Lifetime Networks Ottawa… A Brief History1998-2002
In August of 1998 the Toronto Star, and The Globe and Mail, published articles that addressed the issue of ageing parents and their children with disabilities. One of the articles focused on a family in British Columbia, and an organization called Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network (PLAN). The purpose of PLAN, as outlined in the article, was to assist aging parents in ensuring the long-term happiness, and financial well-being, of their son or daughter with a disability. Kathleen Jordan and Maureen Shaw, two Ottawa residents and parents of children with disabilities, were inspired by the articles and began to investigate the possibility of setting up a "PLAN-type" project in Ottawa. After gaining the support of Service Co-ordination, Maureen Shaw contacted PLAN to ask representatives to attend a meeting in Ottawa. Al Etmanski, PLAN's executive director, and Vicki Cammack agreed to meet with those interested; and the Lifetime Networks Ottawa seed was planted.
Maureen Shaw and Kathleen Jordan organized the Safe and Secure Conference on November 21-22, 1998, hosted by Service Coordination and held at the Helenic Institue of Ottawa. Al Etmanski and Vicki Cammack were the key-note presenters at this highly successful conference. It was an exciting 2-days, with over 100 people in attendance. Many families expressed interest, and offered their support.
An Initial Parent Meeting was held on Dec.7th, 1998, to establish the foundation of the Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network of Ottawa Carleton. The results of the meeting were very promising. Two main sub-groups were formed: a Steering Committee of six people responsible for planning the next steps in the development of the organization, and The Facilitator Group expected to familiarize themselves with the facilitation process (network building; the key to the organization). Over the next few months the founding members of PLAN Ottawa-Carleton established a strong foundation and vision for the development of the organization.
PLAN Ottawa Carleton (now called Lifetime Networks Ottawa) matured and expanded through hard work, time, energy, and tremendous support from local, and national organizations. Since its conception, Lifetime Networks Ottawa has made significant connections within the community of Ottawa Carleton, with organizations such as Service Coordination; Citizen Advocacy; Donna Neff - Law Office; Low, Murchison - Law Office; Christian Horizons; REACH; OCL; OCAPDD; BMO Nesbitt Burns; SNEEZE; Association for Community Living; as well as numerous other quality corporate citizens. Through the joint effort and support of caring families and organizations, Lifetime Networks Ottawa was incorporated in June 2000, and gained its charitable status in April 2001.
April 3, 2002 is one of the most memorable days in the history of Lifetime Networks Ottawa. His Excellency John Ralston Saul, C.C. invited representatives from Lifetime Networks Ottawa, as well as PLAN and all of its affiliates, to attend a celebration at Rideau Hall. (Slideshow) The celebration was organized to honor Mr. Saul's gracious acceptance of an invitation, extended by Lifetime Networks Ottawa, to become the National Patron for PLAN BC and all of PLAN's affiliates. Mr.Saul's patronage is greatly appreciated, and has added strength and credibility to our more than worthy cause.
Lifetime Networks Ottawa grew out of the desire of a few families to ensure that their family member with a disability is lovingly cared for in the future. Out of that simple desire, Lifetime Networks Ottawa was established and has flourished. In that short time, LNO has established a Board of Directors, obtained office space, developed a substantial member base and trained a team of quality facilitators currently facilitating personal support networks for nine families. LNO continues to serve the community by providing a quarterly newsletter, by organizing workshops and seminars on legal issues and financial planning, retreats dealing with issues such as long term housing,social evenings,parties and events that serve to bring the community together in the spirit of hope and celebration, with the promise that "No one will be left alone". |
