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

At the Garth Homer Society (GHS) the ancient practice of yoga is being combined with mindfulness themes in a Winnie the Pooh story by AA Milne to create greater connection between instructor Isabelle Desmarais and her students. “I use [the text] as a deep nugget to work with the different characters throughout practice,” explains Isabelle who guides up to eight GHS clients with developmental disabilities, once a week, to be in the moment while moving their bodies. “It’s about finding different ways to connect, so I use Pooh and his love of honey as a metaphor for finding the sweetness in one’s practice.” Desmarais’ love of yoga and its transformative powers started at age 15 and only keeps growing through working with a niche of clients who don’t have the same kind of access to yoga that others do. She’s been guiding GHS clients through their downward dog, child’s pose and forward folds since March, in a hybrid chair and mat format, and teaches at other non-profits like the Victoria Brain Injury Society and Our Place as well. Her own neurodivergence is what motivates her to offer a softness in practice not usually offered at more traditional yoga studios. Inviting students to communicate their needs enables the class to become a curated experience rather than one that moves through a set routine. “I like to stop or pause to ask how a pose felt and to encourage the class to let their bodies, and what feels right, lead the way,” explains Desmarais. As an example, a recent class focused on rocking, a movement Desmarais describes as soothing for all bodies but an especially natural motion for students with down syndrome or autism. She also offers techniques that ground the parasympathetic – or rest and digest- parts of the body. It’s a strategy that’s particularly effective for her Garth Homer yoga enthusiasts who she describes as the most diverse groups she has ever taught in terms of personalities and needs. “It's so beautifully challenging and very humbling as a teacher. I learn so much more, I think, from the support workers as well, about how to connect with these beautiful people,” Desmarais explains. Communication is also key as some students are non-verbal. Questions aimed at getting a yes or no answer, pointing to body parts and meeting each individual where they’re at help guide every practice. The power of choice also grounds her approach. “Not everyone has the luxury of choice in their day-to-day life and so in this space, they have the opportunity to choose what feels good”. It’s an approach that has led to a dance party at the end of class rather than the traditional shavasana that typically concludes practice. “Maintaining stillness can be challenging for the group but I’m already getting great feedback from caregivers who say yoga has helped with the ability to self-calm and sit still,” adding the studio is a place where students can practice and incrementally build up their ability to be in stillness. Desmarais is quick to point out however that working with GHS clients isn’t just about giving the power, benefits and healing properties of yoga to her students. She emphasizes that she receives much more in return commending everyone’s unapologetic way of showing up to each class. “It’s all pure honesty in that room, there are no masks or competition. Everyone is showing up as authentically themselves and I think that’s the true power of yoga.”

If you’re looking to soak up the sounds of summer, tickle the ivories, enjoy some art or all three at the same time then Oak Bay is the place to be from July through early September this year. It’s where you’ll find Garth Homer’s painted piano, and ArtWorks’ artists first ever entry in the municipality’s Arts Alive program.  The popular Arts Alive pianos are painted by local artists and located in select outdoor locations around Oak Bay for the public to play from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily. Special pop-up performances by pianists are also in the planning stages. Times and locations will be posted at: Oakbay.ca/events “This year we have three new pianos being featured,” explains Andrea Pass, Oak Bay’s arts and culture programmer, who jumped at the opportunity to include Garth Homer artists in the program which began in 2014. “They truly embody a collective of community artists which is true to former Oak Bay Arts Laureate Barbara Adam’s (who started Arts Alive) vision of making Oak Bay a destination for arts and culture.” For the 17 Garth Homer artists, work on the piano began in April, when it was professionally moved into the back of the ArtWorks Government Street studio. Examining the piano’s form, playing the keys, exploring the inner workings, and just engaging with its physical presence in the studio was the first step in the creative process according to ArtWork’s studio and gallery coordinator Alison Duerden. Finding the date of 1896 stamped inside the piano then launched the research, brainstorming and collaboration among artists that determined the style in which the piano is being painted. “Art nouveau was the big movement of that time and matched a lot of what our clients voiced in terms of their ideas for the piano. A lot of their visions embraced natural elements, so botanicals and animals. It's a very flowy movement with natural lines and hardly any straight ones,” explains Duerden. The piano’s front panel is dominated by a large flower inspired by William Morris, a British textile designer who used flowers as his source of inspiration for wallpaper and tapestries. Surrounding that centrepiece is an owl, birds in flight, a cat, peacock, imaginary animals and sunflowers. “This is the first truly collaborative work our artists have done,” enthuses Duerden. “When you look at the piece, you’ll see 17 distinct approaches and brushstrokes united by a common art nouveau style and palette of dark green and different hues of turquoise.” Duerden adds there’s another special feature of the Garth Homer piano that’s as unique as the artists who have spent upwards of 500 hours on the project. “Each artist has hidden a little ‘easter egg’ surprise somewhere in their design that speaks to who they are as a person,” teases Duerden. “If you find a tiny cupcake hiding somewhere discreet then you’ll know for sure it’s our piano.” Taking great pride and contributing something, that is lasting or enduring to the neighbourhood is what she says has driven the artists from day one. “It represents more than just a painted piano. I think it serves as a reflection of the community and the individuals, like our artists, who make it unique,” says Duerden.

It’s high school graduation season and for four Oak Bay High grads their transition to adulthood is being helped, and shaped, by a one-of-a-kind job readiness and work experience program called Future Forge. Specially designed for graduating students with diverse abilities, it provides eight weeks of instruction with Garth Homer Society’s Lifestreams’ ( Lifestreams Learning ) vocational counsellors to build participant’s skills in areas like resume building, job search strategies, interview practice and professional letter writing. Helping the students recognize their individual strengths, and teaching them about worker’s rights, responsibilities and workplace safety, are also covered to help with career exploration. And while career planning in high school isn’t a new concept, what is different about Future Forge is its emphasis on hands-on training in the community and using Garth Homer’s established network of employers to help graduates find jobs. “The idea is to empower individuals for independence,” explains Adrian Benedek. “The goal is to shift thinking from what now? to I can contribute to my own support ”. Gaining some independence post high school is particularly important for young people with diverse abilities who receive funding supports through the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) until they turn nineteen. When adult support services are needed, there is a new application process, and the transition is not always a smooth one. “It can sometimes take a person a few years to access funding, and unfortunately not everyone qualifies,” he says. It's why Future Forge targets students while still in school. “We can make a huge difference for young people by helping them find purpose and a means to contributing to their independence rather than waiting until adult identities have been shaped,” explains Benedek. Oak Bay High’s student inclusion department head Tessa Kubicek agrees, “The program is an incredible opportunity to bridge the transition from high school to adulthood by immersing students in their local community as they build towards their employment aspirations.” The Future Forge program is funded by GHS and donors ( Garth Homer Foundation & Garth Homer Society | Garth Homer Foundation ) and community partners with a contribution of $1,000 from Oak Bay High. What started as a pilot in 2024 has now produced two semesters of successful participants. Jamie Turner is one of them. After graduation he hopes to work in the food service industry and has already honed his kitchen prep skills at a Saanichton area restaurant. Work placements arranged by Future Forge gave him further exposure to customer service and commercial baking through the Royal BC Museum, 4-Cats Art Studio and Save On Foods.

Since February 2024, Ryan has been building his career at Country Grocer Royal Oak with the support of Garth Homer Society’s Employment Services program. He works in the Produce department and also supports the Garden Centre during the spring and summer months, and has found a welcoming, inclusive workplace that matches his career goals. “I feel confident that there is help from Employment Services when I need it [especially] if there are any changes at work. I know I have employment support in my back pocket.” Ryan says the positive environment at Country Grocer, along with the people he works with, make all the difference.“Shaun is approachable and really cares… he encourages his employees to reach their full potential at work. I feel appreciated… and I enjoy working with such a nice team.” For Country Grocer’s general manager Shaun Erdei, working with Garth Homer Society reflects a shared commitment to creating an inclusive workplace that focuses on kindness and respect. “From the initial contact and interview through the first shifts, with hands-on support in the training process, everything has gone as well as can be expected. Beyond that, there have been several check-ins with our employee and [GHS] has kept in contact with me as well to ensure things are continuing to work out.” It’s gone so well that Ryan has branched out from his initial position in the Produce department to also helping out in the Garden Centre during the store’s busiest season. This move reflects both his versatility and attention to detail. After quickly absorbing his training, Ryan became self-sufficient in his role and was soon trusted with tasks that require a careful eye — the kind that can be easy to overlook but make a big difference to the team. His contributions have been appreciated across departments. “Ryan’s versatility coupled with excellent attendance, adherence to company policies and strong work ethic have made him a value to the team,” says Erdei adding that his experience with GHS’ Employment Services program has not only been positive but everything an employer would hope for. At Employment Services, we’re grateful for our ongoing connection with Country Grocer Royal Oak as an employment collaborator and for their continued commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. For more information about Garth Homer’s Employment Services program, contact: Angela McKinnon, Employment Services Supervisor: AMcKinnon@GarthHomerSociety.org

For 36 years the Times Colonist 10K run has attracted running, walking and community enthusiasts to take to the streets in celebration of connection while raising money for charity. This year, the Garth Homer Society (GHS) will be out in force; the embodiment of the run’s 2025 theme - ‘Where Everyone is Welcome’. The team, the Garth Homer Gazelles, is 16 participants strong and will be easy spot, wearing custom white and black trimmed pinnies featuring a hand-drawn gazelle logo created by one of the organization’s Art Works ( Artworks ) program artists. It’s the first time GHS has fielded a team of staff, families, and most importantly, clients who will be cheered on from a tent set up 30 yards from the starting line. Participation in this year’s event was an easy sell for 53-year-old Martin who will be assisted in his wheelchair during the 1.5 K run/walk by his caregiver and cheered on by his family. A resident of GHS’ Heron House ( Residential ), Martin is a community booster who participates in a number of James Bay and Victoria area events like the Pride parade and Canada Day festivities. A brain injury survivor from the age of 17 years old, Martin is blind and non-verbal but also very competitive says Heron House’s Manager of Residential Services, Selena Bewsky who has known Martin for three years. “When I told him it was going to be a race and asked who’s going be number one, he right away started hollering and sticking his finger up in the air like number one because Martin likes to win.” Receiving an official race number, t-shirt and noise makers sealed the deal for Martin who thrives in community. “Martin doesn’t like his disabilities to get in the way of him being able to be out", explains Bewsky. “He’s not one to sort of hunker in if you will.” Its why you’ll find him at the park, enjoying the grounds at the Legislature, taking in the sea air along Dallas Road or on his customized bike. It’s all about quality of life says Bewsky, “He goes out on the regular, he goes to music therapy on the regular, adaptive language classes on the regular and has taken a turn on stage as part of a theatre group.” Bewsky believes Martin’s enthusiasm stems from being an inherently social person and wanting to be included, adding because he was injured as a teenager, he might have memories of when he was of able body. While she’s careful about making assumptions about Martin she says his behaviours and means of communication through adaptive communication are telling, “He knows things that maybe others who were born with the developmental disability might not. He remembers having a girlfriend and driving a truck. I think that probably motivates his wanting to be involved because he remembers the time when he fully could, and perhaps still sees himself that way.” This year, Martin and the Garth Homer Gazelles are raising money for Help Fill a Dream ( Help Fill a Dream Foundation – Make the impossible possible ) and Threshold Housing Society ( Homepage - Threshold Housing ). Both organizations speak to GHS’ values and how Martin lives his life in creating, and being a part of, a world where 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 and has something to contribute to the community.

According to the Alzheimer’s Society of BC ( Alzheimer Society of British Columbi a ), it’s estimated there are 85,000people living with the disease in the province. For people with intellectual disabilities, the diagnosis often comes earlier in life than for the general population. And for those with Down Syndrome, the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease , one of the most common forms of dementia, is about three to five times greater than in the general population. Caring for those with dementia is a large part of what staff at the Garth Homer Society’s Pathways program do each and everyday. “Dementia is unfortunately a big part of our program,” says certified dementia caregiver Roslyn Wagstaff. She recently completed three months of specialized training and is now sharing her learnings with fellow caregivers. “It’s a progressive brain disease and not something [our clients] can help or will get better,” explains Wagstaff. “For some people it will progress quickly; for others …more slowly.” Wagstaff has been with Pathways since 2011 and was attracted to the program by her love of working with the elderly. Designed for older age clients with higher communication, behavioural or complex needs, Pathways adopts a “go with the flow” approach to programming. On average, Wagstaff and her colleagues care for six to eight clients with dementia attending the program. “Every day is a new day,” she says. “Actually, every hour is a new hour – you have to be flexible.” One of the greatest takeaways from her training was delving into the seven As of dementia: Anosognosia (loss of insight), Amnesia (loss of memory), Aphasia (loss of language), Agnosia (loss of recognition), Apraxia (loss of purposeful movement), Altered Perception and Apathy. “Everyone’s journey with dementia is different,” adds Wagstaff, noting one of her clients has recently started “sundowning” which refers to a state of confusion that occurs in the late afternoon and lasts into the night. “She gets picked up at 1pm but continues coming in the morning as getting into the care to come to the centre means she’s not sitting at home.” “She still has friends here. The feelings are there, even if she doesn’t remember people’s names.” The goal of Pathways is keeping clients coming to the centre for as long as possible. Maintaining cognitive skills is key. For many, that means playing games or listening to music on an iPad. One Pathways participant copies numbers off the stock exchange onto paper which encourages the fine motor movements necessary to write. Other activities like Gameshow Tuesday are designed to reach down into memories that are still there for clients. Patience, kindness and a good sense of humour are all qualities Wagstaff say are needed in large doses, not only for a certified dementia caregiver like herself but for those who care for her clients when they’re away from Pathways. She also stresses self-care, perspective and gratitude as tools caregivers should use for themselves. For Wagstaff, that means taking her dog for a walk after work. It’s time to herself that’s precious as when away from Pathways. Wagstaff helps support her mother-in-law who has dementia. “I get through by remembering the person she used to be and being thankful for the time we have together.”

“If these walls could talk” is the perfect idiomatic expression* to describe Garth Homer Society’s (GHS) new, temporary location that the Society is set to move into Mid-2025. Built in 1950, SJ Willis School at 923 Topaz Avenue has served as a junior high, high school, and continuing education centre for new Canadians and mature students. Its most recent large group of tenants were 800 students from Victoria High School who temporarily relocated to the space while their school (the oldest in the city) was seismically upgraded. Garth Homer’s need to relocate is similar to Vic High’s as plans to open a new Centre for Belonging at its current Nigel Valley location are Underway. “We have been searching for a relocation space for a long time,” says Geoffrey Ewert, Garth Homer’s CEO. “Many people told us it would be impossible to find a suitable space and we’re so grateful for a strong relationship with School District 61.” Recognizing that moving is one of the top stressors in life (preceded only by divorce and the death of a loved one) as anxiety can sometimes be triggered by having to adapt to a new environment**, Ewert says the move will be gradual and well planned for the 97 clients who are relocating. “An email communication has gone out to our community,” explains Ewert, adding that affected team coordinators have started planning, while all staff were notified in December 2024. In February, GHS management and team coordinators started taking trips to SJ Willis for on-site discussions related to logistics and required renovations. Ewert notes that care is being taken to ensure transition plans are customized for each program that will make the move. GHS clients will benefit from having extra program space at SJ Willis (31,800 sq. ft) compared to 24,000 sq. ft at the current GHS Centre site, plus access to a full-size gymnasium and commercial kitchen to accommodate programming and activities that currently run in the kitchen and auditorium at the current Darwin Street Location. “SJ Willis is a great fit for our needs because it is not situated on a busy road and the location is close to the current GHS Centre which mitigates any potential negative impact on transportation for clients,” adds Ewert. The former school also has ample parking with space for the GHS fleet and is large enough to accommodate the size of GHS’ operations. * an expression whose meanings cannot be inferred from the meanings of the words that make it up ** Cohen, S., Murphy, M. L. M., & Prather, A. A. (2019). Ten Surprising Facts About Stressful Life Events and Disease Risk. Annual review of psychology, 70, 577–597.

Introduction: The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a powerful financial tool designed to support individuals with disabilities in building a stable financial future. By contributing to an RDSP, individuals can benefit from long-term savings that grow with tax-deferred earnings, government grants, and bonds. This plan not only provides a safety net for future needs but also helps individuals achieve greater financial security and independence. Step-by-Step Guide Ensure Eligibility: To open an RDSP, you must first meet specific eligibility criteria: Disability Tax Credit (DTC): You need a valid DTC certificate to qualify for an RDSP. This ensures that the RDSP is used to support those with disabilities as defined by the Canada Revenue Agency. Residency and Age: You must be a Canadian resident and under 60 years old when you open the RDSP. The plan can remain active until age 59. Choose a Financial Institution: Selecting the right financial institution is crucial for managing your RDSP effectively. Look for banks or credit unions that offer comprehensive RDSP services. When choosing an institution, consider factors such as fees, investment options, and customer support. Discuss your RDSP options with a financial advisor to ensure you select a plan that aligns with your financial goals and needs. Open the RDSP Account: Once you’ve chosen a financial institution, you can open your RDSP account. Here’s what you’ll need: Identification: Provide personal identification such as a BC Services Card or driver’s license. DTC Certificate: Ensure you have a copy of your valid DTC certificate. Additional Documentation: Depending on the institution, you may need to provide proof of residency or other personal documents. Tips for Discussing RDSP Options with a Financial Advisor: Clearly outline your financial goals and expectations. Ask about different investment options available within the RDSP. Inquire about fees and charges associated with managing the RDSP. Contribute to the RDSP: Contributing to your RDSP is a vital part of building your savings. Here’s what you need to know: Contribution Limits: You can contribute up to $200,000 to an RDSP over its lifetime. Annual contributions are not capped but consider regular contributions to maximize growth. Government Grants and Bonds: Canada Disability Savings Grant (CDSG): The government will match your contributions up to a certain amount each year. The matching rate depends on your family income. Canada Disability Savings Bond (CDSB): If you have a low or modest income, you may receive a bond of up to $1,000 per year, regardless of contributions. The financial institution managing your RDSP will automatically apply for the CDSB on your behalf. The bond is deposited directly into your RDSP based on the income information provided in your tax return. Manage and Grow the RDSP: Effective management of your RDSP is key to maximizing its benefits: Investment Options: Explore different investment options available through your RDSP, such as mutual funds, GICs, or stocks. Regular Contributions: Make regular contributions to take full advantage of the government grants and bonds. Withdrawals: Be aware of the rules governing withdrawals, as they can affect the amount of government grants and bonds you receive. Typically, withdrawals should be planned to ensure the longevity of your savings. Conclusion: Opening a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a proactive step toward securing your financial future. By taking advantage of the RDSP’s benefits, you can better create a stable financial foundation and access valuable government supports. We encourage you to consult with a financial planner to tailor your RDSP strategy to your personal needs and goals. The Garth Homer Society is committed to providing information and resources to support independence and long-term security. However, this blog series is intended for informational purposes only. The content is not to be considered legal or financial advice, as the Society does not provide financial advisory services.

Introduction: The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a valuable financial tool that provides tax relief for individuals with disabilities and their families. This non-refundable tax credit can significantly reduce the amount of income tax owed, easing financial strain . Additionally, qualifying for the DTC opens doors to other important financial aids, such as the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) and the Child Disability Benefit (CDB), making it a cornerstone of financial planning for people with disabilities in Canada. To maximize your benefits, it’s important to apply as soon as you believe you or your loved one may be eligible. Despite its importance, the DTC remains underutilized. Estimates suggest that only 40% to 50% of eligible Canadians are accessing this credit, often due to barriers such as the complexity of the application process or lack of awareness. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of applying for the DTC, helping you navigate the application with confidence and clarity. Step-by-Step Guide: The first step in applying for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is determining whether you or your loved one qualifies. The DTC is designed for individuals with severe and prolonged challenges in physical or mental functions. To be eligible, the following criteria must be met: Severe: The condition must significantly restrict an individual’s ability to perform basic activities of daily living, such as walking, speaking, hearing, or managing mental functions. This means the impairment must be substantial enough that it profoundly impacts daily life and requires significant support or adaptation. Prolonged: The condition must have lasted, or be expected to last, for at least 12 months continuously. This ensures that the DTC is reserved for individuals with long-term and persistent conditions, rather than temporary or short-term disabilities. In addition to these primary criteria, eligibility may also be considered if: Life-Sustaining Therapy: The individual requires life-sustaining therapy, such as regular treatments that are essential for survival. Cumulative Effects: The individual experiences cumulative effects from multiple conditions that are both severe and prolonged, making it challenging to manage daily life without substantial support. To confirm eligibility, consider whether the condition significantly affects the individual’s daily activities and if the challenges are expected to be long-lasting. If you are unsure about whether the condition meets these criteria, it may be helpful to consult with a medical professional who can provide detailed information and support. Complete the DTC Application Form (T2201): The application process for the DTC involves completing Form T2201, the Disability Tax Credit Certificate. This form has two main parts: Part A – Information about the Applicant: Basic personal information and details about the challenges faced by the individual applying. Part B – Medical Practitioner’s Assessment: This section must be completed by a qualified medical practitioner, such as a doctor, optometrist, audiologist, or psychologist, depending on the nature of the condition. Tips for Completing Form T2201: Be Thorough: Provide as much detail as possible about the challenges and how they impact daily life. This can strengthen your case for approval. Keep Records: Retain copies of all documents submitted, as well as any additional medical reports that might support your application. Medical Practitioner’s Role: The role of the medical practitioner in the DTC application process is crucial. They are responsible for certifying that the individual’s condition meets the criteria for the DTC. Submit the Application to the CRA: Once Form T2201 is completed and signed by both the applicant (or their representative) and the medical practitioner, it’s time to submit it to the CRA. How to Submit: By Mail: Send the completed form and any additional documentation to your local tax centre. The mailing addresses are listed on the CRA website. Online: If you’re registered for the CRA’s My Account service, you can upload the completed form directly through the online portal. Additional Documentation: Depending on the condition, you may need to submit additional medical reports or supporting documents. Ensure all paperwork is complete to avoid delays. Follow Up and Processing Time: After submission, the CRA will review the application. Processing times can vary, but it typically takes 8 to 12 weeks for the CRA to reach a decision. During peak tax season, processing times may be longer. What to Expect: Notification of Decision: The CRA will notify you of their decision by mail. If approved, the DTC can be applied retroactively for up to 10 years, providing significant tax relief. Further Information Requests: In some cases, the CRA may request additional information or clarification from the medical practitioner. Be prepared to follow up if necessary. Tips for Following Up: If you haven’t received a response within the expected time frame, contact the CRA for an update on the status of your application. If your application is denied, you can request a review or appeal the decision. Consider seeking professional advice if you choose to appeal. Conclusion: Applying for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) can seem complex, but the financial benefits it offers are well worth the effort. By qualifying for the DTC, you not only gain immediate tax relief but also unlock access to other valuable financial aids like the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). To maximize your benefits, it’s important to apply as soon as you believe you or your loved one may be eligible. Stay tuned for the next post in this series, where we’ll dive into the details of applying for the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) benefits, offering another layer of support for individuals with disabilities in British Columbia.