Hopewell Support Services is set to launch a new skills-based program for children with developmental disabilities and special needs.
The program will offer training and support in a wide range of areas such as friendship, home safety, daily activities, sports, cooking, crafting, music and movement, and nature.
“We're thrilled to announce the launch of our new skills-based program," says Hopewell Support Services executive director Maria Zegarac.
"This initiative underscores our commitment to empowering children with developmental disabilities and special needs by equipping them with essential skills for independence and enriching their lives through diverse learning opportunities."
With eight locations that support over 200 children and adults, the Guelph-based charity provides specialized care and support for individuals living with a developmental disability and their families.
Since 1983, Hopewell Support Services offers an individualized support model to ensure clients can achieve their maximum potential and experience a full and enriched life.
Given the funding constraints faced by the developmental services sector, resources were reallocated from the children’s overnight respite program, which had seen declining participation and cost increases.
An October 2023 survey also revealed that families had less interest in overnight respite support as it involved extensive intake paperwork, high fees and limited transportation options to access the services. Respondents noted that they would prefer a skills-based program for children with disabilities that builds competencies and independence for their loved ones.
As a result of that reallocation, the children’s overnight respite program will be discontinued effective September 30th, with the new skills-based program set to launch on Oct. 4th.
"After much consideration, we determined that a skills-based program would better serve our community's needs, optimize our resources, and provide essential support to families in need,” said Zegarac.
“As we transition from the children’s overnight respite program, we are excited to introduce a new initiative that focuses on enhancing abilities and fostering independence for children with developmental disabilities."
Program highlights include personalized programming for children with disabilities, small group settings, dedicated staff support, focus on individual goals, meals, and enhanced accessibility.
Zegarac says that when the overnight respite program was first established 20 years ago, that was what families needed. Since then, a lot has changed.
"Families are really informing how we shape services around them. This program is what families want. It will provide them with more support. The new program will provide just over five days of support in a six month period which is more than they were getting before," Zegarac said.
"And an additional piece that we solved was transportation which was in response to families saying how hard it was to get their children to our location. So, we have taken that burden away and have included transportation in the plan.'
Zegarac says the program is more responsive to children's needs and increases support to families.
"We know that is critical right now as our province struggles to deal with the ever increasing wait lists that we have for folks. And we are removing barriers that families have told us about, including costs, so we are making it more affordable for families," she said.
"And the last piece is that this is financially sustainable within our organizational model. So, it really is a win-win for families and individuals seeking support and for the broader community."
Hopewell Support Services remains committed to working closely with the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, along with agency partners, to ensure these families find alternative solutions to meet their needs.
"We will to continue to work with families in not only understanding the program but in helping to meet their unique needs. If there is something that families are looking for, I encourage them to reach out to our program manager," Zegarac said.
For more information, email Heather Hughes, at [email protected]
Hopewell Support Services will also host two in-person information sessions for families. More information to follow on the Hopewell Facebook page here.
