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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1999-11-03, Page 2424 Wednesday,November 3. 1999 Community DayAway Project brings scrvices to Exeter By. Monk t1,Awwc.' Th STAFF EXETER Day Away Project co-ordinators believe the adage 'If you build it they will come.' Anago, the Huron Adult Day Centre (HADC) and the South Huron Hospital are forming a partnership to renovate the east wing of the hospital to create an area for senior citizens, children, families and peo- ple with disabilities. Rosemary Armstrong of HADC said the Day Away Project is unique because it meets the needs of chil- dren, seniors and adults with disabilities all under one root The area will include rooms for senior citizens programs, including peo- ple with Alzheimer's dis- ease, and will provide an important respite for Alzheimer patient care- givers. The toy lending library will contain toys for chil- dren Including those with special needs. Parents can obtain information or attend workshops at the family resource centre. The project will also pro- vide programs for Anago clients who have complet- ed school. The program will use nearly 5,000 square feet of the hospital basement. The hospital has donated the space and will help fund the renovations. "It's going to open up and make the hospital a more viable area," Armstrong said. Maureen Cole of SHH agreed the project will help the hospital expand its role in the community to wellness and health, a goal of the district health council. Providing a wheelchair - accessible entrance to the downstairs is a key com- ponent of the renovations and will include a new entrance and parking lot on the north side of the hospital. Without a new entrance people in wheelchairs or with limited mobility *ould have to travel through the emergency department to use the hospital's elevator. Organizers stress the SHH-based centre won't duplicate eadsting services. Social services programs tend to be centralized in Clinton and many South Huron residents travel to Clinton for programs but can find' the journey oner- ous. Robin McDonald of Maureen Cole, Rosemary Armstrong and Robin McDonald stand at the Anne St. entrance to South Huron Hospital that will be replaced by a wheelchair accessible entrance to the basement to accommodate the Day Away Project. Anago said the population base in the southern part of the county needs closer services. "The need is here," Armstrong said of the Exeter area. Fifteen per cent of Huron County's popula- tion is 65 or older; the provincial average is four per cent. Fund-raising and com- munity involvement is the next stage of the project. Last night (Tuesday), the project team introduced the project to a group of community members and will organize a fund-rais- ing and publicity commit- tee. ommittee. - The total amount needed to be raised hasn't been finalized but the team is applying for provincial grants. Armstrong said the wing will start with 'bare bones" amenities and be enhanced as funding becomes available. McDonald said they would like the Day Away Project to be ready by the spring of 2000 but the date depends on the suc- cess of fund-raising. McDonald and Armstrong said there will be many opportunities for volunteer involvement in operating the centre. To find out more about the project contact McDonald at 235-4275.