by Jennifer Hartley
Hillary Rodham Clinton popularized the African expression “It takes a village” to raise children. This is true for any family, but even more so for families faced with the extra challenges of a loved one with intellectual disabilities.
On December 16, 1955, a group of dedicated parents came together to create a village now known as Community Living Victoria (CLV). At the time, there were no services or supports so they got together to provide them to one another.
In time, community living around the world became a movement and in 1969 it was recognized as such by the United Nations.
Flash forward to 1981 and thanks in part to the groundbreaking parliamentary report Obstacles that looked at challenges faced by the disabled community across the country and thanks to the tireless efforts of advocates, Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau included the rights of the disabled in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
The United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (the CRPD) followed a few decades later. An international treaty adopted in 2006, helps protect the rights of people with disabilities around the world. Canada and 183 other states parties have accepted the legal obligations contained in the CRPD which include ensuring there are national laws to prevent discrimination, eliminating barriers to accessibility, and working to promote the capabilities and contributions of people with disabilities.
And through it all, Community Living Victoria has been there. From 1950s grassroots church basement meetings to today, almost 70 years later, Community Living Victoria has grown to become the largest non-profit community living service provider on Vancouver Island, serving 400 individuals.
CLV’s overriding principle is inclusion for everyone. CLV’s Executive Director Mike Jensen: “The belief in the rights of everyone to have a full range of life choices, including access to education, affordable and appropriate housing, leisure options, gainful employment and participation in the community is at the heart of CLV. Everyone deserves a meaningful life full of purpose, where their contributions are valued.”
Mike says CLV supports individuals to live as independently as possible and to receive services in a way that works best for them. He says that over the years, one of the biggest CLV success stories has been “moving people into community from institutions.” Community awareness and education are also important and part of how CLV is changing the way we look at the intellectually disabled. “Awareness, acceptance and celebrating intellectual diversity are part of this.”
Community inclusion programs provide opportunities for participants to spend time with peers, increase their skills and thanks to supported volunteerism, they give back to society. Life, work skills, recreation and leisure opportunities are all a winning combination. After-school programs also help with social skills for students.
Supported Independent Living helps adults live in their own homes successfully. Regular visits assist people to manage their homes, health, social and working lives effectively. Supported Apartment Living provides assistance for those who are making the transition to live on their own by developing independent living skills. CLV homes, (there are 17 located throughout greater Victoria,) provide 24-hour support and caring environments that help people to live as independently as possible.
James, a CLV client agrees. “I enjoy the freedom and independence living on my own gives me. I can make my own decisions, explore new things and pursue my goals and dreams. I’ve grown a lot since I moved out of my parents house. I am proud of myself for overcoming the challenge that I faced I am happy with my new life.
There has been so much progress over the years but there are still many hurdles. One of them is funding. Mike says money is a big challenge but so are waitlists. “There are a lot of people requiring support. As the population ages, accessibility requirements and programs change. At the same, CLV is committed to providing services to younger generations in ways that work for them.”
So while CLV thrives on the dedication of its committed staff and volunteers, it looks to fundraising to support its programming. On Friday, November 15th, 7:30 p.m. grab your grandkids (or expand your own music knowledge!) and head to the McPherson Playhouse. Canadian pop singer/songwriter and JUNO nominee Ria Mae will take the stage in support of CLV for their 15th Concert for Hope. Help. Home.
Ria Mae is a three-time JUNO nominee and has toured Europe with Tegan & Sara, North America with Dido, and Canada with Scott Helman and many other incredible musicians. She has performed with k.d. lang, Melissa Etheridge, Elle King, Xavier Rudd, Shawn Hook, Family of the Year, Francesco Yates, Coleman Hell and more. She has performed at various PRIDE festivals and events in Halifax, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, and Montreal.
Her songs have been streamed over 70 million times worldwide. She has climbed the radio charts in Canada numerous times, with platinum certified singles, Clothes Off, Ooh Love, Too Close and Bend. A proud member of the LGBTQ2S+ community, Mae was recently nominated for a Queerty Award for Best New Artist by Queerty Media.
Tickets start at $64. Grab yours here
There will also be an online silent auction launched that night and will run until December 15th.
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