Posted on August 13, 2024 in Advocacy, CLFE In The News, CLFE Updates

Exciting News From IPRDO

We’re excited to share that the Individualized Planning Resource Development and Oversight (IPRDO) Program officially settled into our new home at 1027 South Pelham in Welland! As our agency has grown so has our need for a space that can keep up with our expanding team and vision. Our original team at our 615 Industrial Drive location included Nikki Boon: Senior Program Manager: Ryan Blanchard: Assistant Program Manager and Sara Haight: Program Administrator. Their dedication to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities by providing tailored services that promote inclusion, independence, and personal growth remains steadfast. Together, they’re helping us drive our mission forward.

Our commitment to Journey to Belonging (#J2B), has driven us to adapt our program to meet evolving needs, providing innovative solutions that empower individuals and foster community inclusion. This year, we launched a new In-home Residential Services Program, designed to meet the changing needs of those we support and to create fresh opportunities for the Community Living-Fort Erie workforce. Since April 2024, we’ve welcomed Penny Adams, Aaron McPhee, Jennica Giesbrecht, and Tori Veerman to our team. They’re already making a difference, providing personalized support to five young adults across the region.
We’re looking forward to what’s next as we continue to grow and evolve!

Click here to learn more about the program

Engaging in Service: Michael’s Journey

Michael indicated that living on his own was a priority, but being ready to live on his own was also important. After Megan and Michael spent time exploring their options, CLFE IPRDO SIL was chosen. In the past four months, Michael has been the driver in his service provision. He has chosen how often he spends time with the staff. The staff work to balance life skill growth with social and emotional growth. Their approach has been to meet Michael where he is at each day. Through meaningful conversations with the IPRDO staff opportunities are presented to Michael that challenge his perceived limitations and support his personal growth.

We are very excited to share that Michael was able to speak at Parliament on May 4th of this past year and share his concerns about the Niagara Health Systems approach to treatment. He shared the family’s advocacy to seek treatment from another region, and they were successful. He shared his positive experiences with the Dual Diagnosis team who have spent time educating him regarding his diagnosis.

Michael is beginning to cook weekly, attending community concerts with some success. He is taking on new challenges and engaging with staff consistently. He is planning his days and pushing himself to be in his community, which he has avoided for several years. He has met a friend that shares his love for fishing. At the end of this month, they will be going on a fishing charter on Lake Ontario.

It has been a truly wonderful journey thus far to see Michael in his community in a way that works for him.

Join us in celebrating Michael’s courage and the strength of finding valuable support teams in the community!