A bright, brisk late October Sunday morning greeted Carly, her mom Kathy and their dog Duke as they made their way to the Aurora Family Leisure Complex to participate in the 2021 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon and Charity Challenge. Typically, this event is held in Toronto, but due to COVID-19, the event was held locally. Carly, Kathy and Duke would participate in the Marathon's 5K event together with friends associated with The ABLE (Access to Better Living and Employment) Network, a fee for service registered charity that provides community-based relevant inclusive work and recreation opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities in natural job and community settings throughout York Region.

Since 2003, when the Scotiabank Charity Challenge was introduced, more than 84 million dollars has been raised by participants of the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon (half-marathon, 10K and 5K) to directly support local charities operating to build thriving communities throughout Canada. 

 

 

Build Back Better

The ABLE Network has been a criticial way for Carly to access valuable work experience and recreational programs that help her to build important life skills and experience meaningful community connections.  Carly's ability to be on the job at her local Sobey's grocery store and actively participate in many of the recreational programs provided by The ABLE Network has been severely curtailed over the last 20 months because of the COVID-19 global pandemic. 

It's been a significant challenge for Carly and her family not to have the ability to get involved and stay engaged with the local community around her.  While a limited amount of virtual programming is now being offered, the lack of in-person interaction has had a significant impact on many who are ABLE Network members.

For Carly's mom Kathy, the most significant impacts of COVID-19 on Carly was the sudden stoppage of what is typically a very busy schedule. Between her adult programming at The ABLE Network, three weekly shifts at Sobeys, and Special Olympics activities in the evenings, suddenly she was stuck in the house. The lockdowns resulted in Carly missing her friends and colleagues and resulted in way too much screen time. Like all of us, Carly wants to have purpose to her day and be a contributing member of society. Ultimately, a structured day is a good day for Carly.

 

 

Given the challenging times COVID-19 has created for so many, the fundraising efforts of Team ABLE Network count even more now.  And it's the hope of Carly, her mom and Carly's friends at The ABLE Network that the financial position of the organization is on a firm footing when they can go back to being actively a part of their communities. For Carly, she is ready and raring to go for when the world opens up to everyone again.

 

 

The ABLE Network - Important info to know

Vision Statement: 

Inspire adults with intellectual disabilities to be active, contributing citizens through access to better living and employment.

 

Mission Statement:

Participants confidently contribute to the workplace and community, growing their independence and abilities through relevant experience in natural settings. Together with our enthusiastic network of committed community partners, we create an environment of encouragement, healthy living, and life-long success.

Is based on strong principles and research that states that inclusion of persons with an intellectual disability in natural settings provides them with an equal opportunity to make a contribution to the health and well-being of their community.

 

 

Values and Guiding Principles

Diversity & Accessibility

We continuously promote the concept of diversity and accessibility in the community, acting as a role model and demonstrating that people with intellectual disabilities are citizens who have contributions to make to society. We promote a vision of society that is inclusive, respectful, and supportive of the rights of all persons regardless of differences.

Partnership & Collaboration

We develop and nurture long-term, positive relationships with participants, families, and community partners (employers, volunteers, donors, etc.).

Integrity & Accountability

We create a positive high integrity environment where our Vision and Mission can be achieved with success. We are fiscally accountable, transparent, and operate with cost-effectiveness for all programming. We strive to make the program affordable for families and participants.

Respect & Dignity

All persons are entitled to respect. Respect requires recognition of and concern for the dignity of every person.

Persistence

We patiently work with each participant to solve issues, develop new skills, and strive daily for maximum potential. We allow time for setbacks and keep a positive attitude at all times.

Inspiration

We provide inspiration, encouragement, and opportunity for participants to achieve new milestones toward a healthy, productive, and meaningful life in the community.

Lifelong Learning

Every person, at every stage of their life should have lifelong learning opportunities to acquire the knowledge and skills they need to fulfill their aspirations and contribute to society. We strive to deliver exceptional programming based on proven research and best practices. We create a customized program for each participant that will directly benefit their personal outcomes.

Body, Mind, & Spirit

We engage out participants in continued learning, recreation, work experiences, social skills that provide positive contributions for their overall well-being. We care deeply about building the self-esteem and capabilities of each of our participants.

Environmental Sensitivity

We adopt green practices and are sensitive to the need to protect our environment wherever possible.

(Source: The ABLE Network)

 

Locations for The ABLE Network in York Region: 

Aurora - 44 Metcalfe Street

Richmond Hill - 11339 Yonge Street

Stouffville - 8 Park Drive South

 

 

 

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