Healthy Living
Leading a healthy and active lifestyle is extremely important to the personal well-being of our members. The Active Living Program takes place in three ways; recreation, functional fitness, and nutrition. The members engage in various forms of recreation such as; basketball, soccer and parachute games on a weekly basis at a local gymnasium. Functional fitness works to promote the five basic movements of the body; push, pull, bend, twist and lift. In being active comes the understanding of life skills with respect to personal hygiene and laundry duties. Lastly, our Healthy Snack program assists in promoting healthier choices as well as educating the members on the importance of nutrition based on Canada’s Food Guide.
The “body”, or physical aspect of wellness, is where our members discover how physical activity can play a major role in how we feel and affect our overall health. Physical activity, importance of adequate sleep, and healthy eating are all lessons which help members implement a path of wellness into their everyday routine.
FUNCTIONAL FITNESS
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.
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
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.