Community Inclusion

Day programs that foster belonging and purpose through community involvement and meaningful contribution.

Programs

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. 

COSMOS

COSMOS is a highly personalized program that empowers participants to explore their passions. With a strong focus on sensory needs, COSMOS provides tailored environments and individualized supports enabling participants to discover and pursue their personal interests.

Discovery

Discovery is a a lively and social space designed for individuals who value fun and connection in their everyday lives. Every day feels like a celebration, energy runs high, and personal relationships flourish through recreational activities and outings.

 

Dreams

Dreams is a program believes in the power of joy and connection every single day. Participants are supported to build community and increase autonomy through tailored support and focusing on personal choice.

Mozart

Mozart offers a supportive transition into adult services for people who like to take things slower. Change can be challenging, so Mozart provides a high level of support and a calm, predictable environment to help each person feel safe and confident. When participants are ready, they take the next step and transition into one of Garth Homer’s other programs.

STARR

Starr is a focused and purposeful program for individuals who take their goals seriously and strive to make a positive impact on their community. Participants approach each day with intention, engaging in meaningful activities that are centered around personal growth and making the world a better place.

Community Access Team

CAT participants find fulfillment through work and take pride in making meaningful contributions to society. They are motivated by purpose and enjoy the routine of showing up to work every day. 

COSMOS

COSMOS is a highly personalized program that empowers participants to explore their passions. With a strong focus on sensory needs, COSMOS provides tailored environments and individualized supports enabling participants to discover and pursue their personal interests.

Dreams

Dreams is a program believes in the power of joy and connection every single day. Participants are supported to build community and  increase autonomy through tailored support and focusing on personal choice.

Discovery

Discovery is a a lively and social space designed for individuals who value fun and connection in their everyday lives. Every day feels like a celebration, energy runs high, and personal relationships flourish through recreational activities and outings.

 

Mozart

Mozart offers a supportive transition into adult services for people who like to take things slower. Change can be challenging, so Mozart provides a high level of support and a calm, predictable environment to help each person feel safe and confident. When participants are ready, they take the next step and transition into one of Garth Homer’s other programs.

Starr

Starr is a focused and purposeful program for individuals who take their goals seriously and strive to make a positive impact on their community. Participants approach each day with intention, engaging in meaningful activities that are centered around personal growth and making the world a better place.

Day to Day

We build Individual Program Plans for each person based off of their needs and desires.

Our Community Inclusion day programs encourage the development of social skills and a sense of belonging through custom tailored plans for your loved ones, offering physical, behavioral, and personal care support.

Participants in Community Inclusion programs enjoy a flexible daily schedule with diverse recreational activities, outings, and interactive community experiences that combine learning and entertainment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Community Inclusion day program run Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, but individual schedules are flexible. Each participant chooses the days that fit their life, while still enjoying all the resources, activities, and guidance we offer. 

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.

Our programs bring together peers with shared interests and needs instead of being divided by a set group of activities. Community Inclusion programs support higher-needs individuals with communication, behavioral, or complex care needs, or who often need one-to-one support.

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.

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.

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 Community Inclusion

STARR team members support local families with hamper project

For the last twelve months, participants in the STARR community inclusion program have delivered newspapers and collected refundables in order to share their holiday spirit with local families. Their efforts cover the cost of a hamper brimming with gifts, groceries, and a full holiday meal for two families this year.

Tuning in with Equine-Assisted Learning

Did you know you can lower your heart rate by spending time with horses? Garth Homer community members involved in a new equine-assisted learning program can tell you how they develop leadership and teamwork skills while feeling calm and joyful around horses.
An Able Sail sailboat in the ocean on a sunny day, with Garth Homer Discovery Clients on board.

Garth Homer Sailors take to the water thanks to Able Sail and the Sidney North Saanich Yacht Club

Eleven members of the Discovery team went sailing for the first time with Able Sail. Sailors can take in the scenery, watch for wildlife and enjoy time on the water, while specially trained staff control the sailboat. They are welcome to learn about sailing or just enjoy the ride. 

Service Areas

We have four key program and service areas: community inclusion, services for people who are aging (geriatrics), employment services and residential services. There’s no one-size-fits-all at Garth Homer. Our program opportunities are tailored to the needs and interests of participants, to make sure there are rewarding experiences for people with a range of abilities and goals.