Our North Shore Programs welcome the new Program Manager Kahir Lalji who is taking over for Christina while she is away on maternity leave.

Leisure Services

Leisure Services started in May of 1993.  It is designed to assist seniors with developmental disabilities be active in North Vancouver. CISS proposed a recreation program that helped the seniors become involved in different types of recreation within the community.  The goal is to become involved in one's community and to form friendships with the other members of the community.

Our consumers are out in the community participating in a wide variety of different leisure activities. Some people do the same activity each week, while others are still exploring the community and all the great options.

One activity that is popular among several people is going to a ceramics studio.  Many have been going there for several years.

Leisure Services is known for its innovative activities and creativity with getting people involved in their community.  As individuals continue to discover new interests and creative abilities, Leisure Services will be there to assist them in their development and to enhance their golden years.

Activities and programs that individuals have chosen to participate in include:

·    Bingo

·    Seniors’ exercise classes

·    Ceramics

·    Classes at the recreation centers (Tai Chi, dancing, etc.)

·    Seniors lunches

·    Lawn bowling

·    Participating in events at local seniors’ centers

Activities that individuals have focused on as their own interests or with developing individual skills include:

·    Painting

·    Going to the library

·    Going for walks

·    Working out at a local gym

Individualized Day Services

In 1995 Individualized Day Services (IDS) began in North Vancouver.  When it started there was one individual in it and has since grown to six.  The high staff to consumer ratio provides them with individualized programming in the areas of volunteering, employment, and recreational opportunities.

The needs, interests, and wishes of each individual are respected and provide the direction of their individualized programs.  IDS consumers progress in many areas of their lives, including searching for paid and volunteer employment, improving social skills, and accessing the community. 

The consumers volunteer at:

·    Red Cross

·    Wild Bird Trust

·    West Van Seniors

·    Lynn Valley Lodge

·    SPCA

·    Local recycling programs

·    Community gardens

·    Community agencies

Consumers also participate in:

·    Exercise programs

·    Hiking excursions

·    Computer work

·    Community and cultural events

IDS assists participants in gaining as much independence in the community as possible.