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The Kenora Association for Community Living, in a creative forward planning mode, approved the creation of a permanent endowment Fund geared to producing funds for non-government funded programs of the Kenora Association for Community Living
Our organization has recently established the Kenora Association for Community Living Endowment Fund within the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Regional Community Foundation. This decision was prompted not only by our desire to increase opportunities for full participation within the community for the people we serve, but also by our recognition of the fine work the Foundation is doing. Our Mission statement, articulating our goal as striving for a meaningful and satisfying lifestyle for all, is remarkably similar in spirit to that of the Foundation's, which is to improve community living and quality of life for Kenora citizens. Our hope is that the establishment of this fund will allow more consumers the chance to improve the quality of their lives by expanding their horizons with enriched and varied experiences, something not always recognized as important nor adequately funded by governing bodies. Along with many other agencies and organizations in the community, we look forward to a long and fruitful partnership with the Kenora Community Foundation
Anita Rasmussen, President
KACL Board of Directors
The Kenora Association for Community Living believes that all people in Kenora should have an equal assurance of life opportunities in a society based on fairness, shared responsibility, and personal dignity for all. The responsibility to assure such equal opportunity falls on Government, Corporations and Institutions, Civil Societies such as Service Clubs, Churches and Charitable and Non-Profit Corporations and the community -at-large.
It is recognized that total independence of the system may not be possible for some people. Some people who are ill or disabled may not be able to work, but they may become more involved in community life, if given the opportunity. Society must be prepared to support people who are in need in a way that respects their individual dignity and recognizes society's collective responsibility for the well being of all its members.
The goal of KACL is to ensure that all people with special needs have the opportunity to live a meaningful and satisfying lifestyle and interact as an equal in their community by providing continuing opportunities for personal growth through education, training, support, advocacy and an informed public.
The Association receives funds from various Ministries of the Provincial Government, directly or indirectly through such intermediaries as Local Health Integration Network and Kenora District Services Advisory Board (DSAB) and provides supports and services according to the terms of funding contracts. It also applies for grants and receives charitable donations to such programs and to provide additional activities and programs.
During the past few years it has received generous support from The Trillium Foundation, The Moffat Foundation, The Ronald McDonald Children Charities, The Kenora and Lake of the Woods Regional Community Foundation, The Ontario Arts Council, The Retired Teachers Association, Bell Alliant, Kenora Rotary Club, Kenora Kinsmen Club, The Kenora Conservation Club and countless other organizations and individuals to support such activities as the Community Wellness Program, Art Partners, Fitness Friends, Kids Galore Camp, Community Picnic (held each June), the Accessible Trail, Hearing Voices Workshops, Children's Augmentative Educational Program as well as non-government funded portion of Electronic Wheel Chairs and Assistive Devices.
The Community and Foundation support for such non-government funded programs and supports has been tremendous and many persons with special needs have testified to the benefits enjoyed in such programs. Donations have increased over the years and the Association has indeed been grateful for such increased donations. However, government contributions to supports and services have not stayed in step with increased needs and costs of supports. In addition, Government practices with respect to funding increased cost have cut into the Associations funds available to earn income to support such supplemental and non-government funded programs and lower interest rates have returned smaller returns. The Income interest of $23,878 earned in the fiscal year 2000 has fallen to $13,888 earned in fiscal 2008.
The Board of the Association believes that the establishment of a permanent endowment may provide an additional source of income to support such very valuable supplemental programs and non-government funded expenses of the Association. Details of an ambitious fund raising effort to raise $50,000 over the next three years will be given on the Association's website at www.kaclcommunityfoundation.html in the near future. Donations to the permanent endowment may be made at the Association's central office at 501 Eighth Ave S. or at the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Regional Community Foundation's Office located in the office of the Kenora District Credit Union, Kendo Branch at 510 Ninth St. North or by mail at
Kenora and Lake of the Woods Regional Community Foundation
PO Box 1088
Keewatin, Ontario
P0X 1C0
807.467.4427 or
communityfoundation@mykenora.com.
