SHS Online Campus
Due to the novel COVID-19 virus, Community Services has adapted service delivery to be facilitated online. The Online Campus uses virtual software to connect people and is a great way for people to attend classes and socialize while staying safe at home. The Online Campus uses Zoom to meet online and offers a mix of classes with SHS staff who facilitate, as well as free events from around the community.
Each SHS program and department offers classes throughout the week. Popular classes include; ABI’s Extreme Music Bingo, Rec and Leisure’s Baking with the Tichelmans and Creativity 360, South Campus’ Everything Disney, North Campus’ Travel the World, and Name that Tune as well as social activities planned with Spark! They often offer opportunities to meet online during the weekend or outside of traditional service hours. The Online Campus has also partnered with Kudoz South Fraser who will be hosting and facilitating classes with the goal of matching diverse and various groups of people together with a common interest or hobby in mind.
The Online Campus has been successful in adapting fitness and music classes to an online platform. Instructor Francis Morris facilitates cardio and yoga work out classes Monday through Friday and the classes have been quite successful with a high attendance of people exercising in front of their computer/device screens in the comfort of their own homes. Music Therapists Katherine Graff, Gordon Clark, and Maclayne Simone from Note by Note Music Therapy facilitate music classes Monday through Friday that have also been very popular with strong attendance online.
Semiahmoo House Society is grateful to the Vancouver Foundation for their close to $50,000 operating grant and Surrey Cares for their $3,000 grant supporting different parts of this initiative.
At this time, the SHS Online Campus is available to people affiliated directly with Semiahmoo House Society at no cost.
Written by Mat Cruickshank, Semiahmoo House Society, North Campus Program Coordinator
UNITI is the partnership of three affiliated societies that have provided important community services for decades. Semiahmoo House Society provides quality services and supports to people with disabilities and their families in Surrey and White Rock. Peninsula Estates Housing Society provides affordable and inclusive housing that reflects the diversity of our community. The Semiahmoo Foundation assures that UNITI has the recognition, relationships, and resources to support an inclusive community. Together we’re stronger!