Are you looking for a way to make a real difference in someone’s life? Have you ever considered sharing your home with a person with diverse abilities?
Pathways Abilities Society has three goals: to embrace, empower, and employ individuals with diverse abilities. But they can’t do it alone.
They rely on a network of compassionate people like you who are willing to offer their time, energy, and resources to make a positive impact on the lives of these individuals.
Aleesha Oostenbrink has been a home share provider for almost four years.
“I was initially concerned it would be impossible to find someone that would fit in with my family and be within the level of care I could provide,” explains Aleesha “, but Pathways’ home share coordinators did a great job of talking with me about the level care I felt I could provide and time I could commit.”
Pathways worked with Aleesha, introducing her to a handful of individuals and doing a few short stays before she ultimately chose to be paired with Rose.
Aleesha believes living with Rose has allowed her children to become “more open and loving,” and she’s found it extremely fulfilling to provide Rose with a safe space to enjoy independence and a loving family to lean on for support.
“It is an amazing experience to provide a home and family to someone who needs or wants it. You become more aware of the care and love that all people yearn for and realize that regardless of our mental or physical abilities, we are all humans that want to belong and experience a life filled with joy, love, and laughter,” explains Aleesha.
Everyone relies on their network to add vibrancy, joy and social enjoyment into their lives. And it’s no different for those with diverse abilities.
However, these individuals in particular may encounter certain roadblocks that require further assistance from their support system. Whether that be transportation to and from work, a listening ear after a long day, or a safe and comfortable place to live.
Through Pathways’ Home Share service, you have the opportunity to provide this kind of meaningful and transformative support and be compensated for it!
Home Share is more than just opening up your home to another person. As a provider, you create a safe and respectful environment to foster independence and growth.
“It’s about being together through good times and bad; it’s growing together,” says Laryssa Rock, home share Coordination Manager.
Each individual is unique, and they may require more attentive or passive support from their provider.
Some examples of assistance they may require includes support with health, wellness, personal support, transportation, personal and civic responsibilities, recreation, socialization or domestic life skills. The things we all do day-to-day!
But don’t worry, Pathways Abilities Society matches you up with someone whose needs match your support capabilities!
You don’t have to hold specific beliefs, look or act a certain way to be a Home Share provider- anyone with good intentions and the ability to offer support can apply!
“We need Home Share providers from all walks of life because we have people from all walks of life,” explains Rock.
After all, individuals with diverse abilities are just that, people with unique skills, capabilities, values and lifestyles, and their personalities and beliefs vary just as much as the next person.
Pathways Abilities Society works hard to ensure individuals are paired with providers who have complementary values and lifestyles to encourage smooth sailing during their time spent together.
Rock says “It’s a two-way system, we want both parties to be happy with the match.”
If you have an interest in applying to be a home share provider, please contact Helen Phelan at lpn@pathwayskelowna.ca or Laryssa Rock at hsm@pathwayskelowna.ca!
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