What do the families have to say about our programs?

"...I very much appreciate CLV as a supportive organized network. The services available to support people with disabilities and their families exist no where else! Your advocacy voice is so important. Excellent resource people. Thank you."

"...We sincerely appreciate the interest, concern and effective advocacy efforts of your staff members on behalf of our daughter and ourselves. Your efforts have played a significant role in our daughter's placement into more appropriate care. Thank you so much!"

"...I feel that the VACL is a powerfully important part of family support, advocacy & services to families & individuals with special needs in our community. Everyone we have come in contact with at VACL is caring & concerned and filled with a spirit of "nothing is too big to tackle". Their positive attitudes fill us with hope for the future."

SEP Consumers and their familes

"...it's really help change my life in a positive way."

"...We find that VACL has had a tremendously positive effect on our family situation through Supported Employment, assistance with forging greater independence, and assistance with arranging housing options. Thanks to VACL, progress toward independence for us and our daughter is being made."

community partners

"...I really appreciated the opportunity to have the imput into the program designed for teens afer school. The communication has been excellent--great staff and very welcoming."

Family Support

The Family Support program provides support and advocacy services in various environments, including schools and family homes which are guided by the needs of each individual and family.

To receive support, individuals or family can call Community Living Victoria (CLV) directly, or be referred by Community Living BC (CLBC), a public health professional, or other community agencies.

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Supported Employment Program (SEP)

The Supported Employment Program currently supports more than 70 people with developmental disabilities to sustain rewarding and satisfying jobs with employers who want committed employees. Along with the additional income, a rewarding job tends to reduce loneliness and increase social networks, community awareness, confidence and self-esteem.

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Parent Support Program (PSP)

CLV's PSP provides parents with developmental disabilities the resources they need to best care for their children. These resources include regular home visits, connecting families with other agencies and ongoing parenting information and training.

Parents must be assessed as having a developmental disability in order to be eligible for support. To receive support, individuals can call CLV directly or be referred by CLBC, a public health professional or other community agency. Upon referral, a PSP staff will meet with the parent or parents and other support workers if so desired. Together, they will assess the family's needs and set reasonable goals based on the strengths and needs of the family.

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Youth Programs

Teen Community Connections is an inclusive, social, recreational after-school program for youth with disabilities. Staff supports are in place to ensure that the youth are able to participate in a range of activities with their peers. This program is available to youth ages 13-18 that are accessing or waitlisted for Supported Child Development funding.The Summer Youth Program is an extension of the teen Community Connections.

The VOCYL Self Advocacy Group is a group of young people 15-21 with and without disabiltiies who meet bi-weekly. Their goal is to promote inclusion and create awareness in local high schools and community around the importance of inclusion of all people. This group is always looking for new youth who want to make a difference in their community.

For more information on Youth Programs, please call 250-477-7231 (local 37)

Host Agency and Individualized Funding

In April 2007, Community Living Victoria became a Host Agency. For many years, a growing number of families and people with disabilities have been asking for the option of Individualized Funding. With Individualized Funding, the support funds go directly to the individual or their family to facilitate choice, portability and individualized services. However, with that comes the responsibility of being the "employer" which many people do not want to administer. As a host agency, CLV is able to work in partnership with individuals and their families who receive this funding, to help them create the support they desire, give them maximum choice, and in doing so, coordinate independent contracts on their behalf.

We are currently supporting 21 families to assist individuals and their immediate families to create supports and services that truly reflect individual's hopes, desires, and needs.

Application to provide individual support
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Home Sharing

Home Sharing enables adults with developmental disabilities to choose an environment that addresses their specific needs and desires. Each home sharing arrangement varies depending on the unique needs and lifestyle preferences of the individual. Home Sharing increases the opportunity for people to establish natural relationships and social connections within their community. Individuals might live with a family, roommate, couple, or in their own suite within a family home.

Who are the Home Share providers?

Home Share providers are people who have opened their home to provide support to an individual with a developmental disability. They come from a variety of backgrounds and represent the cultural and ethnic diversity that makes Victoria a community. Regardless of background, all Home Share providers are committed to the principles of community living and strive to create an inclusive community for everyone. Depending on the needs and wishes of the individual, Home Share providers can assist with relationship building, life skills, meal preparation, personal care, and community access.

CLV is committed to finding the best match possible. Some individuals have specific care providers in mind, while others require assistance to find a suitable match. The individual is able to choose a care provider who best suits their support needs and lifestyle preferences. All Home Share providers undergo an extensive home study process. Only those who are committed to fostering a true home environment will be considered.

Application for becoming a home share provider
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