BECOMMUNITY NEWSLETTER WINTER 2019 February 14, 2019

Winter has finally arrived! Hope you are staying safe and warm during this winter snow storm! We would like to thank and acknowledge all BeConnected staff, managers, contractors, and administration who made it safely to work in order to provide our individuals with the supports they need. Thank you!

RECENT EVENTS

Friends & Family Holiday Lunch We celebrated the holidays with friends and family at the annual BeConnected Holiday Lunch on December 8th. Over 150 people people attended for a seasonal lunch, live music, a visit with Santa, and time with family and friends.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities This years film festival to celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities saw our best turnout yet! We watched 7 fantastic film made by or about people with disabilities on the big screen at Cinecenta.

BeCommunity Art Show Hanging on the walls in the Spiral Cafe for the month of January was art produced by members of the BeConnected family. For all art sold, 100% of the purchase price went back to the individual artist.

We're into Art! We have two upcoming programs with an art theme: Art Therapy with Bright Insight Therapy - Art Therapy is held on a Friday afternoon and is available to all BeConnected individuals who receive day services with us! Craft Night - We are bringing back Craft Night! Available to anyone in the BeConnected family, craft night will be held once a month on a Tuesday evening. Both programs will be starting in March - stay tuned!

IN MEMORIUM

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of two members of our BeConnected family.

Paul Cottrell On January 2nd 2019 Paul passed peacefully at Carey House surrounded by music and company. Paul has been a part of the BeConnected family for over 30 years. Our thoughts are with his family, housemates, and caregivers.

Allison O'Neill

On December 9th 2018 Allison lost her battle with cancer and passed away in her sleep. Allison spent the last 35 years supporting individuals with disabilities, five of those years with BeConnected as a Home Coordinator at Tamarack and then Carey House. Our thoughts are with her two sons during this difficult time.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Save the date! There are some big events coming up in 2019!

My Community 4 Our 4th ever My Community Conference for self advocates will be held on Tuesday March 5th. Hosts and presenters are all British Columbians who bring a variety of experiences to their role, many who live with diverse abilities. Online registration is now open and is on a first-come first-serve basis for up to 100 participants. Cost is $10 which includes a seasonal-themed lunch, snacks, learning sessions, and networking opportunitites. Register by February 28th 2019!. Register Now!

Inclusion BC Conference This years Inclusion BC conference will be held right here in Victoria BC from May 23rd-25th. Find information about keynote speakers and registration on their website. Inclusion BC Annual Learning Event

Operation Trackshoes Save the date! Operation Trackshoes will be held on June 7th-9th at the University of Victoria. Operation Trackshoes is an annual sports festival for BC residents with a developmental disability is celebrating its 49th year and offers a full length competitive track and field meet, a number of family picnic type games, swimming, softball, basketball, dances, concerts and banquets.  Each year BeConnected sends a team of Trailblazers to Operation Trackshoes. Stay tuned for registration information!

Hampton Challenger Baseball Registration for the 2019 Challenger Baseball Season is now open! Challenger baseball provides individuals with developmental disabilities the opportunity to play baseball in a league just like their peers. A team of buddies support each individual with their specific needs. Find information about upcoming registration dates and registration information on the Hampton website. On June 15th the Hampton Challenger program will be travelling all the way to Kamloops for the 2019 BC Challenger Jamboree!!

Kristen Kay Director, Programs and Service Quality BeConnected Support Services Head Office 240-4243 Glanford Ave | Victoria, BC | V8X 2J5 Ph: 250.727.3891 | Fx: 250.721.2571 | office@beconsupport.ca Duncan Office 202-321 Festubert St | Duncan, BC | V9L 3T1 Ph: 250.748.3858 | Fx: 250.748.3859

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