Title
PRESENTATION COMMUNITY LIVING MONTH AND FAMILY HOME AWARENESS WEEK
Reet Skelton, Volunteer and Public Awareness Coordinator, Simcoe Community Services provided a presentation regarding Community Living Month and Family Home Awareness Week as well as the various programs that Simcoe Community Services administers. She noted that 2011 marked the 30th Anniversary of the Family Home Program. Ms. Skelton stated that the Family Home Program is an alternative to a group home setting and provides a supportive and caring environment for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Kristen Hummel, Family Home Social Worker, Simcoe Community Services, provided additional details concerning the Family Home Program. She noted that the Program is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2011.
Johnathon King, a participant in the Family Home Program, addressed Council and stated that he has been living with the Strachan family for the last two years. He commented that he enjoys being in this type of setting and that he feels that he has a lot of people in his life that care about him and help him to be happy.
Denise Strachan, a Family Home Provider addressed City Council to share her experience related to being a foster parent through the Family Home Program. She noted that being a foster parent has enriched her life as well as her own children’s lives. Ms. Strachan stated that becoming a foster parent was an insignificant adjustment as her family has gained so much from caring for children over the last ten years.