Kindale provides Community Living and Day Options to adults of all ages – from youth to seniors – and at all levels of functioning. These day programs make an immense difference in the lives of people with developmental and other disabilities. They provide opportunities for skill enhancement, recreation, socialization and community inclusion that significantly enhance self esteem and quality of life.
In recent years Kindale has committed to moving services out of ‘sheltered’ settings into the community wherever possible. This is particularly important for younger people who participated in the public school system and never experienced institutionalization. These young folk are often reluctant to participate in traditional programs. As a result Kindale has opened two ‘Community Inclusion Centres’ that operate more like a drop in or resource centres and many of the activities occur in the wider community. The first to open was ‘Mainstreet Connections’ in Vernon in 2008. ‘Independent Generation’ opened in Armstrong in 2009.
Mainstreet Connections
Vernon
Mainstreet Connections opened in Vernon in 2008 as an expansion of the New Beginnings program which began in 2002. In April, 2021, Mainstreet Connections moved to a new location on 27th Street. Mainstreet is a resource for younger people who lead independent or semi-independent lives in the community and are not comfortable in traditional programs. Thanks to extra funding from organizations and foundations such as the Community Foundation of the North Okanagan, United Way and the Leon and Thea Koerner Foundation, it also reaches out to young people in the area who can be considered ‘at risk’. It offers a wide range of innovative services and activities.
Seaton
Centre
Vernon
Seaton Centre opened in 1993 in a commercial area of Vernon on land donated by the Kinsmen. It features 3,700 square feet of program space, is fully wheelchair accessible, and is designed to accommodate persons with a variety of disabilities.
As the shift away from traditional, centre based programs continues, Seaton Centre is transforming into a multi use centre that will house a variety of partners, programs and services.
Independent Generation
Armstrong
- Independent Generation opened in Armstrong in 2009. A few years later, it was moved down the street from the main office. Like Mainstreet Connections, this Centre reflects the shift towards greater community inclusion. Participants are encouraged to be active outside the Centre and many of the planned activities occur in the wider community.