Newmarket resident Lucas Sly said he started working with the ABLE Network to find more independence.
The fee-for-service charity helps adults with intellectual disabilities through programming that gets them involved in the community and employment. Sly said that thanks to the network, he has found some paid employment each week.
It was important to Sly “so I can make some money. So I can buy stuff,” he said. “I want my own money. My own hard-earned money.”
After years operating elsewhere in York Region, ABLE Network has opened its first office in Newmarket. Standing for Access to Better Living and Employment, the network provides core programming for adults with intellectual disabilities, including work, community service, recreation, travel and safety training and continuing education.
The organization has offices in Aurora, Stouffville and Richmond Hill, and opened a new office in September at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church.
Program manager Lindsay Hall said opening the new location will help meet the need.
“There’s a lot of people that need a program like ABLE,” she said, adding that many clients were commuting to the other offices. “We wanted to open up where it would be in the community, closer to their families.”
Adapting to the new office is working well, and they are connecting with community partners, Hall said.
“Everyone is adjusting really well,” she said. “We love this space.”
Sly described some of the programming, from working at the Magna Centre gym and community volunteering to grocery shopping and cooking.
He also just moved to Newmarket and said he is glad to be able to attend ABLE’s programming here.
“It’s closer to me. This is my own community and I know my own community. I love it,” he said.
Hall said ABLE can provide a pretty unique offering of services that are community-based rather than centre-based.
“Our program participants really are trying to work toward independence and contributing to our own community, which now we’re excited to say is Newmarket,” she said. “I look forward to seeing how ABLE continues to grow.”