Partners for Planning (P4P) is a non-profit, family-driven organization that empowers individuals with intellectual disabilities to thrive in their community, and they want to get the word out that they are available to help Muskoka families.
P4P launched the Planning Network in 2014 as a response to the pressing question, ‘Who will love and protect our sons and daughters with a disability when we no longer can?’
“Some families are deeming these resources a lifeline especially during this time of extreme isolation,” said Andrea Johnston, the local P4P regional coordinator. “I want to help get the word out far and wide.” Johnston is providing outreach to create awareness about P4P from Gravenhurst to north of Lake Superior.
The resources within the network fall under a few key categories: developing reciprocal relationships and friendships, financial and legal planning, transitioning after high school, and home and housing options. P4P is in the process of developing resources for families with young children who are transitioning to elementary school.
“Our signature offering is the P4P Planning Network, an online platform of free resources designed to support individuals and families plan and reach their goals,” said Johnston. “The information is current and it’s super easy to navigate. The resources are diverse and include video, text, digital booklets and PDFs, action guides, directories, and our quarterly webcasts to highlight a few. Our webcasts remain our most popular offering and people can register and the link stays live for a month so it’s really convenient for folks to check it out when they have time.”
In addition to these services, the P4P Network has a list of family networks for families to connect with other families in their area to find additional support and to learn from one another.
They also have a professional network of financial planners and lawyers who are vetted and have experience in disability-related issues. In the near future, they will be adding a professional directory of independent facilitators as well. Upon registering in the P4P Partners Program, a variety of free printed materials is available to your organization.
“The resources are easily accessible, informative, and current,” said Johnston. “The P4P Action Guides offer practical next steps that individuals and their supporters can take toward building a good life in their community. With COVID, we have seen how important connection is and being part of an online community helps to address isolation and loneliness, regardless of where a person might live.”
Prior to COVID-19, P4P offered two speaking events, The Art of Belonging and The Art of Resilience, that were live-streamed to their partner organizations. This provided an opportunity for community engagement where the broader public was invited to attend the event and engage in important discussions around inclusion.
Community Living Huntsville and the Muskoka Family Network have been P4P partners for approximately six years and P4P’s newest Muskoka partners include More Than Just Art, YWCA Muskoka, and Muskoka Family Focus. See the full list of P4P partners here.
Learn more about Partners for Planning at partnersforplanning.ca or for more information contact Andrea Johnston at [email protected].
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