for people like Luisa Luisa lives with her guardians in Brampton. Every day, she travels to Norpak Custom Packaging, which employs adults with a developmental challenge in a workshop environment. Luisa joined Mary Centre's community support program in 2003 where she works on math, money skills and reading. Luisa takes great pride in her work - both at Norpak and at Mary Centre. Every Monday, Luisa attends afternoon sessions with her Mary Centre support worker, whom she calls "teacher." When their time together ends, she always asks for "homework" to do throughout the week. Luisa very much looks forward to her Monday afternoons with "teacher." This is time where she has some control. This is time where she receives positive feedback. This is time just for Luisa.

Community support

Participating fully and happily in our community requires certain social and communication skills and knowledge. This is why Mary Centre offers community support. Adults with a developmental challenge acquire experience and build important relationships for comfortable living, and sometimes, productive employment.

For individual support, a Mary Centre staff member meets an individual and his or her family at home to identify challenges and to develop goals. The individual and support worker then begin to develop the appropriate life and social skills, both at home and within the community. These could include, for example, learning money concepts and budgeting. Or how to do grocery shopping. Or read clothing labels and use the washer and dryer. Home management skills such as cooking and cleaning are often high on the priority list. As are street safety and using public transit. Emergency response skills are also important for many, such as learning who and how to call in an emergency.

Introduction to community involves group get-togethers that enable adults to interact and to learn important social, communication, cultural and even vocational skills. They may go grocery shopping together. Or take a transit ride. Or learn how to cook together.

Mary Centre helps those who are developmentally challenged learn important skills that will last a lifetime. Many go on to paid work and volunteer positions. Others continue their education through various educational institutions. And others have made the move into supported independent living.

Community support reduces stress for families and helps participants build self-esteem and independence and become contributing members of the community.

To apply for community support at Mary Centre, please contact Tracy Sabean, (905) 866-6300