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Discovery Team's Generosity Apparent as they Unite for a Charitable Cause

Garth Homer Society • Feb 15, 2024

In December 2023, two Individuals affiliated with Discovery participated in a philanthropic initiative by delivering a food donation to the Goldstream Food Bank. The financial resources for this charitable endeavour were derived from the revenue generated by the Discovery team's dual paper routes.


The Discovery team, comprising a total of 16 Individuals, engaged in a comprehensive approach to support the community. Utilising the funds from their paper routes, the team collectively embarked on a grocery shopping expedition, purchasing essential items for not only the Goldstream Food Bank but also another local food bank. Furthermore, the team extended their benevolence to GVAC (Greater Victoria Animal Crusaders), demonstrating a broadened commitment to community welfare.


Each member of the Discovery group actively participated in the donation process, exhibiting a diverse range of contributions. Some Individuals were involved in the selection and purchase of groceries, while others dedicated their efforts to sorting the items. Additionally, a portion of the team played a crucial role in the logistics, ensuring the timely and efficient delivery of the donations to the designated organisations.


The collaborative effort and dedication of all 16 Discovery individuals during this initiative were evident, with each diligently fulfilling their assigned tasks. The collective endeavour not only showcased the team's commitment to social responsibility but also reflected a strong sense of unity and community engagement.



Upon the successful completion of the donation process, a palpable sense of pride permeated the Discovery team. Their collective efforts had made a tangible and positive impact on the local community, reinforcing the significance of collaborative philanthropy and instilling a sense of fulfilment among all participants.

ArtWorks Program Artist Tanya Steinhausen Holding Exhibition

by Garth Homer Society • 19 Aug, 2024
Light and colour. It’s what greets you at the door when you visit Garth Homer Society’s ArtWorks studio space in downtown Victoria and what shines through the myriad of pieces created by one of the program’s first participants. Tanya Steinhausen started as a volunteer in 1996 and didn’t know she had any artistic talent until ArtWorks’ staff pointed out her knack for colour and design. Today she works with a variety of media – from permanent markers to paint, yarn and fabric. “It allows me to express different ways of making things and makes me happy that I’m using my imagination,” says Tanya. She’s supported in her artistic journey by Garth Homer vocational counsellor Karen Godoy – an artist herself. “It’s my mission to help her to turn her truth and ideas into art,” says Godoy. “Tanya brings her ideas and together we figure out ways to get around barriers in turning her vision into art.” Often that means considering material or process adaptations. It’s an approach that has successfully led to Tanya’s solo three-month exhibition, through October 21st at the Greater Victoria Public Library Emily Carr branch in Saanich. As part of the Victoria Arts Council’s community satellite program’s approach, artists curate their own showcases and choose their preferred venue. For Tanya that meant selecting a location that she could independently travel to, via transit, and one that was close to her part-time job so that colleagues and friends were able to visit the exhibition. Laura Dutton, Victoria Arts Council’s director of community programs, says featuring Tanya’s artistic talent was an easy decision to make, “It really stood out to me as something new and special - and I see a lot of work”.  “She is doing such interesting things with her textile work,” explains Dutton. “I think it’s whimsical, fun and interesting, and that’s what stuck out to me originally,” she adds while mentioning the detail and colour work in Tanya’s drawings are standout features as well. Godoy agrees. “As an artist Tanya is pure happiness. She is vibrant, super high energy and we see it all in her work. She’s really positive.” For more information about Tanya’s exhibition visit : GVPL Emily Carr – VICTORIA ARTS COUNCIL ( vicartscouncil.ca )

Jenny's Remarkable Sign Language Journey at Garth Homer: A Story of Growth, Confidence, and Communication Triumphs

by Garth Homer Society • 15 Feb, 2024
Jenny has had a sign language goal for a little while during her time at Garth Homer. Improving her sign language skills and knowledge is something important to her and her family. Jenny has a good understanding of a few words but has been challenging herself to learn more. This year we are focusing on new words that are common in her daily vocabulary as well as others that might be less common. She is in a sign language group with two friends from the Dreams Team and their teacher Dorothy once a week as well as has her own one-on-one time with a staff to practice new signs once a week. During her time with Dorothy, they focus on signs she knows as well as new ones, so she has time to practice and get comfortable with each word. This is a great time for her and her friends to practice patience, turn taking and listening. They get options to choose the topic and answer questions from Dorothy. Jenny was noticeably more confident in her signs and memory. It used to be that I would show her the sign before she would remember how to do it but now if Dorothy asks her to do a sign Jenny can show it very easily and quickly on her own! It has been great to see her grow and be more confident in her abilities to use these signs. Once a week Jenny and her staff utilize the quiet space in Room #7 and focus on sign language for about 30 minutes. This is a chance for her to choose the signs to practice herself and have no distractions. Her staff will often help hand over hand while she learns the new signs and practices the right movement. This has been a wonderful time to see her expand her vocabulary in a quiet setting. Through her hard work it has been wonderful to witness her using and repeating her signs more in her day-to-day activities. While going through her schedule in the morning with her staff she is practicing the signs for each activity. I have also witnessed her using her signs independently through her days to communicate well with her staff and peers! Jenny is pushing herself and learning lots through these two weekly programs. As a team, we are very excited for what’s to come in her sign language journey.

Mozart Team's Heartwarming Friendship: Fostering Belonging and Community Bonds

by Garth Homer Society • 15 Feb, 2024
The presented image provides insight into the Mozart Team's essence, emphasising the team's focus on fostering a sense of belonging through the establishment and cultivation of friendships within the community. In particular, the depicted individuals have formed a special bond, mutually contributing to each other's perception as a good friend, a helpful companion, and a kind-hearted individual. This interconnection goes beyond mere camaraderie; it plays a pivotal role in shaping the self-perception of each individual involved. By engaging in reciprocal acts of friendship and support, these interactions afford individuals the opportunity to perceive themselves beyond their behaviours. Consequently, the development of a collective sense of community within the program becomes evident. The camaraderie between these two individuals is notably characterised by their remarkable qualities as friends. Their genuine care and thoughtfulness towards each other serve as a testament to the positive impact of their relationship. Moreover, their shared appreciation for mischievousness and a robust sense of humour creates an environment where laughter and joy become integral components of their interactions.  These instances of mutual understanding and shared joy contribute significantly to the overall ethos of the Mozart Team. They underscore the program's commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive community where individuals not only find companionship but also discover facets of themselves that extend beyond their observable behaviours. The showcased camaraderie exemplifies the team's dedication to building a positive and affirming environment that fosters personal growth and a genuine sense of community among its members..
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