Kindale Developmental Association

Self Advocates

QUALITY PROGRAMS FOR QUALITY PEOPLE

The Self Advocates is made up of a group of people with disabilities. They meet regularly and discuss and act on issues that affect themselves and others. The Self Advocates rely on Kindale´s fundraising to support them with expenses pertaining to out of town functions with other Self Advocate groups and conferences such as the BCACL. For these consumers the benefits of participating in community meetings expand their lives by offering the opportunity to increase their life experiences.

Each year in October Community Living month is celebrated. Below is a list of some of the contributions the Self Advocate Group have made to their community.

The Self Advocates planted a tree in the community of Armstrong where an old tree had died. This tree was planted with the thought that the next generation in this community will enjoy some shade and the ecological beauty of new growth. The group was proud to be a part of this beautification that will be remembered by them and appreciated by their community.

The group hosted a free tea and coffee party for some of the seniors in the community. The Self Advocates made the goodies, served them and the beverages to a group of seniors. The group learned baking skills, serving food and beverages, as well as talking to our most valuable and lonely people of our society.

A group of Self Advocates presented flowers and hosted a tea at one of the local nursing homes. This made the group feel good to be able to visit with lonely seniors.

The Self Advocates donated stuffed toys to the Children´s Ward at the Vernon Hospital. The group chose the toys, purchased them and presented them to the Hospital. The group met some of the children in the hospital and realized that they helped to give some happiness to children who were lonely and sick.

The Self Advocates donated coffee and donuts to the people who came to the mission at one of the local churches. The group learned to give to people who can be just as needy as they are without expecting anything in return but a thank you.

Events
The Self Advocates put a float in the parade for our Armstrong Interior Provincial exhibition in September. We had lots of fun and won a third place ribbon in our division & trophy for the most enthusiasm.

The Self Advocates donated $25.00 to our Armstrong Legion poppy fund. One of our Self Advocates, Gary Boss laid the wreath on remembrance day.

Community Living Month OCTOBER 2004

This year the self advocates donated $200.00 for a seat to be built in the new arena in Armstrong.

A fun game of floor hockey was had by everyone who attended on October 28th. The mayor of Armstrong dropped the first puck and opened the fun time everyone had that evening. Names were drawn from a box for prizes that were donated from A & W, Subway, and the Vernon Vipers.

Money raised and donated to Self-Advocates

We are excited to say that our community really stands behind and gives us support. Davy Tree Chipping donated their time, man power and tree chipping equipment for approximately 5 hours on Saturday, January 8th and Sunday, January 9th 2004 to chip Xmas trees dropped off at Askew´s parking lot. One of our dedicated self-advocates, Chris Hannah also helped with the greeting and hauling of trees from the vehicles. The money raised was given to the Self Advocates. The money will be put towards a group gathering of other self advocates around the area so we can exchange ideas and learn how each of us are coping and how we might help on another.

Real Cool Youth Group
(Limited funding by United Way)

Our group´s mandate is to reach out to local youth to invite inclusion that is meaningful and valuable for young adults with developmental challenges.

2004 Directors
President - Norman Sperling
Vice-President - Rik Debruim
Secretary - Tammy Harper

The Youth Stream is formed by and for young people. The Youth Stream also relies on Kindale´s fundraising to assist them with transportation for meetings and other funding. Some of the benefits of this organization are:

Allows opportunities for youth to socialize and develop self-confidence

Develop leadership skills

Youth will speak out about what is important to them

Opportunities for youth to contribute effectively to the community inclusion movement

Hands-on experience in developing communication, organization, and planning skills (skills and competencies development)

Youth will be supported to have opportunities to hold positions of influence (i.e. volunteer boards, community based committees, student councils etc.)

Youth will be supported to have opportunities to participate in community based activities and organizations

Increased awareness by "adults" in the community inclusion movement about the value of contribution by youths

What We´ve Been Up To
The youth group have explored many topics in the leadership program. These included: Sexuality, Bullying, Relaxation Techniques and Personality profiles. This has helped us understand ourselves better and given us skills to use in difficult situations.

We have bee quite busy over the past year. We meet once a month on Mondays and do things such as bowling, Scandia, barbeques and games night. Some of the youth group has accessed a group in Kelowna called the Community Recreation Initiative Society and have gone kayaking and hiking.

We participated in the tree chipping fundraiser in January and will help with the Walk-A-Thon. There is a trade show in Armstrong in April and we will be having a bake sale there.

One of our goals is to find some common interests among the youth and give them an opportunity to do these things together. Another youth group has been joining us about every second month and has been a great addition to our existing group. It has given everyone a chance to meet new people as well as some reconnecting with people they know from school or other programs. The youth group, as well as other people who are interested will be playing beach volleyball at Kal Beach on Mondays starting May 28th and will continue through to the middle of August. Some other activities the youth group would like to see happen this year are a camping trip, paintball.

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Self Advocates