Mon – Fri: 8:00 AM-4:00 PMÂ |Â Sat & Sun CLOSED
519-881-3713
Community Participation
At Community Living Walkerton & District, we believe in the power of community and the transformative impact of active participation. Our Community Participation Programs are thoughtfully designed to create opportunities for individuals with diverse abilities to engage, contribute, and thrive within our community. We understand community involvement is not just a social activity; it’s a pathway to personal growth, skill development, and a sense of belonging.
Community Participation is open to adults (18+) who are funded by the MCCSS and receive Community Participation support through Community Living Walkerton & District.
How do I access Community Participation events and programming?
Community Participation Supports are funded through MCCSS with referrals coming through the DSO.Â
The Phone number for DSO Southwest region is:Â Â 519-371-8428
Visit the DSO website www.dsontario.ca
What does Community Participation look like?
âCommunity Participationâ means different things to different people. For us, it means nurturing (or fostering) neighbourhood connections, building meaningful relationships, and finding ways for you to develop your personal interests and skills.
Our Community Participation program provides group activities, with supports most commonly provided on a 5 to 1 ratio.
Sign up in advance for programs and activities suiting your individual interests, and you can:
âĒ Build skills & learn new skills
âĒ Volunteer in your community
âĒ Deepen your community connections
âĒ Meet new friends
âĒ Enhance your life skills
âĒ And more!
Activities are regularly updated and our schedule is constantly evolving based on individual needs and interests, seasonality, and event facilitator availability.
At Community Living Walkerton & District, we envision a community where everyone is valued, included, and empowered to live their best lives. Our Community Participation Programs are a vibrant expression of this vision, providing avenues for individuals to actively participate, connect, and contribute. We look forward to you becoming a part of our community-building journey at Community Living!
What are the benefits of group activities?
Group activities bring individuals with similar interests together and is a critical social component. Group activities benefit everyone in our community, hereâs why:
- Group learning brings together individuals with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, fostering a rich environment for idea exchange and creativity.
- Collaborative activities promote effective communication, as individuals learn to express their thoughts clearly, listen actively, and provide constructive feedback.
- Group activities encourage collective problem-solving, allowing members to pool their skills and knowledge to find innovative solutions. This fosters critical thinking and creativity.
- Working in a group can enhance motivation and engagement as individuals feel a sense of accountability to their peers, making the learning process more enjoyable and meaningful.
- Group activities provide opportunities for members to develop various skills such as leadership, teamwork, negotiation, and conflict resolution, which are valuable in social, workplace, and all other real-world settings.
- Group learning promotes socialization, helping individuals build relationships, develop interpersonal skills, and create a supportive learning community.
- Discussing and teaching concepts to others within a group setting can enhance understanding and retention of information, as individuals benefit from different learning styles.
- Group activities foster a sense of belonging and community, creating a positive and supportive learning environment that can contribute to overall well-being.
- Group settings provide opportunities for peer teaching, where individuals can share their expertise, reinforcing their own understanding while helping others grasp challenging concepts.
- Interacting within a group setting allows individuals to develop emotional intelligence by understanding and managing their own emotions as well as recognizing and empathizing with the emotions of others.
- Exposure to different viewpoints within a group setting encourages open-mindedness and tolerance, promoting a culture of acceptance and diversity.
For more information on community participation events with Community Living Walkerton & District and to see when events are happening, please refer to the events calendar.
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