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Building a Meaningful Life in the Community

  • Lindsay
  • Jun 12
  • 3 min read

Updated: 4 days ago


Community programs have become a big part of Benji and Giulietta's lives, especially since they are no longer in school.


When school ended, we knew it wasn't enough to simply fill their schedules. We wanted them to continue learning, building relationships, contributing to their communities, and developing the skills that would help them lead meaningful and independent lives.


Over the years, community programs have helped create that foundation.

For Benji, this has included opportunities through IKEA, WindReach Farm, Baycrest Hospital, and social programs.


These aren't activities that simply keep him busy. They are places where he is known, where people expect to see him, where he has responsibilities, and where he continues to grow. Through these experiences, he has developed work skills, confidence, friendships, and a strong sense of purpose.



For Giulietta, community involvement has provided opportunities to build communication, independence, life skills, and social connections in real-world settings. A big part of this has also been about staying connected to people she knows and enjoys spending time with. Whether it’s getting together with old friends, going bowling, or attending Yachad social club with her peers, these are the kinds of experiences that help her feel included and connected.



One of the things we value most about community-based learning is that it happens naturally. Skills are not taught in isolation and then hoped to transfer into everyday life. Instead, learning happens while ordering a coffee, volunteering, grocery shopping, attending programs, interacting with peers, or participating in work experiences.

The community becomes the classroom.

These experiences have also helped create a sense of belonging. Benji and Giulietta are not simply attending programs. They are building relationships, becoming familiar faces, contributing to their communities, and developing connections with people who know them beyond their disabilities.


As Benji and Giulietta have grown older, community programs have become an important part of how their lives are structured. They provide opportunities to learn, contribute, build friendships, stay active, and continue moving toward greater independence.



Most importantly, they help create lives that are full, connected, and meaningful. Lives where Benji and Giulietta are not on the sidelines, but active participants in the communities they are part of every day.


Community Organizations That Have Been Part of Our Journey


Over the years, Benji and Giulietta have participated in programs, services, volunteer opportunities, and social activities offered by many organizations throughout the community. Each has played a role in supporting learning, inclusion, friendships, skill development, health, recreation, and meaningful participation.



We are grateful for the opportunities these organizations have provided and for the many staff, volunteers, peers, and community members who have helped Benji and Giulietta build skills, relationships, confidence, and a sense of belonging.


Supporting Blogs


  • Growing Together at Yachad: Giulietta’s Social Journey

  • Summer Camp Experiences: Inclusion, Activity, and Fun for Benji and Giulietta

  • What True Inclusion Looks Like: Benji and Giulietta on MJDS School Trips

  • Building Friendships and Skills: Benji's Journey at Windreach Farm

  • Growing Together: Our Windreach Farm Journey Since 2018

 
 
 

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