Breton Ability Centre wants residents, community to interact more
Directors of a Sydney, N.S., home for people with intellectual or physical disabilities want its residents interacting more often with others in the community.
New provincial funding is helping the Breton Ability Centre do that. The group is expanding programming for seniors, and inviting people living in the area to drop by to participate.
On Friday, Derek Mombourquette, MLA for Sydney-Whitney Pier, presented the centre with an $8,000 grant to be used to offer horticultural and exercise therapy sessions, which centre CEO Millie Colbourne welcomed.
"The big thing for us is we have a number of seniors here and we also serve other seniors in the community," she said. "We wanted to enhance the programs and activities that we can offer them."
More interaction
They're trying to encourage more interaction between the two groups, she said.
"That again is the opportunity to bring people in so they are more comfortable with the people that live here," Colbourne said.
'Inclusive of everyone'
David Farmer, a senior manager, said he plans to reach out to local seniors groups to encourage them to come to the centre for their exercise.
"We want to be inclusive of everyone," he said.
"We want to promote inclusiveness in [Cape Breton Regional Municipality], so we think it's a great opportunity to allow us to do this."
'Alone for long periods'
The funding also will help the centre take residents into the community more often for movies and entertainment, Colbourne said.
Resident Brian Dipersio, 48, said he loves planting and weeding in the garden, and that he will warmly welcome anyone wanting to help.
The funding will keep his gardening supplies well-stocked, Colbourne said.
"A lot of seniors can be alone for long periods during the day," she said. "This gives them the opportunity to get out and interact with other people."
