There might be a few final touches to put in place in the weeks leading up to their first programs, but things are rapidly coming together for the Trusting Hands Inclusive Center.
The new facility -- located in the old Rainbow Retro and Moose Jaw Pride building at 345 Main St. North -- aims to offer a wide range of programs for children with disabilities in addition to evening programs for youngsters of all ages.
Plans are in place, too, with the Center holding their grand opening on Sunday afternoon, offering a first look at the space they have to offer and an idea of what’s to come in the near future.
Trusting Hands was put together by Susan Kellock, who has over 30 years of experience working with children with disabilities and found that Moose Jaw was lacking some of the programming one would find in other communities of similar size.
“I took some time to think and research and look at what the kids need, because I love these guys, I’m very passionate about working with kids with disabilities,” Kellock said Sunday afternoon shortly after giving a tour of the expansive facility. “I saw what was happening back in Nova Scotia and in Ontario and B.C. and felt we needed something like that here. The kids need space, they don’t need small areas, they need to be able to burn that energy. They’re smart, they’re energetic and this gives them that room to do all that.”
The facility itself offers a huge playroom that will be filled with fun toys and educational items, as well as a quieter reading nook and a place for youngsters to relax if they need to. Special game and music rooms are also available, as is a fully stocked kitchen. While things are still coming together as different parts of the building are filled out, the basics are already in place.
The heart of THIC surrounds their before-school, respite and after-school programs, which run every day from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and offer families an alternative to being stay-at-home parents.
“In doing my research, I found we need a before- and after-school program, we need daytime respite since sometimes these guys only get to go to school one or two hours a day,” Kellock said. “Add that to the fact that some families won’t be able to have two incomes, because one of them has to stay home and look after the kids, and that’s where we can step in and help.”
The Inclusive Centre will also be offering several evening programs beginning in the new year, each with a different focus and age group.
Positively Me will run Monday nights beginning early January and is designed for girls 9-12 and 13-17, with the eight-week program focussing on friendships, self-esteem, defeating bullying, nutrition and exercise.
Aboriginal Shield will be a 10-week program for youngsters in Grade 5-7 and 7-8 and will focus on mental health issues as well as additions issues.
All About Me will run Wednesdays for youth 12 to 17 and will feature discussions on social skills and mental health in an open and safe environment.
Teen Nights will take place Thursday nights and will offer youngsters a place to play games, create art and even develop their cooking and baking skills.
Let’s Talk will run Friday evenings and will offer youngsters a chance to chat about life and anything else, once again in a positive environment.
THIC will also be offering special holiday events, beginning with their first as an organization, the Christmas Break Camp beginning Dec. 22 and running through Jan. 3, open to youngsters with disabilities from age 5 to 1 and featuring all sorts of fun activities to keep kids busy over the holidays.
With things rapidly rounding ito form, Kellock hopes to see Trusting Hands only grow and expand in the new year.
“I want to be full capacity and I want the kids to have fun,” she said. “I hope Moose Jaw enjoys this. I love it, I love working with the kids and we need to have a good experience with these guys.”
For more information, including costs and any other questions, stop by the Center during the day, send an e-mail to [email protected] or call (306) 316-9111. For the latest info on THIC, visit their Facebook page at www.bit.ly/3uNqaL3.
