Dear Parents and Families,

With many of you I have had amazing conversations and I just wanted to express to you all truly what a privilege it is to know you and the amazing group at Chorus I have the opportunity to support. Thank you all for taking my many calls and sharing your thoughts with me.

I will never ever know what it is like to walk in your shoes but I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside each of you. I have a great amount of compassion and admiration for you and the work you have put into raising the most amazing group of people I have been blessed to spend my days with. Because of that work doesn’t feel like work. Often, I find being around these amazing people is when I am truly myself.

I’ve been doing this work for almost 9 years and for so many of those years the idea of Chorus seemed impossible and so many never believed it could happen. The one thing I can truly say is that Chorus has taught me that everyone truly has something rare and powerful to offer society no matter their abilities or insecurities, as the quote says, “Different but not less”.

In the moving in process I know that the word anxious doesn’t begin to describe the feeling most of you had. But from where I stand the transitions were successful and each person is living a life more independent and each day I see their confidence grow. They have a special glow and recognize the responsibility of living their life the way they want to.

I admire you all tremendously. You have dealt with unexpected situations and showed such strength and love. No matter how tired, no matter how challenged, no matter how thankless it sometimes is, you guys LOVE and give, wholeheartedly, with no restrictions. You are often so selfless and put them first and often miss out on things and opportunities for yourselves.

I want to reassure you that everyone in Chorus is doing great. They have surpassed milestones. They are thriving daily. They bring such joy to the people they meet their trust is refreshing and these days unheard of.

I am writing this because Chorus has reminded me that compassion, love, patience, community and relationship are what life is all about. So, thank you for sharing your child (Now independent adult boss of their own place) with us. I am still in the process of learning and there are days when I feel like I am going in circles. Ironically both staff and the residents help each other, so that we can keep moving toward our own individual greatest possible potentials whatever they may be.

I will continue to be a guide and support to each person in the best way I know how. I will continue to support them to focus on their capabilities rather than obstacles. Thank you for the amazing opportunity to be a part of inspiring change in the lives of many, many, many others who are awaiting this amazing Chorus opportunity.

Thankfully,

Kereisha, Community Support Worker at Semiahmoo House Society

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 exists to fund, support and enhance the programs and services delivered by Semiahmoo House Society. Chorus is an inclusive and affordable house development owned by Peninsula Estates Housing Society, an affiliate society to Semiahmoo House Society.