Following an extensive search, PADDLE Learning Centre has a new home.
Effective September 4th, the Learning Centre will operate out of space leased at the former Ecole St. Ann elementary school on Albert Street.
For years the PADDLE program, Providing Adults with Developmental Disabilities Lifelong Experiences, was based out of Chippewa Secondary School in North Bay.
As the Near North District School Board works on consolidating some of its schools, the extra space was needed.
“The reason why we are vacating Chippewa is not our choice. We would have loved to stay with the Near North school. Unfortunately, due to school closures, there’s no longer space in the school for a program like ours. They need the space to give to their students,” said Megan Johnson PADDLE executive director.
Its mission is to offer a “structured, meaningful, inclusive and community-based environment where adults with developmental disabilities can continue to thrive and grow socially, physically, emotionally and intellectually.”
see: No life jacket needed for Up the Creek Without a PADDLE after it smashes fundraising goa
The PADDLE program is designed around five core components: academics, physical fitness, life skills, recreation and leisure, and community involvement including volunteer work.
The new space is larger, and includes a kitchen, academic, recreation and sensory rooms, and will be fully accessible.
Renovation work will be carried out over the summer in preparation for the September opening.
