COSMOS
Nurturing Passions, Empowering People
COSMOS is a highly personalized program that encourages participants to explore their passions. With a strong emphasis on sensory needs, COSMOS offers tailored support for individuals on the autism spectrum with high support needs, enabling them to discover and pursue their personal interests.
Environmental Variety
Sensory Needs
The COSMOS environment is made up of many small, adaptable spaces that recognize and support each individual’s sensory needs. Everyone processes the world differently, so distinct environments where participants can feel comfortable and engaged are vital, including:
- A bright, lively, and fast-paced environment
- A softly lit, quiet, and calm space
The Routine
Day to Day
COSMOS offers highly individualized flexibility in programming with one on one support. Daily activities include cooking programs, recreation, and individually selected volunteering placements, chosen by clients based on their passions.
Some individually selected volunteer placements include:
- Dog walking and raising money to support the SPCA, for a dog loving participant
- “Dan’s Cans", collecting recycling from local cafes and restaurants and donating the proceeds to the unhoused, for someone passionate about reducing the unhoused population in Victoria
- Volunteering at retirement homes, for a participant passionate about the end of life experience
The Goals
Belonging
The right environment, a high level of support, and individualized programming lead to comfort and belonging at Garth Homer.
Learning and Growth
Support tailored to the needs of individuals on the autism spectrum allows learning and growth to happen at the pace of the individual.
Life Satisfaction
Individualized programming, including personally selected volunteering placements, creates passion and a rewarding life.
Sensory Comfort
Everyone deserves a space that suits their needs and allows them to feel their best.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if COSMOS is the right fit?
COSMOS is a highly personalized program focused on sensory needs that empowers participants on the autism spectrum to explore their passions.
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 COSMOS?
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 COSMOS 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 COSMOS
Community Inclusion
Community Inclusion day programs foster belonging and purpose through community involvement and meaningful contribution. Programs are differentiated by participants’ interests and needs.