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By Bill Fisher on behalf of Kim Goodberry
Generally each year as February comes along and
winter is winding down, it signals spring planning
time for Kim. This “renewal time” means revisiting
objectives in his Quality of Life Plan, assessing old
goals and establishing some new ones.
The first two questions which Kim had to consider were: “What
would you like to do in this upcoming year?” as well as,” What
changes would you like to see happen?” He responded by saying,
”I would like to be able to read better so I could read the
menus myself at restaurants when I go out to eat.” My next
question was, “How can we make this happen?” This
time Kim’s response was, “We’ll have to find a place
where they teach people to read.”
So, in late February, we contacted QLC Educational
Services on Front St. in Belleville, made our inquiries
and arranged to have Kim assessed on March 5, 2007
at his initial session. As a result of this assessment, Kim
was told he would need to learn the basic sounds as
well as some word sounding skills thus enabling him to
read any word he encounters. He was also advised
that he should attend 2 one hour sessions a week in
order to facilitate progress.
The reading program Kim is involved with is
titled, “Teach Your Children To Read Well,” and is
co-authored by Michael Maloney. Michael is both
owner/operator of QLC Educational Services as well
as a former member of the initial Board of Directors
for Pathways to Independence. This program has a
long documented record of success.
Kim works very hard during his sessions as well as
practicing at home daily. He has completed 12
lessons out of the 30 lessons in the first book of his
reading program.
When Kim is practicing at home or during his
sessions at QLC his face lights up and it is very
obvious to all the great pride he takes in what he
has accomplished so far. This program has not only
served to increase his skill level in reading but has also
increased his self esteem, confidence and personal
pride. All of these positive outcomes will assist Kim in
becoming more independent in all aspects of his life.
So, Kim is going to prove to us that it’s never too late
to learn.
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The Foundation receives applications for funding
support from many worthy charities and individuals
throughout the year. “It’s a difficult decision to
make when there are so many worthwhile requests,
with a restricted amount of funds to distribute” says
Foundation Board Chairman Jack Arthur.
The Foundation has supported the following funding
requests since the fall of 2006.
The Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Treatment & Alcohol
Centre Inc. (FASTEC) received funds to assist them
in the ongoing delivery of support and services to
people in the Quinte Area who suffer from Fetal
Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
Continuing on in Education Quinte Inc., needed start
up funds to support a respite program for caregivers
who provide support to people with special needs.
The respite program runs 2 nights a week and on
Saturdays and gives the caregiver an opportunity
to socialize with other caregivers and enjoy a little
breather in their week.
With a little help from the Foundation, Pathways
to Independence Cabin Road clients now enjoy
increased accessibility and flexibility when travelling
to their appointments and activities. A previously
enjoyed 2006 Dodge Pacifica was purchased in
March 2007 to accommodate the various ambulatory
and assistive device needs of the group. Several
comments from the residents were overheard when
they first saw their new wheels;
“Really neat!!! I’ve always liked Chryslers.” – UK
“Very fancy. It is easier to get into the back seat.” – ZC
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By Laurie Inch, on behalf of Pam O’Hashi
Pam O’Hashi lives in the Napanee supported home.
In working with Pam, we discovered that she has an
interest in painting. For Christmas she received paints
and brushes and some wood pieces to paint. She
is very creative in what she was painting and it was
interesting to see her creations.
It got me to thinking one day, wouldn’t it be neat if
she could go to an art studio or gallery. When I was
at church one Sunday, I was speaking with Mia Lane,
she’s a friend of mine as well as a world renowned
artist. I asked her if she would be interested in meeting
one of the ladies I support and show her studio. I
explained to Mia that Pam has recently shown an
interest in painting. Mia was more than happy to
meet Pam and to have her come out to her studio.
When we arrived at Mia’s studio, Pam just kept
looking at all the pictures on the wall. Then she
spotted the painting studio where Mia did all her
work. She headed right for it and was in awe of it all.
Mia first showed Pam what she was working on and
demonstrated how to paint. Then Mia set up a chair
right beside her and had Pam sit down. She gave
Pam a blank paper as well as herself. She gave Pam
her own brushes and a paint pallet sat between
them. Mia started to paint and then Pam watched
what she did and she did the same. It was great to
see the interaction between the two of them and I
could tell that Pam was thoroughly enjoying herself.
Pam did an amazing job. Mia was showing her how
to blend colours and how to layer, Pam picked up on
the technique quite quickly. In the end there were
two pictures, one from Mia and one from Pam that
were very similar.
Both Mia and Pam departed with an appreciation of
a new found friendship with a common interest.
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