By Mark Schadenberg
The words on the website www.wdds.ca, describe this local organization well:
WDDS (Woodstock and District Developmental Services) has been providing opportunities and supports for people with developmental disabilities in Oxford County since 1959. (They) offer a wide range of individualized supports and services through (their) Day, Accommodation, Employment and Family Support programs.
WDDS is hosting one of its major fundraisers, which doubles as an open house, on Nov 22 – 24 -- the annual Holly Jolly Christmas Penny Sale (see the poster).
There is no better charity to donate to locally, which daily assists people in so many different ways. WDDS, which is located at the corner of Lansdowne Avenue and Bysham Park, is accepting donations right up to the day before this benefit.
For more details call Deb Roloson today at 539-7447.
ARC Industries & Job Links
WDDS might be best known for ARC Industries and its many residences (living independently within the community) around the city, but did you know they have a catering service and operate the food concession in Southside Park, plus operate a landscaping business.
WDDS has many educational benefits to its clients.
Through a program called Job Links, many WDDS clients enjoy employment placements.
Transitional Living Program plays an important role, as noted on the website:
“The Transitional Living Program offers assessments and training in the areas of life skills for young people who are moving out of their family home and are planning to live more independently in the community. Participants are provided the necessary supports to enhance their skills in the areas of cooking, cleaning, laundry, budgeting, and overall health and safety issues while residing in the transitional home location.”
For more than five years, I was on the organizing committee for the Woodstock Sports Celebrity Dinner, which was discontinued in 2007. That event helped raise money for many WDDS projects and notably summer camps, which are not funded by government sources, as is also noted on their website:
“WDDS provides an annual 8-week summer camp for young people aged 13 to 19 who have a developmental disability and reside in Oxford County. The participants are able to enjoy a traditional summer camp experience with numerous opportunities for self expression, social interactions, and community exploration. Activities include, but are not limited to crafts, music, sports, cooking, computers and access to specialized/adapted equipment!
This non government funded camp is provided through fundraising efforts, community sponsors and individual donors. WDDS is very appreciative of any support, financial and otherwise, to ensure this much needed camp becomes a reality each summer! ”
WDDS is a great organization to support – with a donation to their penny sale, maybe volunteering with them in some other way, or assisting financially to one of their countless services.
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