A new facility downtown Timmins is helping people hone their developmental and life skills.
The Adult Enrichment Centre quietly opened earlier this year at 258 Second Ave. and celebrated its grand opening today.
The day program is for individuals with physical and developmental disabilities who have graduated from the education system.
“They come to the centre and learn life skills, we have workshops for them, we get them out in the community volunteering,” said executive director Carmelle Bernier.
“It’s a place for them to come and to learn independence.”
Samantha Leblanc has been working with the centre to enhance her life skills.
She graduated in 2011, and has had a job for more than two years.
While she is able to take public transit and get around town by herself, she is hoping to strengthen her banking and other life skills.
“It’s the little things like cooking, I can cook, but I don’t cook all that well,” she said.
With learning new skills, she hopes to be able to move out and live on her own.
Programs at the facility typically run Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Founder Joanne Bouchard explained that the programs are about taking individuals into the next step in adulthood.
“It’s building those independence and life skills that each individual needs to flourish,” she said.
By getting people into the community volunteering, she explained the hope is that it turns into an employment opportunity.
Programs are developed based on individual needs and services are available for all level of care.
“We’re able to develop any type of program for anyone under the spectrum to be able to live a fulfilled, fun day,” she said.
To learn more about the services, visit the website or call 705-269-7744.
