come to us for respite care for their family member. We provide both a group home model as well as a family style model of overnight respite care for both children and adults. With the support of the Ministry of Community, Family & Children Services we have launched a new youth initiative designed to assist young adults make a smooth and successful transition from school to the adult community. Our Facilitators are available to assist youth and their support circles with a holistic approach to life planning. The Facilitators work with youth to explore opportunities, set goals and become connected to their community. Another important focus of our agency involves securing employment and other meaningful daytime opportunities for the people we support. We currently have 27 people employed in competitive wage paying positions with businesses such as KFC, Tim Horton's, Walmart & Canadian Tire. We are also engaged in a number of subcontracting opportunities with organizations such as EngAir in Newmarket, Colour FX Catalogues from Markham; the Health Department (putting smoke free campaign paperwork together); Port Perry Hospital (preparing fundraising packages). Central Seven, along with Kentucky Fried Chicken, was recently honoured with the 2003 Award of Excellence at the Durham Employment Network (DREN) Annual Awards Dinner. This award celebrates partnerships that lead to long term, competitive employment for people who face barriers to employment. Our members support many social service agencies in our community. We work with Community Care in delivering Meals on Wheels and shoveling snow, we provide garment cutting for the Uxbridge hospital and clean toys at the YMCA's Toy Lending Library. These are just a few of the many organizations we are involved with on a volunteer basis. One of our members was proud to receive a Volunteer Recognition Award from the Township of Uxbridge for his commitment to Scugog-Uxbridge Animal Shelter. We also have a thriving volunteer commitment at Central Seven and we have received the Marilyn MacKenzie Award for excellence in volunteer program management. We have a number of wonderful dedicated youth volunteers who commit their time in engaging youth with disabilities in recreational opportunities. If you would like to hear more about Central Seven Association for Community Living, please contact us at (905) 985-8511. |