By Janet Dunne and Bonnie Heath,

Parent Share Interagency group Co-facilitators

The Parent Share is a collaborative group of parents and staff from three agencies providing supports to people with intellectual disabilities: Community Living Toronto, Parent Outreach Program and Extend-a-family.  Running bi-weekly the group began partnering in 2000 and is currently running out of Cedarbrook Community Centre at 91 Eastpark Blvd.

Along with discussing helpful topics such as programs and services, funding sources and developing healthy relationships, mothers (and occasionally dads) share their stories of struggles, joys and triumphs of their children of all ages.

Presentations are scheduled at approximately half of the sessions as the members protect the time to just be with and learn from one another.   Parents decide what topics will be shared with support from the group facilitators and staff.  The group has benefitted from a group plan (following the guidelines of Person Directed Planning); participated in interagency events such as a recent Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) fair, and are working on planning a day trip.

Over the last year or so, there has been a definite trend towards wellness events and taking care of the caregiver.  One of the most popular topics is “What Brings You Joy,” which focuses on the positives in people’s lives.  There was also a special Mothers’ Day celebration where everyone was treated to paraffin wax treatments!

At the end of each session, the relationships extend well out of the boundaries of the community centre walls. There is a special bond that develops when a parent can talk to someone who truly knows how it feels.  As one parent frequently states, “The Parent Share group is a place where I can come and sing, dance, share or just be quiet as my mood allows. It is a place where I know people truly understand.”