Creating a special place called home
Kathy Wallis, media relations officer, first learned about Participation House Support Services (PHSS) while working as a health reporter. Her nephew, Harry is developmentally handicapped, so she took a personal interest in the story.
She recalls even mentioning to the director of the home at the time, that she hoped her nephew might one day be able to live in one of the homes supported by PHSS. Little did she know that not only would she become a board member, Harry would indeed enjoy his adult life in one of their homes.
PHSS supports individuals with developmental disabilities and/or complex physical needs to live in their own homes, to participate in community and to enjoy life with family and friends.
PHSS serves a population that, not so long ago, would have lived in large institutions. Instead they are living in our neighborhoods, and enjoying what life has to offer.
For Wallis, her work with PHSS, is connected to a desire to help an organization that has helped her family. She will admit however, that she receives so much more out of it than that.
“When I attend our holiday party or summer picnic, I am so moved to see the interaction of staff, families and our supported individuals. I feel a great deal of pride to be working with such an important agency. PHSS enriches the community by allowing those people with severe disabilities to be an active participant in it.”
