A Need and a Dream

My heart was breaking this morning when I met a gentlemen named Gus.Gus has a brain injury and struggles to afford food. He looks for scraps of food in the garbage cans in the community to find what we as society discard to remove his hunger.

I was blessed to get to know Gus, this morning. He is the sweetest guy, but my heart broke for his situation. Gus dreams of a place in our community, much like the iBlong Community Centre.

Gus is currently trying to build a wheelchair and use to be a support person. He would love the support of someone to help him with his daily needs. He currently gets around with an old beaten up scooter. Gus struggles with memory issues do to the brain injury, during our conversation he felt bad because he had to repeatedly ask me for my name.

Gus has a place to live in Abbotsford and has told me of his neighbors who struggle with a variety of disabilities, some which self-medicate just to get by.

Gus's parents have both passed away and by the sounds of it his support circle has collapsed as well. He told me he does not qualify for funding. Gus is someone who has fallen through the cracks of our social system.

I know that he is not alone, many find themselves in this place. Gus’s situation is a weight that a lot of parent’s and caregiver's carry, as they think of the future of their loved ones.

I know the iBlong Community Centre would help be that safety net that catches those in this place. We, as a community, could advocate for those who do not have a voice. We could have supports in place to catch those who have lost their support circles do to circumstances and build them back up.

Gus's situation could be preventable if he had a place in the community to turn to for support when his collapsed. iBlong Community Centre could a proactive community that is walking beside families and is already there when persons with physical or developmental disabilities are faced with these situations, helping to make sure there is a plan in place and support continues.

Yes we have many societies and government agencies out there that have supports, but unless you are aware and have a voice they are hard to access the iBlong Community Centre would be that place with in the community that has the front line presence with an open door to access.

Living with a physical or developmental disability is not just about therapies it is about quality of life and belonging where supports can be put in place for all aspects of living.

My heart breaks as I see a that could be filled by a dream of the iBlong Community Centre. I know I cannot do it alone, it will take a community filled with love and compassion...

Please if you are part of that community and want to be part of the iBlong Community Centre Project message me.

Thank you, Nicki