| The concept of Participation
Lodge began in the 1970s when parents and concerned citizens
were looking for a vacation/respite spot for their adult children.
As a result of the significant contribution of volunteers and
their fund raising efforts, Participation Lodge opened its doors
in 1982 with the following mission statement:
Participation Lodge is a caring community intent on improving
the quality of life for physically and mentally challenged people.
A lot has changed since then.
Today, Participation Lodge is home for
twenty permanent residents and services have expanded to include
Apartment Projects in Hanover and Owen Sound, Community Outreach
Services, an Acquired Brain Injury Program and year-round
Respite Services. Fundraising and volunteering continue to
be an essential component of our work to improve the lives
of youth and adults with special needs. To this end, we are
pleased to present LodgePodge,
our Resource Development plan. A spin-off of the word "hodgepodge",
LodgePodge is a "mixed bag of opportunities" available
to residents, clients and the public.
The LodgePodge
mission is to ensure our residents and clients
enjoy a positive life experience in spite of the barriers
they face. This means having choices, making decisions, gaining
independence and building relationships.
The LodgePodge
approach is a fun and funky public awareness campaign
to promote partnership opportunities that are mutually beneficial
to all involved. These partnerships can involve individual
citizens, corporations, small businesses and non-profit organizations
through volunteering, promotions, events, memberships, grants
and donations.
The LodgePodge
vision is to see more people involved in our mission
so our residents and clients can become active participants
in the community. Being an "active participant"
means being present in the community, joining social groups,
finding gainful employment and forming natural friendships
with people from all walks of life.
Under the LodgePodge
theme, we are currently designing a Volunteer Recruitment
& Recognition Program, publishing a website and working
on several partnership projects that will help promote our
Therapeutic Pool, Snoezelen Room, Exercise Room, Kiddie Korner
and other activities held at our accessible facility.
 Who
benefits if we are the recipient of your good will and generosity?
Firstly
our residents.
They will be able
to enjoy individual social and recreational opportunities.
Funds will be used to pay wages for one-on-one support and
vehicle operating expenses that do not receive government
funding. Tom will get to attend a horse show, Gerry and Dawn
could go out on a date, James could visit an amusement park,
Jennifer could visit friends for a social and Michael could
go out for supper. The types of things that those without
disabilities take for granted but which add significantly
to the quality of life.
Click
here to read a personal story about…
Secondly our staff.
Currently staff must focus most of their
time on the “care routine” which focuses on a resident’s
“disability”. With extra funding, staff will be able to spend
one-on-one time with residents getting to know them, learning
about their personal interests, likes and dislikes and making
some of their dreams come true. This shifts the focus on a
resident’s “ability” and the possibilities are endless when
this is allowed to happen.
Who is helping?
Participation Lodge receives financial
support from many businesses and organizations in the surrounding
area. They are recognized for their support through our publications,
at events and through this medium, the Internet.
Click here
to visit our Sponsor’s page to see how they help.
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