Community Services

Training & Support:

At DCLS one of our main goals is to create opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to participate as contributing citizens of their community. The day program supports that are in place enable individuals to participate in a wide variety of experiences such as volunteering, work experiences, entrepreneurial ventures, paid contract employment, art and recreation and social opportunities. By participating in meaningful activities, individuals we support are able to gain independence, improve self-esteem, and become valued, productive members of their community.

WorkPlus:

Located on the Resource Centre site, call 604-946-7515 for more information. It provides a large variety of meaningful work experience for individuals with developmental disabilities such as:

• Greenhouse: Some of the individuals at WorkPlus choose to participate in the greenhouse. They have learned to develop the plants throughout their life cycle and receive satisfaction from selling something they have nurtured from seed. The greenhouse grows and sells bedding plants and planter box arrangements in the springtime. Other seasonal plants and shrubbery are grown and sold by request.
• Packaging /assembly: A large number of individuals choose to participate in the Packaging Department. It is the most dynamic of our WorkPlus departments as it receives a wide variety of contracts that keep everyone hopping, such as: labelling cereal boxes, packaging oatmeal and assembling bolts for B.C. Hydro.
• Woodshop: Our Wood shop is fully functional with all the necessary power tools to do the job. Because of its size it has the advantage of being able to handle both large and small projects. Currently the Woodshop is busy producing sturdy wooden boxes for B.C. Hydro as well as small craft projects by request.
• Agricultural: This department has a fully operational landscaping business that maintains the Resource Centre property as well as our community-based sites. We maintain a free-range egg business as well as a small hobby farm.
• Supported Employment: Community based work experience: DCLS supports small groups of individuals that have demonstrated the ability, commitment and desire to work in the community. Individuals, depending on their skill and ability, may work independently in paid employment or within a work crew. DCLS liaises with local businesses that offer jobs to people we support. We have the capacity to complete projects of a varying scope and duration and to perform tasks within our work setting or another location. DCLS strives to provide high quality service at a competitive price to businesses in the community. WorkPlus, the closest step to "independent paid employment " within a safe, supportive environment.

Community Support Centres:

Our Community Support Centres provide service to individuals with diverse needs. Through active participation, individuals are able to enhance their quality of life, and the community in turn benefits from their gifts and talents. Through the Community Support Centres individuals may:

• Benefit from Life Skills Training and personal development support
• Participate in supported work experiences
• Volunteer for a better community such as, Meals on Wheels or Adopt-a-Street
• Enjoy a wide variety of community based recreation programs as well as our own very popular recreation program
• Have many opportunities to expand their personal network
• Participate in Studio 19 art therapy program
• Enjoy many social opportunities

The programming at each Community Support Centre is based on the direct needs and wants of the individuals they support. For example the 64^th Day Program was designed to meet the needs of individuals who have demonstrated, that they are happier and more productive in a quieter less hectic environment, while Ladner Connections is a high-energy, fast-paced program.

Programs Within Programs:

We have a few special programs that deserve to be highlighted, as they are extremely popular.

Studio 19: The name taken from one of our service outcomes states "Individuals have opportunities to share their gifts and talents". We have a small art studio on the WorkPlus site where individuals come on Wednesdays and Fridays to carry out a large variety of art projects. At Christmas the studio cannot keep up with the demand for handcrafted Christmas cards and wooden spoon reindeers. Each artist receives the profits directly from their work.

Recreation Program: Through Community Support Centres, evening and weekend recreation programs have been developed. In the summer many group vacations and camping trips are scheduled. Calendars may be obtained from Ladner Connections, Scott Road Connections and from the Resource Centre. Some activities include cooking classes, bingo night, dances, music-night, and drop in coffee house. The activities change monthly.

Adult Education: Night school classes are held every Monday and Wednesday at both Ladner Connections and Scott Road Connections. We have two very dedicated teachers whose curriculum is best described as academics wrapped in life skills.

Self Advocacy Group: DCLS supports a Self Advocates group. Self-Advocate groups are to assist people with developmental disabilities to become full, participating citizens in their own communities. People with disabilities learn how to speak for themselves and make their own choices. They are showing people without disabilities that with a little support and encouragement they can gain greater control over their lives. The purpose of a self-advocate group is: Promote independence for adults with developmental disabilities; Enable individuals to make choices with confidence; Assist them to gain an understanding of their rights as citizens and consumers; Increase their active participation in community life. If you are interested in more information call Tara Asquith at 604-946-9508 or email at