Community Access Team
Creating Purpose from Contribution
Community Access Team (CAT) is focused on fulfillment through work and making meaningful contributions to society. Participants are motivated by purpose and enjoy the routine of showing up to work every day. They thrive in an environment where dedication, creativity, and a sense of responsibility to others are valued and celebrated.
Working for our Community
Purposeful Contributions
Community Access Team participants value meaningful work and want to make a positive impact on their communities. A job is about more than just earning a paycheck—it’s about taking pride in what they do and contributing to something larger than themselves. Through CAT, participants are supported at a four-to-one ratio, working together to strengthen their community and support others.
The Routine
Day to Day
The Community Access Team spends their days volunteering within the community. The team has cultivated many longstanding placements and relationships with local charities.
Volunteering may include:
- Administrative volunteering, like picking up and sorting recycling from Red Cross
- Labour volunteering, like cutting back invasive species or doing garbage pickup
- Volunteering with the municipality, like working with the police to clean up graffiti
The Goals
Work and Routine
Volunteering is a job for participants in CAT. Purpose is found through clock into work everyday, following routine and supporting their community.
Learning and Growth
New skills and personal development are nurtured at each volunteer placement.
Supporting Community
Participants create a more connected and caring community for the Community Access Team, Garth Homer, and Victoria.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if CAT is the right fit?
Community Access Team participants are supported at a four-to-one ratio and find fulfillment through working and take pride in making meaningful contributions to society.
Each individual’s journey at Garth Homer begins with a conversation around what it is that they would like their life to look like. This conversation is how we determine which program is the right fit for each person.
Instead of fitting individuals into preset boxes, we build experiences around each person. Our flexible approach means each individual’s day, activities, and community are all designed to reflect who they are and what they want out of life. This means not everyone in a specific program are doing the same thing at the same time.
What is the schedule for CAT?
All Community Inclusion programs run Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, but each persons schedule is flexible. Each participant chooses the days that fit their life, while still enjoying all the resources, activities, and guidance we offer.
Where is CAT located?
Community Inclusion programs are located at the former SJ Willis School Building, 923 Topaz Ave, Victoria, BC V8T 2M2, but we don’t stay put! Participants regularly head out to explore community locations, participate in activities, and experience new environments. It’s the best of both worlds: the comfort of a familiar space and the excitement of something new every week.
Access Our Services
It all starts with Community Living BC (CLBC), the provincial crown agency. They work with individuals, families, service providers and other key members on an individual’s care team to determine funding eligibility and provide options. The Garth Homer Society is partially funded by Community Living BC, and almost all of our clients are referred to us through their services.
Determining Fit
Each individual’s journey at Garth Homer begins with a conversation around what it is that they would like their life to look like. This conversation is how we determine which program is the right fit for each person.
Our programs bring together peers with shared interests and needs, fostering real connection and belonging. Every plan is personalized, flexible, and built around the individual, ensuring each person is never just placed into a preset program, they help create it.
Programs don’t define people, people define the programs.
What’s Happening in the Community Access Team
Community Inclusion
Community Inclusion day programs foster belonging and purpose through community involvement and meaningful contribution. Programs are differentiated by participants’ interests and needs.