Community Wellness Program

President Colleen Neil, Kenora Store Manager John Dahl, Community Wellness Program Coordinator Liz Garrow and Safeway District Manager Larry Tholl take time out of their busy schedules during the presentation of a $30,0000 grant to the Community Wellness Program For More Safeway Information

Safeway Foundation Donation to Community Wellness Program

The Kenora Association for Community Living is pleased to announce receipt of a $30,000 sponsorship grant from The Canada Safeway Foundation.

For over 75 years, Canada Safeway has been working alongside its employees, community partners and customers in building healthy communities.

The Canada Safeway Foundation supports initiatives that feed, protect and nurture children and families. Since 2002, over $5 million has been donated to important organizations from Thunder Bay, Ontario to Victoria, British Columbia.

The Kenora Association for Community Living recognizes Kenora Safeway and the Canada safeway Foundation for their on going support for Community Programs and Activities.

Rotary Club approves Grant of $2000 for Community Wellness Program

Rotary President Rod Riopel and Blair Hutchinson present KACL Community Wellness Coordinator Liz Garrow with $2000 cheque.

For the second year the Kenora Rotary Club donated $2000 for the Community Wellness Program. Last year a number of swimming passes were purchased which were used by various participants in the program.

Community Wellness Project Update

This program became a reality by developing partnerships with a variety of community members at the local as well as provincial level.  Initial funding was provided in June 2006 by:

• The Ministry of Health Promotions Branch – Community Action Fund
• The Kenora District Services Board – Community Placement Reinvestment Fund
• Kenora Association for Community Living
• Community Mental Health Support Services
• Kenora Bowling Alley
• City of Kenora Recreation Centre
• Kenora Kinsmen Club

The sources of financial support in Phase II of the Wellness Project included:

•  Trillium Foundation - ($45,000 for a period of 18 months - ending April 31, 2008)
•  Kenora Association for Community Living  - Paying the wages for the Coordinator and Group leaders
•  Kenora Kinsmen Club ($3500.00, one time donation)
• City of Kenora Recreation Centre (free use of meeting rooms and baseball fields and lower rates for the use of the gym and swimming pool)
• Kenora Bowling Alley (who also reduced their rates)
• Tilley’s Pharmasave ( $500.00 one time donation)
• M&M Meats Shop Fundraiser BBQ - $400.00
• Wellness Project Fundraising Garage Sale - $2,000.00
• Safeway (donates monthly with food for the gatherings)
• Eleven local businesses contributed funding or donated door prizes for special and events and gatherings
• Private donations in the amount of $600.00
• Last but not least, volunteers donation their time

In December 2008 we received funding from Northwestern Health Unit of $1000, Lake of the Woods Community Foundation or $2000 and the Kenora Rotary Club of $2000.  We also have requested assistance from other community Mental Health agencies and expect $2-$3,000.  We anticipate these funds will keep the project operating until the end of March.  Our plans for 2009/10 are to continue asking for partnerships and sponsors for the Community Wellness Project.

The Board of the Kenora Association for Community Living would like to express its very sincere appreciation to all the funding bodies, foundations Service Clubs and other organizations and individuals who contributed to sustaining this program. The Board has received word from so many that this is a valuable program.

Wellness Program Receives $45,000 Trillium Grant

See Trillium Video

Participants of the Wellness Program Phase One enjoyed a Celebration party on learning of the Trillium grant of $45,000 which will permit the program to run another 18 months.

Dignitaries included newly elected mayor Len Compton and Kenora Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton

Community Wellness Final Report Phase 1

The project was developed to provide opportunities for increased recreation and active leisure among vulnerable adults in the Kenora Municipal area. The project achieved this goal through developing activity groups, reducing the barriers and providing motivational support to keep people involved. The vulnerable group consisted of adults with physical and developmental handicaps, seniors in a low income category and adults with mental illnesses and acquired brain injuries. All of the people involved were financially dependant on Ontario disability support program, Ontario Works or Old age pension.

The impact of this project far exceeded the projects expected results. Over 50 people "got active" in a variety of activities and 45 maintained their involvement throughout the course of this project. They were enthusiastic, motivated, and appreciative of the opportunity. We reached capacity for participants early on in the project and presently have a waiting list.

The project has made a profound difference in the lives of these 45 vulnerable adults, who only 7 months ago, were identified as the single most inactive group in our community, and who now have their names on a wait list to "Get Active".

Bowling: this activity had the highest attendance on average We had a total of 505 individuals attending on 21 separate occasions. The average attendance was 24.05 persons per group. It was determined that 92% of the participants liked this activity and would participate again if the opportunity was available.

Aqua-fit: A total of 223 individuals attended 37 classes. The average attendance at class was 6.03. 92% of the participants would take the aqua fit classes again.

Walking group: this group had 256 people walking on 32 group walks for an average attendance on each walk of 8 participants. 85% of the participants would participate in this group again.

Strength and Cardio Conditioning group. This group had 177 people attend in 16 sessions. The group average was 11.07 with 96% stating they would participate again.

Yoga class: A total of 72 participants in 10 classes for an average of 7.2 per class, 85% of participants stated they would take yoga class again.

Baseball: Baseball was an activity that several participants from other activities expressed an interest in so a baseball group was started. This group had 100 participants playing 8 games for a game average attendance of 12.5 participants. 90% enjoyed this activity and would participate again.

Self defense: 55 people participated in 8 classes for a class average of 6.88. The self defense class was also arranged after the project had already started following several people expressing an interest in this activity.

What we learned
1. We learned that relationships motivate people to become and stay active.
2. We learned that wellness is expensive and for vulnerable people the cost of participation in activities of choice is prohibitive
3. We learned that by reducing the barriers and providing a variety of activity options vulnerable people who are not active will become active
4. We learned that a commitment to wellness empowers individuals to take control of their lives and influences the decisions that affect their lives
5. We learned that wellness encompasses an individuals whole life, including mind, body, spirit, and community providing meaningful opportunities for personal well-being
6. We learned that by focusing on wellness not illness or disability people found new life roles such as friend, care giver, team member and coach.
7. We learned that when we respect one another we ensure their will be inclusion and participation for all people in all aspects of their life

And finally we learned that people with similar life experiences can encourage and engage each other and provide a sense of belonging, supportive relationships and valued roles in our community.