The primary goal of Community Support Services is to provide meaningful day supports for adults with intellectual disabilities within the communities of Barrie, Orillia and surrounding townships. This may be through participation in paid employment, volunteer opportunities, community support or leisure activities.
Day program options are available at 388 West Street in Orillia and at 39 Fraser Court in Barrie. Training is available through the Green Team and Work Skills. Other program components include mobility/therapy supports, communication skills, SARAW – literacy training, snoezelen room, computer assisted learning, social skills and leisure activities.
The Community Support Program assists individuals in finding leisure/recreational activities and/or volunteer placements. A community support worker will provide individualized or small group support as necessary to enhance the consumer’s smooth transition into generic community leisure and volunteer placements.
The Community Skills Development Program is designed to prepare individuals to access and participate in their community as independently as possible. Small group sessions provide training in the areas of safety, social skills, transportation, money concepts, communication, personal appearance and self esteem. Opportunities to practise their newly improved skills are held in various community venues.
Community Support and Community Skills Programs are based out of 35 West Street in Orillia and 129 Ferris Lane in Barrie. These programs are funded by Ministry of Community and Social Services and governed by the Developmental Services Act.
In order to participate in Community Support Services, the individual must be 18 years of age and make application via the Intake Committee.