     |
               
  |
VON Broadening Horizons Recycling, in partnership with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Town of Gander and Scotia Recycling, provides curbside collection of beverage containers, paper products and cardboard to the residents of Gander, as well as commercial paper/cardboard collection for the local business community. Not only does our program help protect our environment, it also provides meaningful employment skills and opportunity for persons with disabilities. VON Broadening Horizons Recycling is established as a group employment opportunity which allows individuals with intellectual disabilities to work in a supported environment. Clients of our program are employed in the collection and sorting of recyclables gathered. This initiative addresses the Town of Gander’s need for enhanced waste diversion and the need of individuals with intellectual disabilities the option of a group employment opportunity. According to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Waste Management Strategy, it is essential that we divert 50% of the waste going to our landfills by 2010. Curbside collection of recyclables is an important first step in reaching this milestone. Recycling is necessary if we are to extend the life-span of our current landfills, thereby protecting the environment and contributing to healthier, cleaner and more beautiful communities. VON Broadening Horizons Recycling is operated in a not-for-profit format with all funds going back into the VON Gander to fund this project, as well as other charitable programs, including those to benefit individuals with intellectual disabilities. Our vision is to see the VON Broadening Horizons Program become a leader in our community with respect to waste diversion. This would be done by doing curbside collection of recyclables for the entire community, educating the public on waste diversion, partnering with businesses in waste diversion and increasing the list of items we recycle as the business grows.
The VON Broadening Horizons Program exists to respond to the needs of adults with intellectual disabilities utilizing creative and innovative means through partnerships achieved within the community. In January, 2003, the Community Action Group for Adults with Developmental Disabilities was formed out of a common concern that there needed to be more opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities in the Gander area. After completing months of research including several town hall meetings, travel within and outside the province to visit other related programs, as well as home visits with affected individuals, their families and caregivers, it was clear that two programs were needed to meet the needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities in our community:
In June, 2004, to assist with the programs it wished to initiate, The Community Action Group for Adults with Developmental Disability became a subcommittee of the Gander Branch of the VON. The program was renamed VON Broadening Horizons. It was believed that this would be a good relationship as both groups share a common desire to address this need within the community and have attributes that will complement each other, thereby greatly enhancing the success of the programs which were to be established. The VON Broadening Horizons Program Mission Statement is:
VON is a not-for-profit national health organization and registered charity whose vision is to be Canada’s leading charitable organization addressing community health and social needs. With over 100 years of service to Canadians, the VON continues to seek creative and innovative ways to respond to the evolving needs of individuals to enhance their quality of life. There are more than 7,000 staff and 13,000 volunteers with VON Canada. Its branches provide more than 50 different programs including home nursing, corporate health, personal/home support, respite care and adult day programs in over 1,300 communities across Canada. Its guiding principles include primary healthcare, community development and quality management. Community health services of assured quality are essential as a philosophy of the VON and as a result the VON is responsible to expand its knowledge through research, program evaluation and education. The Canadian Council of Health Services Accreditation has accredited the VON as a high quality care provider. The Mission Statement is that VON Canada, a charity guided by the principles of primary healthcare, works in partnership with Canadians for a healthier society through:
|
|
   |
||
