Life Enhancement Services

This past year has been exciting and fast paced . We have seen positive changes to our services for Life Enhancement clients. Along with this staff have been able to use their own skills and creativity to make each day interesting for our clients. The Life Enhancement Department officially began on December 1, 2003. Operating out of the training room in the main building. In time, it is our hope to have our own building for this department but for now planning and research will continue so that this department will operate to it fullest potential. As indicated in my annual report for 2003 application has been made to the Department of Community Services for additional staffing. While no word has been received to date , we were pleased to have an opportunity to meet with the department to explain our concerns and to offer recommendations.

Our Mandate: To provide a broad base of programs and services, which reflect the diverse needs of clients through on and off site activities, which promote inclusion, independence and choice.

Our Clients: Each day, 12 clients participate in this department on a rotating basis, five from pre vocational and seven from vocational departments. These seven clients are part of 26 clients identified from vocational services who because of age, health, choice were in need of a more diverse, specialized service.
      Clients involved in the department participate in a wide variety of community interventions, leisure programming and vocational involvement. For example, the purchase of a Karoke machine has allowed both clients and staff to share their musical skills on a regular basis, building confidence and communication skills. Involvement in non-consumable tasks for other departments on a scheduled basis, has provided clients with an opportunity to showcase and build on their skillswhile contributing to the end product . With hats and hoses in hand clients take pride in the creation and maintenance of our beautiful flower garden As part of community integration programs, clients have gone fishing, viewed the Tall Ships, went shopping for supplies, visited clients in hospital and much more. These type of outings are great experiences to see new things and learn a lot about social behavior.

Our Staff: We are happy this year to welcome Sheldon MacDonald to our department. Sheldon comes to us from Residential services bringing over ten years of experience and a wealth of knowledge. Wendy Blanchard MacDonald left our department in June to accept a position with General Contracts and Juanita MacKenzie moved from General Contracts to Life Enhancement in December. Doug Ivany, Gary Shea and Joan Roberts continue to play an integral role in the success of this department. This year we have also been fortunate to have volunteers helping us out, Colleen Kyte and Debbie Mac Dougall are sharing their own talents with our clients. We are very appreciative of the time these ladies have been devoting to Life Enhancement.

Our Products: Tye dyed t-shirts have been a product line since the Spring of 2004, these shirts are being made by the Life Enhancement Department and are retailed in house as well as at our Kiosks. Sales have gone very well, the cost is $12.00 per shirt.
      Punachello Wreaths are also being made in the Life Enhancement Department, these beautiful wreaths are being made for the Christmas season, they are selling for $25.00 each. Angels are also being made by the clients as well, they can be purchased for $5.00 each.
      All funds raised through these projects go towards the overall cost of operating the Life Enhancement Department.

Our Fund-raising Projects: Bowl - A- Rama was a resounding success for 2004, with gross donations of approximately $13,000. we are so proud of the result. Thank you to everyone who helped out.
      The clients from Mac Aulay Place were successful in attaining first place in the Christmas Tree Decorating Contest at Casino Nova Scotia they received $500.00.
      Join us on October 28, 2004 for the kick off event for the Horizon Achievement Center’s 20 th Anniversary celebrations. The location is Casino Nova Scotia, a buffet and fun night will be held, starting at 6:30 the cost is $20.00 per person. Come join in the fun and a chance at winning one of the over $1300 in prizes.
      On November 19, 20 and 21 the Life Enhancement Department will be co-hosting a Christmas Craft show with the Food Service Department at the Horizon Achievement Center. Cost per person is $1.00.

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