I was very impressed with how the staff supported participants in the program when one of the Recreation and Leisure participants passed away. They brought in extra staff to have time to talk with people and to make sure everyone was okay. It didn’t end with people who were in the program. Recreation and Leisure staff also followed up with people who were at home. Staff members went up to Whistler to attend Avery’s funeral. They wanted to honour Avery but also to support the family. Recreation and Leisure team members spoke and shared their memories of Avery. The people of Recreation and Leisure are like a family to me.
When I was transferring organizations, I was amazed at how Semiahmoo House supported me even though I was still with Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion. Semiahmoo House has been providing me with services since 2012. I knew that I was able to rely on SHS because they helped me even when they didn’t have to. They did it out of the kindness of their hearts. I feel very safe with SHS. I am able to go on trips with Recreation and Leisure and have them be successful because I trust the staff and that they know what they are doing. They are so smart.
Semiahmoo House Society, a non-profit organization located in Surrey/White Rock, exists to provide quality services and supports to people with disabilities and their families in the community. The Semiahmoo Foundation, located in Surrey/White Rock, exists to fund, support and enhance the programs and services delivered by Semiahmoo House Society.
By Alex Magnussen, Self-Advocate and Member of the Board of Semiahmoo House Society
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