Supporting those with long term health care needs

A brief history of our organization:

1980

Concerned parents and community members were concerned for the future of disabled young people in their community. With no accessible supportive housing, young people had no option but to live either at home with aging parents or in an institutional setting, such as Long Term Care Homes. This situation generated a community wide effort to bring attendant care services to the community and to build an accessible apartment building with 24/7 supportive services.

1981 – 1985

During the early years massive fundraising through telethons and thousands of letters and applications were generated. Through the help of MP Stan Darling and Ernie Eves, the organization received its first budget and began providing outreach services out of the basement office in the United Church in Parry Sound. A remarkable and wonderful donation of 8.4 acres of land by the Parry Sound chapter of the Rotary Club provided the impetus for the construction of Forest Hill Apartments.

1986 – 1989

During the mid-eighties the organization was in full building mode, constructing both phases of Forest Hill Apartments and expanding its services to include a Children’s Respite program and two bedroom respite unit.

1990 – 1996

During the early 1990’s The Friends’ solidified its programs and services as well as developing an accessible garden for its clients.

1996

In 1996 The Friends’ organization was asked to support the foundering Access Muskoka organization. After six months of planning, The Friends’ took over the programs and staff of Access Muskoka, adding new programs and clients to its roster of services. In addition, Outreach and new Adult Day Away programs were expanded and developed across the entire Parry Sound/Muskoka region.

1999

The agency was experiencing growth issues. Recreational space for tenants was not adequate so the Board of Directors launched a fundraising campaign to build a Recreation/Therapy Centre addition to Forest Hill Apartments. This project was entirely funded through community raised dollars and opened its doors in 2000. Today it continues to be enjoyed by tenants and community members for a broad range of recreational activities.

2008

In 2008, The Friends’ organization and Caregiver’s Voice in Muskoka joined hands in a full integration. The two organizations had worked together for years and this seemed like the logical next step to better support the spirit of integration that Local Health Integration Networks were advocating for. 2011 In 2011, The Friends’ organization integrated with Port Loring Meals on Wheels and Volunteer Transportation services to support volunteers and community members in East Parry Sound in continuing to receive services they need to remain safely in their homes.

Aims and Objectives

The aims and objectives of The Friends are to provide support services that promote a wellness environment in which persons requiring Long Term Care services can find friendship, purpose, respect, privacy assistance with personal care as needed.