People with developmental disabilities in Cobble Hill will have a new accessible program space with support through the Community Gaming Grants program.

“The provincial government is committed to improving services for individuals with disabilities and their families, and creating healthy, inclusive communities where all British Columbians can live with dignity,” said Shane Simpson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “This grant will allow the Clements Centre Society to continue its work supporting people with disabilities in the region to reach their full potential and lead rewarding lives.”

The Clements Centre Society is one of the largest not-for-profit societies in the Cowichan Valley. It delivers community-based programs to nearly 200 adults in the Cowichan Regional District. Programs include supported recreational activities, vocational training (where individuals are supported to set employment goals and find jobs) and a residential program to connect clients with suitable housing options.

Since 1997, the centre’s programs have helped foster a better quality of life for clients and their families, and contributed to healthy, more inclusive communities in the Cowichan Valley.

“Our government greatly values the work of organizations like the Clements Centre Society, which delivers such important support to community members and their families,” said Sheila Malcolmson, MLA for Nanaimo, on behalf of Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “These cooking, arts and educational programs help people with developmental disabilities learn new life skills and enjoy a home away from home. We are pleased to get behind this project, to help increase access to terrific programs that benefit the whole community.”

Clements Centre Society received $250,000 through the Community Gaming Grants program to replace an aging facility with a new programming space to serve adults with developmental disabilities. The larger new facility will feature an open space for arts, crafts and education programs, sensory quiet rooms and a modern, accessible kitchen for cooking programs.

“Today’s announcement means that folks who live with diverse abilities and their families will have a new and welcoming place to maximize their skills, gain independence and contribute to the community where they live, work and play,” said Leslie Welin, CEO and board chair, Clements Centre Society. “Having a facility close to home is crucial to the well-being of the people we serve and their families. Once built, we are so pleased that the community will have access to some of the spaces — a real community asset.”

Sonia Furstenau, MLA for Cowichan Valley, said, “I am so pleased the Clements Centre Society will be receiving this additional funding so it can build a renewed space for people with diverse abilities. This centre and everyone who is there for work, fun, support and learning make invaluable contributions to our community. I am grateful to everyone involved for making this a reality.”

Clements Centre Society is one of 63 not-for-profits receiving a total of $5 million in capital project grants through the Community Gaming Grants program in 2019. The capital project category was launched in fall 2017, enabling not-for-profit organizations to buy equipment and make renovations essential to their operations.

Quick Facts:

• Clements Centre Society is a Community Living BC service provider for the Cowichan region, serving over 195 adults.
• Every year, commercial gaming generates revenue that the Government of B.C. invests in key services. These services include health care and education, and several organizations representing arts and culture groups, sports, environment, public safety, human and social services, as well as parent advisory councils in schools across B.C.
• Up to $140 million of the revenue generated is directed into the community through the Community Gaming Grants program. The program supports about 5,000 community organizations each year, with $5 million dedicated to funding the capital project sector.
• Each year, eligible organizations can apply for a capital project sector grant, in addition to one of the six sectors of regular community gaming grants.

Learn More:

Learn more about capital project sector grants: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/gambling-fundraising/gaming-grants/capital-project-grants