This is a community-based program which enables adults to pursue recreational and leisure activities of their choosing in a safe and positive manner, with the greatest degree of independence, based on each individual's capacity for growth. We encourage people to maintain or improve their relationship with others. We provide service for seven hours per day, five days per week, for up to fifteen adults at a time. Self-directed plans are implemented for each person, based on the individual's strengths and needs.
With direct access funds from the BC Gaming Commission, we are pleased to be able to offer an expansion of the "Seasons for Living" program. "Seasons for Living" is a horticultural program offered to participants of the Activation/Leisure Program. Directed by Hilary Hallam, a Horticultural Therapist and Master Gardener, "Seasons" participants work hands-on with nature to benefit and improve their body, mind, and spirit. Hilary has a passion for the program and the individuals served. Assisted by volunteers from the local community, we have increased service to include a total of twelve participants by offering the program two half-days and one full-day each week. Program activities have included:
- Plant propagation to harvesting, as well as mulching, composting, seed saving, and pruning.
- Developing and maintaining a market garden to provide vegetables for sale to the public.
- Conducting plant sales at the Duncan Farmer's Market.
- Creating gardening-related arts and crafts for fundraising, as well as for pleasure.
- Establishing relationships with long-term care facilities, such as Cowichan Lodge, whereby "Seasons" participants have taught a group of seniors how to transplant African violets donated by a local nursery.
- Numerous field trips to local gardens, and horticultural and gardening centres, as far away as Victoria.
Photos from the "Seasons for Living" program:
- Volunteers and gardeners building the raised beds at Campbell Street garden.
- "United Way Day of Caring" gardeners and staff volunteer from Staples display their leaf prints.
- "Seasons for Living" gardener staining the new raised beds.
- Harvesting green beans from the raised veggie garden.
Contact the program staff at alp@cvacl.org, or (250) 746-4135 extension 243, for more information.