May 2003 Community Living Sarnia-Lambton It has been 50 years since Community Living Ontario was founded - 48 years since the beginning of Community Living Sarnia-Lambton. From our humble beginnings, then known as the Sarnia and District Association for the Mentally Retarded, offering school instruction to a few children out of New Hope School, we now offer a wide range of services and supports to over 300 families across the county.
We
are also involved in Community
Employment Opportunities Employers who participate in the program have access to pre-screened applicants and no-cost job training, as well as gain improved public relations as an equal opportunity employer. As a result of on-going supports, the Employer often experiences reduced turn-over in staff and reduced time in training. Supported Employment Services has partnered with Human Resources Development Canada to offer two fully accessible programs to those seeking employment.
The second program is the jobStart program, an eight-week intensive job readiness program, delivered in a series of workshops and employment related field trips. Each session has up to 10 participants who are actively involved in developing their employment goals. During the 8 weeks, participants are also involved in a one-week voluntary work opportunity.
Work Centres
At Wawanosh, individuals may be involved in production areas, such as the manufacture of gaskets for local and international industry, industrial sewing, industrial woodworking, and general sub-contracts; or they may be involved in janitorial or office services.
Alternate
Day Programs
At Community Living Sarnia-Lambton, we strive to offer individuals options and choices in their day- programs. Currently, we offer Attendant Care / Life Skills programs for those with higher medical or behavioural needs; Seniors programs for those who are slowing down and gearing for retirement; and Community Access programs to those wishing to be involved in clubs or activities in the community. However, funding sources have been extremely limited in this area and government dollars do not seem to be forthcoming. We will continue to lobby for further services and continue to strategize creative means to expanding the limited spaces.
Residential Living Options
Respite
Services These various services are often the lifeline that enables families and caregivers to continue to care for their son/daughter, family member or friend, at home. Further, the individual receives an opportunity to experience opportunities outside of their home. As you can see, there is much to celebrate. And still much to accomplish. Our supports and services are forever evolving. We look forward to enriching the lives of persons with intellectual disabilities for many years to come. MAY IS
COMMUNITY LIVING MONTH. Community
Living Sarnia-Lambton |
The
first is the Accessible Employment Resource Centre, a walk-in centre
that specializes in assisting unemployed persons with disabilities who
are conducting an active job search. Specialized equipment, such as accessible
computers with various adaptive hardware and software, TTY telephones,
text readers, etc. are readily available. 
Community Living Sarnia-Lambton has two work centres, Wawanosh Industrial
Services and Wawanosh Enterprises. Up to 100 individuals participate in
these centres, many as part of their preparation for community employment. 
Choice is the essence of life. Many individuals cannot or do not wish
to be involved in the above-stated employment options.
A range of supports, from 24-hour total-care to supported independent
living in the community are provided, based on individual needs. Individuals
may live on their own or may share accommodation with others in a house,
townhouse, group home, or apartment. Currently 58 individuals receive
on-going supports.