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Healthy Living

Leading a healthy and active lifestyle is crucial for the well-being of our members. The Active Living Program encompasses three key areas: recreation, functional fitness, and nutrition. Members participate bi-weekly in various recreational activities such as basketball, soccer, hockey, and cooperative games at a local gymnasium. The Functional Fitness program focuses on promoting the five basic movements of the body—push, pull, bend, twist, and lift—helping members enhance their physical abilities. Additionally, the program emphasizes life skills related to personal hygiene and laundry duties, fostering a holistic approach to active living.

Playing Basketball

FUNCTIONAL FITNESS

We believe in empowering all our youth and adult members to lead healthy, active, and fulfilling lives. Our Functional Fitness Program is specially designed to cater to the unique needs and abilities of our members while fostering physical, mental, and social well-being.

Functional fitness focuses on exercises that train the body for everyday activities. Unlike traditional fitness routines that might emphasize aesthetic goals, functional fitness aims to enhance real-life movements and activities, improving overall quality of life. This type of training is particularly beneficial for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as it supports greater independence and confidence in daily tasks.

Our sessions are conducted in a supportive, inclusive environment where everyone is encouraged to participate at their own pace. We celebrate every achievement, no matter how small, fostering a sense of community and belonging.  The program emphasizes the development of key functional skills such as balance, coordination, strength, and flexibility. These skills are critical for performing everyday activities and enhancing overall mobility.  The program incorporates a variety of activities to keep the sessions fun and engaging. From obstacle courses and group games to dance and stretching, our program offers something for everyone.  In addition to physical fitness, our program includes elements of mental and emotional well-being. We integrate mindfulness practices, stress-relief techniques, and positive reinforcement to support overall health.

Healthy Eating

DREAMS KITCHEN

“Dreams Kitchen” is a comprehensive program that focuses on equipping our members with essential kitchen skills and fostering a deeper understanding of culinary arts. Through a series of engaging lessons and hands-on experiences, our members will gain expertise in various aspects of the kitchen, including:


Kitchen Safety:

We prioritize safety above all else. Members will learn the importance of safe kitchen practices, such as handling sharp utensils, understanding fire safety, and preventing accidents. Members will also learn how to properly operate kitchen appliances in a safe manner.


Food Storage:

Proper food storage is crucial for maintaining freshness and preventing waste. Our members will learn the correct way to store food items to extend their shelf llife in the pantry and fridge.


Menu Building:

Our members will engage in creative exercises to build menus. This will involve selecting dishes, planning balanced meals, and considering dietary restrictions and preferences.


One of the most exciting aspects of “Dreams Kitchen” is its direct connection to our “Fun Friday” lunches. Members will take an active role in preparing for these Friday lunches including menu execution, preforming various prep work for the Friday meals, being involved in creating shopping lists and helping to purchase required items as well. By directly involving our members in these activities, “Dreams Kitchen” not only gives valuable culinary skills but also fosters a sense of ownership and pride in the meals they help prepare. “Dreams Kitchen” goes beyond teaching kitchen skills; it promotes independence, confidence, teamwork, and creativity in our members, and empowers them to take an active role in their dining experience.

Playing Baseball

CHALLENGER BASEBALL

The Centre for Dreams proudly participates in the Challenger Baseball program through the Jays Care Foundation. For several years, we've integrated this adaptive baseball program into our weekly activities for both our adult day program and youth program. Challenger Baseball offers an inclusive environment where individuals with physical and/or cognitive disabilities can learn and enjoy the game. Through this program, our members develop essential life skills such as teamwork, communication, and resilience, all while experiencing the joy and camaraderie of playing baseball.


For more information, visit the Jays Care Foundation's Challenger Baseball page

Healthy Living Learning

MINDFULNESS

At the Centre for Dreams, we understand the unique benefits mindfulness can offer to adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our mindfulness program is designed to promote mental clarity, emotional balance, and reduced stress through guided sessions that teach breathing techniques, gentle stretching, and emotional intelligence. These sessions are tailored to meet the needs and abilities of each participant, ensuring an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can feel comfortable and engaged.

 

Our mindfulness program not only helps in reducing anxiety and improving concentration but also enhances the overall quality of life for our participants by fostering a greater sense of peace, self-awareness, and resilience. By integrating mindfulness into our daily activities, we help individuals develop tools to better manage their emotions and reactions, paving the way for more joyful and fulfilled lives. At the Centre for Dreams, we assist with nurturing the mind, body, and spirit of everyone in our community.

What program are you interested in?

Interested in Volunteering? Find Out How You Can Get Involved.

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