WDDS Minutes - February 18, 2009
Presided By: President Norm Narancsik
In Attendance: Jantine, Norm, Paul T, Paul L, Erik, Rama, Rick, Wim, Gibson, Peter VW, Doug
Guests: Deb Roloson, our guest speaker
Happy/Sad Bucks and Fines: There were fines for those who arrived minutes late!
Rama visited his son in Ottawa and attended Winterlude.
Wim was happy he was going to go skiing in Quebec.
Peter was happy that Obama was coming to Ottawa.
Gibson has learned how to use ClubRunner!
Jantine was sad that she lost a goat.
Erik was happy he had his car back after an unfortunate incident.
and a few more I may have missed!
Our guest speaker this evening is no stranger to our Club. We became closer to Deb when we decided to partner with WDDS at last year's annual Fish Fry. Deb Roloson has worked with Woodstock & District Developmental Services (WDDS, non-profit agency) for over 28 years and she's presently a Family Support Worker assisting families who have children with special needs living at home. She also assists WDDS with public relations duties including fundraising, community networking, student placements and special projects.
She is married and has 4 children between the ages 16-24. She keeps busy with volleyball, coordinating the Woodstock Special Olympic programs, and assistant coaching the Special Olympic Soccer team. She recently returned from the Dominic Republic where she volunteered to build a soccer field.
Her introduction alone has almost enough information to cover our meeting, but she came to us tonight to talk about 4 potential projects that could use funding at WDDS.
Just a little about WDDS; a community where everybody belongs. WDDS provides accommodation at 16 houses throughout the city. Based on the person's individual needs, WDDS looks for ways to help people become more independent. They also provide day programs, transition programs, and ARC Industries employment opportunities(where they partner with local industries). WDDS provides family support by working with families who have children and young adults living at home. There could be a transition with moving out and becoming independent or a transition that happens when someone graduates.
Teen Summer Camp - This program is offered annually and is for teens 13-19 years old. John Knox Christian School is the location of this fun filled program that runs for 8 weeks in the summer. It costs around $40,000 to run the camp. It requires qualified staff to meet the campers individual needs. There is no other community program that addresses this need. It provides much needed respite for parents. One week of camp costs $5000, with 15-18 kids a day at this program. Overall between 30-35 teens use this program.
Forests For Life - This program is a partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources. WDDS helps to grow trees for community planting. They rake up walnuts and collect seeds to be stored and sold to nurseries. This is a unique program that merges Social Services with Natural Resources
Snoezlen Room - This is a multisensory environment that has proven to be beneficial with significant developmental disabilities or dimentia. WDDS currently drives to Brantford to use their Snoezlen Room. WDDS is seeing people with more significant needs. This room would be a great option for people since they can't benefit from going bowling, swimming, or doing crafts. This room would also be used by other members of the community like the Alzheimer's Society, Children's Aid,and school boards. The cost of building and implementing this room is between $15,000-$20,000.
WDDS 50th Anniversary - This year would be the 50th Anniversary Celebration. There are many activities planned such as: Parade, Community BBQ and Car Show, Softball Tourney, Outdoor Movie, and a Gala. There will be many volunteers needed and financial support as well!
Most of all, the benefactors of all these programs are those people who are supported through WDDS!
Thanks Deb for coming out and doing a great presentation! We can see that you are doing great work with WDDS, and wish you continued success. Reach for the Stars!