May is Community Living Month.,

It draws awareness of the job performed by agencies that support people with an intellectual disability and their families.

Ted Scholten, Chief Executive Officer of Community Living Fort Frances, says they assist over 80 people between La La Croix and Rainy River.

“Many people get home supports to help them live independently,” says Scholten.

“We have group living. We provide employment supports through Good Impressions and other avenues. It’s a pretty wide variety of supports that we provide.”

The Association kicked off the month with a flag-raising ceremony at the Fort Frances Civic Centre.

The Association has several activities planned to celebrate.

It includes the grand reopening of its resource centre on Scott Street.

“It’s available for the people we support to enjoy a wide range of opportunities,” says Robin Melville, Manager of Community Supports/Supportive Employment & Intake Lead.

“This month, we have men’s drumming, women’s drumming, a beating group, different creative expression opportunities, employment opportunities and more importantly, they can bring friends in the community.”

“It’s not just for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” adds Melville. “We welcome the broader community to stop by, say hi, and make connections with those we support.”

The centre is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The grand opening will take place on May 23rd at 11:30 a.m.