"Dangling off a thin thread" by Laura Bowden

January 22, 2019

To whom it may concern,

I have been made aware that the ministry has decided to cut their funding province-wide, for independent facilitation services. I as a client, oppose this decision, not only for myself but for others, who require these services.

I moved here from St Catherines Ontario into unknown territories and did not know where or how to start to get connected with the services in this area. Previously I was connected with; March of Dimes, Mainstream, Community Living, Progressive Effectiveness Training Program and Home Care Services. In August of 2018, I receive a phone call from Developmental Services Ontario asking if I would be interested in being connected with Facile and meeting with Heather. Within four months of our first meeting I was connected with Brydon from Passport, a local doctor, Wingham and District Community Living, psychiatrist, and social worker. Every third Wed. of the month I go to a book club at my Public Library in Teeswater. I tried to take up drumming with the local pipe band, which didn’t work out. 

My facilitator allowed time and showed empathy.

Without these services, I am going to be lost, confused and dangling off a thin thread.

Sincerely, 

Laura Lynn Bowden