Garth Homer Society logo

A life, a home, and a place in the world

The Garth Homer Society is grateful to operate on the traditional lands

of the Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ nations.

A life, a home, and

a place in the world

The Garth Homer Society is grateful to operate on the traditional lands

of the Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ nations.

A life, a home, and a place in the world

The Garth Homer Society is grateful to operate on the traditional lands

of the Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ nations.

Our Mission


To provide services and opportunities that enable people with disabilities to make a life, a home, and a place in the world.

Our Values


At the Garth Homer Society

we believe that everyone:


  • Has the right to participate fully in the community
  • Deserves to feel valued for who they are
  • Gets to make informed choices about what happens in their life
  • Has the right to services tailored to their goals
  • Has something to contribute to the community

Proud To Serve


When people come to the Garth Homer Society, they embark on a journey of personal growth, skills development and increased independence through our five pillars of learning: Knowledge, Body & Health, Community, Service, and Self. Our  unique individualised, person-centred approach provides people with a lifelong continuum of support – from transitioning to adult day services, to pursuing gainful employment and community participation, to geriatric and dementia-support services. We want people to approach each day with a sense of purpose and belonging.

Our History


The Garth Homer Society found its beginning in the very need we still focus on today – to create a sense of belonging.  This mission began in 1960 when a group of families, led by Phyllis Sutton, came together to form the Arbutus Arts and Crafts Society to meet the needs of their family members and their peers.

In 1968, at the urging of community leader Garth Homer, the Executive Director of the Community Social Planning Council of Greater Victoria, Arbutus Arts and Crafts joined with other family-driven groups to develop an activity centre for adults with disabilities.  

 

Garth Homer passed away in 1976, and the Garth Homer Centre, named in his honour, opened in 1977 as the permanent home for the Garth Homer Society – the organization that emerged from the collaboration of the smaller agencies.  The Garth Homer Society has continued to evolve over the years to meet today’s diverse and complex care needs of adults with developmental disabilities. 

Past, Present & Future


Phyllis Sutton with a group of families forms Arbutus Arts and Crafts Society 

Garth Homer Centre opens and is home to the newly formed Garth Homer Society

The Garth Homer Society supports over 230 people with diverse needs at five different locations around the Greater Victoria Region

The new Garth Homer Centre, part of the Nigel Valley Redevelopment Project, will include community space, program space, and residential opportunities

The possibilities are endless.  Join the conversation, and be a part of sculpting the future for the Garth Homer Society

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Building For The Future

The Nigel Valley Project in Saanich, BC, holds immense potential for the Garth Homer Society and its participants. As a society dedicated to providing support and enriching the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities, the project offers a unique opportunity for our clients to engage with nature and enjoy a serene and accessible green space. The natural beauty and diverse ecosystem of Nigel Valley can serve as a therapeutic and inclusive environment, fostering a sense of wonder and connection for our participants.


Through collaboration and engagement with the community, the Garth Homer Society can actively contribute to the conservation efforts of the valley while also benefiting from the project's recreational and educational opportunities. The Nigel Valley Project aligns perfectly with our mission of creating a life, a home, and a place in the world for our clients, ensuring they have access to enriching experiences and a greater sense of belonging in their local environment.


As this initiative unfolds, it promises to provide a meaningful and sustainable platform for the Garth Homer Society to continue making a positive impact on the lives of those we support.

Very caring group doing amazing work in the community.

Stacy

Building For The Future


The Nigel Valley Project in Saanich, BC, holds immense potential for the Garth Homer Society and its participants. As a society dedicated to providing support and enriching the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities, the project offers a unique opportunity for our clients to engage with nature and enjoy a serene and accessible green space. The natural beauty and diverse ecosystem of Nigel

Valley can serve as a therapeutic and inclusive environment, fostering a sense of wonder and connection for our participants. Through collaboration and engagement with the community, the Garth Homer Society can actively contribute to the conservation efforts of the valley while also benefiting from the project's recreational and educational opportunities. The Nigel Valley Project

aligns perfectly with our mission of creating a life, a home, and a place in the world for our clients, ensuring they have access to enriching experiences and a greater sense of belonging in their local environment. As this initiative unfolds, it promises to provide a meaningful and sustainable platform for the Garth Homer Society to continue making a positive impact on the lives of those we support.

Very caring group doing amazing work in the community.

Stacy

Very caring group doing amazing work in the community.

Stacy

The Garth Homer Foundation


The Garth Homer Foundation provides funds to the Society to support people with developmental and other disabilities to make a life, a home, and a place in the world.

Learn More

A great inclusive environment where everyone is celebrated for their diversity.

Rick

A great inclusive environment where everyone is celebrated for their diversity.

Rick

Our Community,

Our Stories


At the Garth Homer Society, the people we serve are the heart and soul of our organization. Each individual we support has a unique journey, filled with triumphs, challenges, and aspirations. We take immense pride in creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where their voices are heard, their dreams are valued, and their potential is celebrated.

Our Community,

Our Stories


At the Garth Homer Society, the people we serve are the heart and soul of our organization. Each individual we support has a unique journey, filled with triumphs, challenges, and aspirations. We take immense pride in creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where their voices are heard, their dreams are valued, and their potential is celebrated.

Meet our Leadership Team


Very helpful advice and guidance while we looked at our options.

Leslie

Very helpful advice and guidance while we looked at our options.

Leslie

Very helpful advice and guidance while we looked at our options.

Leslie

Latest News


by Garth Homer Society 01 Oct, 2024
Fear of Missing Out - or FOMO- isn’t something only experienced by those who are growing up in the social media era. For one 90-year-old Garth Homer client, it’s what keeps her coming to Pathways four days a week. “She’s young at heart and wants to know what everyone is doing,” says Pathways coordinator Roslyn Wagstaff. “A lot of our clients, because they’ve not been weighed down by the burdens of the world’s responsibilities like paying bills and going to work, still see themselves as 18-year-olds. If you feel young, then you are young,” adds Wagstaff. Pathways typically supports anywhere between 30 to 33 clients with a median age of 65. For the most part, Pathways participants transition from other Garth Homer programs as they start to slow down and begin to retire from volunteer jobs – meaning some clients have been with the Garth Homer Society their entire adult lives. “Our programming is more relaxed and flexible so if people don’t want to go out because they’re tired that day they can just stay in – it’s not a big deal,” explains Wagstaff. At Pathways, clients enjoy an accessible garden, opportunities to relax, play games, work on puzzles and engage in iPad activities. Community activities are made possible by easy-access vehicles while cooking, crafts, and yoga are also offered in a wheelchair/mobility aid-friendly space. Over the course of the Garth Homer Society's history, its supports for aging adults have evolved into the Pathways program. As people live longer, programs like Pathways become increasingly important in helping older adults maintain their independence and quality of life. According to the Journal of Family Physicians Canada ( Aging that includes an intellectual and developmental disability | The College of Family Physicians of Canada (cfp.ca) ) , a developmental approach to caring for older adults should be holistic, as aging is a time of life when exploring meaning, and generating something worthwhile that lives on, becomes especially important. It’s no different for adults with developmental challenges who can be supported to engage in tasks that feed emotional wellbeing later in life, such as participating in a support group or engaging in activities the individual enjoys. It’s these kinds of activities physicians believe help soften suffering, bring peace, enhance resilience, and ease adjustment to various aging-related changes in functioning and living. One of the biggest challenges faced by the elderly Is loss of physical and cognitive independence; the onset of which can be earlier in people with developmental disabilities. This coupled with longer life expectancy among the disabled and deinstitutionalization can mean situations where parents and older siblings in their 80s or 90s are still the primary caregivers of their developmentally disabled family member. “Our clients do have more challenges as some have to transition from a home support situation to a group home where they can hopefully age in place,” sympathises Wagstaff, adding that moving is difficult, as is getting used to different caregivers, especially when they’ve previously been parents and older siblings. She takes having difficult conversations with families in stride, and stresses planning for a loved ones later years is a must. “You need to be thinking ahead – where are we going to be in five years from now?” Wagstaff explains. “If you wait too long it’s very hard as sometimes a decline can be rapid -within the space of six months.” Ensuring an elderly loved-one has the capacity to process why a move is necessary and having the time to get used to a new home makes coping with change easier she says. Families can also play important advocacy roles by doing research into to the long-term effects of their family member’s disabilities and being prepared. “We’re here to help as well and have resources we can share too,” she stresses. As important as planning ahead is living in the moment, Wagstaff observes. “Personally, one of the biggest gifts of working with our elderly population is frequently hearing from family and caregivers that our clients are happy to be at [Pathways] and don’t want to miss a day,” she remarks. For Wagstaff and the rest of the Pathways team, its all about what they can do to make sure clients have a great day. “They’re always a lot of fist bumps and side-hugs to go around which is the kind of positive client feedback you get every day.” The United Nations has adopted October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons ( International Day of Older Persons | United Nations ) to recognize, "the essential contribution the majority of older men and women can continue to make to the functioning of society."
by Guest Contributor 13 Sept, 2024
Managing your finances can be challenging for anyone, but for individuals with disabilities and their families, it can be especially daunting. From covering daily living expenses to planning for the future, costs can add up quickly. Fortunately, there are several financial aids available in British Columbia designed to ease some of these burdens and provide much-needed support. In this blog series, we explore key financial aids that can make a significant difference in the lives of people with disabilities. We’ll cover the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), Persons with Disabilities (PWD) benefits, the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), and the services provided by Community Living BC (CLBC). Each support offers unique benefits, and understanding how to access them can help provide financial security and peace of mind. Whether you’re just starting to explore these options or are looking for detailed application guidance, this series provides the information you need to navigate these important resources. Key Financial Supports: Disability Tax Credit (DTC): The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a critical financial aid for and individuals with disabilities their families offered by the federal government. This non-refundable tax credit reduces the amount of income tax owed, providing significant tax relief. The DTC also serves as a gateway to other important programs, such as the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) and the Child Disability Benefit (CDB) . However, despite its importance, the DTC is underutilized. In the 2019 tax year, approximately 1.2 million Canadians claimed the DTC, but estimates suggest that only 40% to 50% of eligible Canadians are accessing this credit. Barriers such as the complexity of the application process may contribute to this lower uptake. For more details, you can refer to the Canada Revenue Agency’s page on the Disability Tax Credit. To qualify a person must have a severe and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions, as certified by a medical practitioner. Once approved, the DTC can also be transferred to a supporting family member if the person with the disability does not need the full credit. Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Benefits : For adults with disabilities in British Columbia, the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) benefits program offers essential financial support to help cover daily living costs . This includes a monthly payment to assist with expenses like housing, food, and clothing. As of 2021, over 120,000 British Columbians were receiving PWD benefits , reflecting a steady increase in the number of people accessing this support. The program also offers supplementary benefits , such as medical coverage, dental and optical services, and transportation supplements. These benefits are designed to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for necessary services and improve the overall quality of life for recipients. Eligibility for PWD benefits requires meeting specific criteria related to age, residency, and medical diagnosis. Once approved, the support can be a lifeline for those who may have limited income due to their disability. More information , including application forms, can be found on the BC Government’s website. Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP): The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a powerful tool for long-term financial security for individuals with disabilities. It is a savings plan specifically designed to provide future financial stability, with contributions matched by government grants and bonds. Despite its benefits, the RDSP is underutilized. As of 2020, approximately 204,000 RDSP accounts had been opened across Canada, representing only a fraction of the estimated 1.8 million Canadians eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), which is required to open an RDSP. Many eligible families do not take advantage of this program, often due to a lack of awareness or the perceived complexity of the process. The RDSP is particularly beneficial because the funds within the plan grow tax-free until withdrawal. Government contributions can be substantial, with the Canada Disability Savings Grant (CDSG) matching contributions up to 300%, and the Canada Disability Savings Bond (CDSB) providing additional funds for low-income families. More details on the RDSP and how to apply are available on the Government of Canada’s RDSP page . Community Living BC (CLBC) Services : Community Living BC (CLBC) is a provincial organization that provides vital support services to adults with developmental disabilities in British Columbia. CLBC offers a range of services , including funding for adult day programs, supported employment, residential services, and community inclusion activities. CLBC services are tailored to the individual needs of the person with a disability, ensuring they receive the right support to live as independently and fully as possible. It’s important to start the application process as early as possible, ideally within six months of the applicant turning 19, to avoid gaps in funding and support. Funding is arranged through service agreements with local providers, and eligibility is determined through an intake and assessment process. For families transitioning from high school to adult services, CLBC plays a crucial role in ensuring that the necessary supports are in place. You can learn more and access the application process on the CLBC website . Conclusion: These financial aids and supports are invaluable resources for individuals with disabilities and their families in British Columbia. By understanding and accessing the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), Persons with Disabilities (PWD) benefits, the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), and Community Living BC (CLBC) services, you can help alleviate financial pressures and plan for a more secure future.
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 )
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