In The Press

FAMILY PICNIC 2009:  DCLS Family Picnic Puts a Country Style on a Delta Tradition.

Cowboy hats and good old fashioned country fun were the theme of this year’s annual Family Picnic hosted by the Delta Community Living Society. Over 250 people participated in this free event which took place on the sunny and picturesque grounds of Ladner’s historical Kirkland House.

The Picnic included BBQ, face painting, arts and crafts, musical entertainment, clowns and airbrush tattoos and was enthusiastically attended by adults with developmental disabilities, their families, friends and caregivers. DCLS staff organized games including an old fashioned tug of war for both children and adults.

Resource Development Manager Teresa Townsley commented on the cowboy hats that were provided for each attendee. “Each year there is a different theme to the picnic. Last year, we provided floral leis for the Hawaiian theme, this year the cowboy hats and bandannas add to the country feel.”

The DCLS, known as the “People who value people”, assists adults with developmental disabilities to achieve their personal, social and recreational goals in Delta and the surrounding areas. “When I see people getting up and dancing and having a good time at an event like this, It makes me proud to live in Delta,” said Townsley.

She stated that the DCLS has made a commitment to become more active and visible in the community and that planning is already underway for the next successful DCLS community event.

For More Information Contact:

Delta Community Living Society
#1-3800 72nd Street, Delta, BC V4K 3N2
E-mail:
Phone: 604-946-9508

DCLS staff serve up some fun at the Annual Family Picnic.

Family Days 2009 - DCLS reaches out to community this summer.

Delta, BC, July 6th 2009:   The Delta Community Living Society successfully welcomed hundreds of people to their booth at the recent Family Days event in North Delta recently as part of their new visibility campaign in the community. One lucky visitor was awarded the “Summer Fun” recreational gift pack containing DCLS branded merchandise and the booth received visits from local dignitaries and community leaders.

Known as the “People who value people”, the DCLS provides residential, community and family support services for adults in the community with developmental disabilities since its beginnings in 1964. “We have benefitted from the sound stewardship of our executive director,” stated Teresa Townsley, Resource Development Manager. “Now we are ready to share with the public the great work that is being done by the society in providing opportunities for diversity in Delta and the surrounding communities.” Pleased with the public response, she looks forward to being able to tell “The great stories” that community support has made possible for adults with developmental disabilities.

“Community connections and relationships have always been an important aspect of the programs we provide for adults with developmental disabilities,” said Executive Director, Anita Sihota. “We, and the people we serve, are an integral part of the fabric of our community.”

For More Information Contact:

Delta Community Living Society
#1-3800 72nd Street, Delta, BC V4K 3N2
604-946-9508
E-mail:

In this picture: MP Sukh Dhaliwal, HR Manager Karla Babcock, and Resource Development Manager Teresa Townsley.

Delta Optimist June 13, 2007

BIA partnering with vocational program for hanging baskets

Delta Community Living Society staff member Rochelle Ali (left) and Workplus
Greenhouse employee Richard Hooks show off one of the hanging baskets.

The Business Improvement Association of Tsawwassen has partnered with the Delta Community Living Society's Workplus Greenhouse for this year's hanging baskets to add colour and beauty to Tsawwassen streets this summer.

The Workplus Greenhouse, in operation for 25 years, produces bedding plants in the spring and poinsettia at Christmas. The society offers vocational and residential opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.

"We were very happy to be able to work with Workplus this year on this project," said BIA executive director Ana Arciniega. "They have been able to provide us with beautiful baskets and the guys were really proud to show the results of their labour to us."

There are currently 29 water smart baskets, which have a special reservoir so they do not need to be watered as frequently.

South Delta Garden Services is contracted to install, water and fertilize the baskets during the summer.

"We are always interested in giving opportunities to local businesses and associations to partner with us," said Arciniega. "Collaboration is key to our local economic development."

For further information, call Arciniega at 604-943-0502 or e-mail biaoffice@shoptsawwassen.com.

Delta Optimist Mar. 1, 2006

Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb

On February 7, 2006, a group of 16 self-advocates and 29 supporters from British Columbia, left Vancouver International Airport to embark on a journey of a lifetime to Tanzania and the home of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

In the following 9 days, the team climbed through five different types of terrains and climate zones-forest, heath and moorland, highland desert, and the icy glaciers that circle the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Click here to view the Delta Optimist article - Climbers are up to the challange