The North Bay group known as PADDLE, which it stands for Providing Adults with Developmental Disabilities Lifelong Experiences, has a new home.
It began over 10 years ago operating out of Chippewa Secondary School, but has since had to move.
After a number of months worrying and wondering where the program would end up, PADDLE has found its new home, so it was nothing but smiles and cheers in the auditorium of Greenwood Baptish Church, formerly known as École St-Anne, on the weekend.
Megan Johnson is the executive director for the PADDLE program.
“There was an incredible amount of stress, mostly because we wanted to make sure the doors stayed open for these individuals who care about this program so much and for their families, who really believe in it and need that support as well.” said Johnson.
It operates five days a week, offering programs centered in life skills, recreation, academics and volunteerism.
Lori Venasse's son Sean is a PADDLE regular and says she's looking forward to the larger space that can accommodate a greater number of activities.
“It's a party everyday here at PADDLE, and there's so many opportunities, more opportunities now because our classrooms aren't crowded. We have specific areas for specific activities and so they're able to probably grow and learn even better, more individually.” said Venasse.
The new location includes a kitchen, academic, recreation and sensory rooms, which are all fully accessible.
And Johnson says the program offers more than just a learning environment, it's very much about family.
“I think that's the magic of PADDLE. People always say ‘how does this work?’ And it's magical. I don't really know how to explain it. I think it's a lot to do with that holistic sense of programing that really focusing on wellness, community participation and inclusion, and making sure that people are learning those skills to be successful in the broader community.” said Johnson.
Organizers from the program say now with their new home they're looking forward to the next chapter of offering quality programming to individuals with disabilities and their families.
