Access Better Living opens new centre with new programming for adults
A vision for more services for children and adults with developmental disabilities is now a reality in the Timmins area.
Access Better Living has acquired a former church building and named it 'The ABL Centre.'
"This is awesome. I love it so much I can’t wait for it," said Noah Cogar, a client of Access Better Living.
Officials with the organization said this is where Noah can learn new skills and bond with his friends.
"Especially knowing that there is a lack of support services for our clientele, I am so thrilled to know that there is a place where our kids can come, our adults can come and socialize," said Carol MacKinnon, executive director of Access Better Living.
Kim Guillemette, a mother and chair of the Access Better Living board, said after-school programming and a brand new program for the 18- to 21-year-old age group is greatly needed.
"This is absolutely a relief," said Guillemette.
"I can’t use any other word. To know that my children are going to come to a place where their friends are present, that they’re going to be safe, there are workers that are going to meet their every need -- there’s just no words to describe that."
The space features various stations including music, art, athletics, a kitchen and a place to chill.
The centre will also allow Access Better Living to create ties with the community.
"We’re going to be actively looking for community partners," said Guillemette.
"We want to be out there. We want our children to be out there learning life skills, participating in the community, contributing to the community."
MacKinnon said this is the first time the organization has established services in the city's east end and said they already feel welcomed. She said it serves around 45 clients and she will accept applications for more as she increases staff and volunteers.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had with him in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Jeremy Skibicki has 'uphill battle' to prove he's not criminally responsible in Winnipeg killings: legal analysts
Accused killer Jeremy Skibicki could have a challenging time convincing a judge that he is not criminally responsible for the deaths of four Indigenous women, a legal analyst says.
Indian envoy warns of 'big red line,' days after charges laid in Nijjar case
India's envoy to Canada insists relations between the two countries are positive overall, despite what he describes as 'a lot of noise.'
Alcohol believed to be a factor in boating incident after 2 men die: N.S. RCMP
Two Nova Scotia men are dead after a boat they were travelling in sank in the Annapolis River in Granville Centre, N.S., on Monday.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
Susan Buckner, who played spirited cheerleader Patty Simcox in 'Grease,' dead at 72
Susan Buckner, best known for playing peppy Rydell High School cheerleader Patty Simcox in the 1978 classic movie musical 'Grease,' has died. She was 72.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games Tuesday following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.
Air France flight from Paris to Seattle lands in Iqaluit after heat smell in cabin
A plane travelling from Paris to Seattle was forced to make an emergency landing in Iqaluit after there was a heat smell in the cabin during the flight.