Hello I Am Home: Supporting Local Initiatives

Many years ago, before I had children (more years than I would like to think), I was a temp. I worked at the temp agency itself, where I checked references and reformatted resumes, as well as a bit of marketing for the agency.  Occasionally I would be sent out for office positions at local businesses, just a day here or there.  As part of a trade show prize, my services were awarded for two days to a local business.  The winner of the prize happened to be C.O.R.E.

You may already be familiar with C.O.R.E., or at least it's location, on 3rd Street downtown.  But you may not be familiar with services they provide.  To briefly summarize, they assist families and individuals with developmental disabilities with the skills to help them function; whether at home, school, work or social situations. They have day programs including recreation and education, employment support as well as an outstanding art program.

I was blown away by the dedication of the staff at C.O.R.E.  I could easily see how passionate everyone was in their quest to assist their clients.  It was after my experience at C.O.R.E. that I realized that my "life's work" was working with/for non-profits.  I love that the work is about people, not profits.

So it came as no surprise when I realized that an amazing local initiative was being spearheaded by C.O.R.E.   Hello I Am Home is a campaign to provide funding for the transformation of the George P. Vanier school on the SE Hill into an eight bedroom residential facility for people with developmental disabilities and a concurrent diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. The plan is to renovate the school into a state-of-the-art, long-term care facility.  It will allow individuals to remain in their community with familiar caregivers and maintain a high quality of life.

Although this project has received funding from the government, more monies need to be raised in order to make this dream become a reality. Please consider giving, as your donations can make a significant difference in the lives of local families and our community. For more information on this much needed facility and to keep apprised of their progress, please visit their website at www.helloiamhome.com and follow them on Twitter - @helloiamhome