Providing a ‘window’ into the services being withdrawn next week by Community Living Guelph Wellington, at least temporarily, unionized workers and concerned caregivers are set to host a dance on Friday evening.
The dance is meant to illustrate the kinds of activities that will no longer be provided through CLGW’s day program, explained Jesse Mintz, spokesperson for CUPE which represents agency employees.
“The point of it is to kind of show the types of programs that these adults with developmental disabilities are going to be missing out on, the types of services that are being stripped away from them,” he said. “This is just a small window into the types of services that they’re going to lose out on.”
In early October, officials with CLGW, which provides programming for adults with developmental disabilities, confirmed the agency is on track to post a $3-million deficit by the end of March, which is when the fiscal year wraps up.
In response, CLGW officials are set to pause its day services program, aimed at helping clients find and participate in community activities, and employment support services on Monday.
According to its 2022 annual report, CLGW provided community services to 184 clients.
“It’s so upsetting to see it disappear,” said Lynn Lodge, who’s brother Brian is a day program participant. “To me, this is returning these people to what it was a generation before these places opened, where they’re basically shut away at home.”
Some caregivers plan to provide limited daytime activities, but “it’s not the same,” Lodge said, noting not everyone can afford to take part. Those who can will be in smaller groups and not with the CLGW workers they’ve become attached to.
Advocacy efforts to see program funding restored continue, noted Mintz.
Workers approached client caregivers with the idea of doing something to acknowledge the end of the day program, Mintz added, with initial thoughts of organizing a bowling or skating excursion.
“We heard from a number of parents that what their kids will miss most is dancing,” he said. “They like being out in the community, socializing with each other.”
The dance is meant for clients, their families and “community allies” alike.