Imagine: The Family Resource Centre
Imagine that all the families and people supported by Community Living Parry Sound had a warm and welcoming resource; a gathering place to get together for support with other families to talk about the best solutions to common problems, to organize meaningful workshops, to access free high speed internet (for research/applications) in a private office or to use as a home for a loved one to stay for respite to provide caregivers a short break. This is the vision for the new Family Resource Centre currently being created at 8 McNaughton Street. “The House on the Hill”, as 8 McNaughton is fondly referred to as, is a lovely house built atop the hill directly behind Community Living Parry Sound’s Administrative building. 
Renovations at the house began in June and the transformation continues with the creation of a state of the art Sensory Room for people in the Parry Sound district who would benefit from a sensory diet. “Motivation to be involved in one’s daily activities depends largely on the senses (Kristen Meyer). Cognitive psychologists suggest that the main ingredient of the intellectual phenomenon is sensory stimulation that allows a human being to apprehend through its senses its environment and respond towards it.” With access to the Sensory Room, CLPS support staff (who are trained to implement sensory plans prescribed by an Occupational Therapist), can provide people with an individualized and specialized program.
The ball is rolling with new sensory equipment, computers, comfortable furniture and a fresh coat of paint on the walls. Finishing touches to insure that families have all the resources they need are coming together. Soon families will be able to book meeting spaces, respite rooms and the sensory room. Families will be welcome to stop by and use computers or get help filling out the many forms needed to access a variety of supports.
The Family Resource Centre initiative is a response to what families need and want and will only thrive with the full engagement of the people it is meant to serve. We can create the space but need families to fill that space with life and meaning. This initiative is driven by the desire to provide the highest quality services possible to families who care for a loved one with a developmental disability. CLPS aims to meet the needs of its member families by providing necessary resources and a physical environment that is inviting, homey and very functional. A meaningful life, in the community, for every person supported by Community Living Parry Sound is our ultimate goal. The Family Resource Centre for families is another step towards our goal of creating an inclusive community where everyone belongs. In the fall, families will be invited to an open house that will showcase the resources, offer refreshments, speakers, and informative videos.
By Tricia Bain