This time of year a lot of people are planning a trip to Mexico, some for oft-repeated visits and some for the first time. One of the latter is Bill Shewchuk, who came into an inheritance after his brother died.
With support from Inclusion Powell River Society staff, Shewchuk is planning to spend a week in the sun in January. His community support worker, Jeremy Taves, will accompany him. The duo recently took a trip to Spokane, Washington, to visit with Shewchuk’s 83-year-old sister.
Shewchuk, 78, is one of 109 adults receiving services from Inclusion Powell River. Born in Downing, Alberta, he is a Woodlands and Tranquille institutions survivor. Founded in 1878 for the treatment of “lunatics and the feeble-minded,” Woodlands closed in 1996, marking the end of large institutions in BC.
Tranquille was closed in 1983 after people who were living in that institution were transferred into communities.
Shewchuk moved to Powell River in 1969 and since that time has become a familiar face around town.
“I like Powell River because people are friendly and everybody knows me,” he said. “It’s a beautiful place with lots of trees and water.”
For many years Shewchuk walked where he wanted to go, but more recently he has become a frequent rider on the transit system.
“I’m getting tired now,” said Shewchuk.
His newest form of transportation is a scooter, another item he was able to purchase. Shewchuk also spent some of his inheritance on a new queen-sized bed.
“He’s really enjoying having money for extras in his life,” said Taves, who moved with his family to Powell River from Mission just over eight years ago.
Taves is one of 160 full- and part-time employees who provide services to clients from infancy through senior years. More than 360 families, youth and children are assisted and 121 seniors, including those in the Better at Home program, which helps older citizens remain on their own. Funded by the provincial government and United Way of the Lower Mainland, that program has been so successful that its numbers have been capped until more volunteers are recruited and trained.
Another success for Inclusion Powell River was its Employment Services program being selected as a leader in BC. A film crew came to Powell River to create a short documentary on its success in finding jobs for clients.
At Inclusion’s annual general meeting on September 22, executive director Lilla Tipton presented a report on the organization, outlining current programs, developing plans and future opportunities.
“Working with a strong senior management team, the board of directors has focused its energy over the past five years to find an enterprise that can help to fund the maintenance of its assets and the people it serves,” said Tipton, “following some serious belt-tightening needed due to reduced funding from Community Living BC.”
Steps in the past year to continue to maintain services include the society selling some of its houses due to their lack of accessibility, meaning they were no longer suitable for aging clients.
“Construction of a new group home on Nelson Avenue, that is totally accessible, is slated for completion in November,” said Tipton. Clients will move from an older home in Wildwood at that time.
Expanding on services to seniors, a 75-unit housing project on Joyce Avenue close to Powell River General Hospital is ready for the permitting stage. A survey conducted by Inclusion indicated a need for such a service in the community.
For more information on Inclusion Powell River, go to inclusionpr.ca.
