Members of North Vancouver’s Cascadia Society sponsored bell choir recently performed for CLBC board members, surrounding them with warmth and laughter during a visit.
CLBC Board chair Tom Christensen, and members Dan Smith and Onkar Biring, spent the day visiting the Cascadia community inclusion program, two staffed residential homes and an open house for area families and service providers.
“I was very impressed by the dedication and care I saw for those we serve,” said CLBC Board Chair Christensen. “We were given a fantastic welcome to people’s homes. We had the chance to ask questions and listen carefully, including to a presentation from parents involved in a family-governed model of service. I always gain new insights in these discussions.”In addition to learning about Cascadia’s community programming, Board members visited a home run by the North Shore Disability Resource Centre for several people with complex health needs.
“As a new board member, it was very affirming to see how people with complex challenges can have a strong quality of life in the community with the right supports,” said board member Dan Smith.
They also visited a new home run by North Shore ConneXions, with a range of accessibility features including two wheelchair bathrooms, an elevator and wide open hallways and rooms.
“These features are so important,” said board member Onkar Biring, who also uses a wheelchair. “It will allow those who live here to not have to worry about needing to move when they get older, and may experience changes in their mobility.”
CLBC board members visit individuals, families and service providers in different communities every year. So far this year they have also visited Vernon and Prince George, and will soon be travelling to the Kelowna (South Okanagan), Richmond and Victoria.
Last year groups visited Vancouver, Surrey, Kamloops, Cranbrook, Port Moody and Nanaimo.
