May is Community Living Month, and there is no better time to recognize the invaluable support Community Living Huntsville provides for community members with developmental disabilities.
From supporting families with young toddlers who may be showing signs of developmental delays and supporting families whose children are already in the school system to helping youth and adults with developmental disabilities gain employment, volunteer positions, access community venues, live independently, guide them through the tenant and landlord relationship or supported living—these are just some of the supports Community Living Huntsville offers.
Executive director Suzanne Willett explained that Community Living Huntsville is also fundraising to purchase a property so it can build a six- or eight-plex to provide further support to clients.
Community Living Huntsville has about 80 employees and supports more than 300 people with developmental disabilities and their families in north Muskoka—some as young as 18 months up to clients in their 80s.
In the past 30 years, developmental services organizations have seen cumulative base funding of less than four per cent. “So not even close to covering rising costs in services, increased demands over the three decades.”
Last year, Community Living Ontario launched the #5ToSurvive Campaign, urging the government of Ontario to include a five per cent increase in base funding for developmental services organizations in the 2024 budget, not unlike increases in other sectors. Anecdotally, Community Living Ontario has since heard that the 2024 budget has only included an unconfirmed two per cent increase. “This is appreciated and welcomed, but it is not enough for the fiscal year, with no increases planned for 2025 or 2026,” said Willett.
She said some organizations across the province are being forced to cut programs and crucial operating expenses despite the growing need. “We have had good conversations with our MPP Graydon Smith, and we’re hoping that he can help rally needed government action for our sector and the community members that we serve.”
It’s not just about the funding, said Willett, but also ensuring the well-being and dignity of people with developmental challenges and their families. “We need immediate action and investment and [a] sustainable commitment from our elected officials.” She said many people in the province are not getting the support they need, which is the reason the organization is very much a willing partner in working with the province to develop a plan to support clients and their families.
Willett explained that the movement has existed since the early 1960s and was born from the idea that people with developmental disabilities belong with their family and community rather than in institutions.
She said those wanting to help are asked to contact their elected government officials to encourage adequate investment in the developmental services sector, funds that will also help decrease costly hospital visits.
To find out more about Community Living Huntsville, you can access their website HERE.
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