A creative and productive way to support families and adults with a developmental disability has turned into a wonderful work opportunity and a way of interacting with the community.
On Tuesday, the Sunshine Shack, located in the new Gibsons and Area Community Centre, opened its doors for the summer. With its opening, marks a time of healthy food choices, learning, fun and, above all, an exciting and valuable way for young people to work beyond their developmental disability in a place where their abilities shine and benefit their community.
Pat Stuart, chair of the Gibsons Family Network, said the kiosk will sell food and beverages, 80 per cent of which are healthy food choices following the guidelines for healthy schools. The shack is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Stuart said the young people who will be working at the shack have gone through an intensive six-month training program, learning FoodSafe, money skills and work ethics. "The community has been so supportive of this project already and these young people are so thrilled to have a job. They are excited and can't wait to start serving the public," said Stuart at Tuesday's opening ceremony.
The Sunshine Shack is modelled on ones already operating in North Vancouver and showcases the immense value gained by people with a developmental delay and their communities through the interaction. Even more importantly, the daily work schedule and contact with the larger community supports people with a challenge, to challenge themselves and increase their skill levels, communication skills and the retention of what they have learned.
"This is a great opportunity for these young people to give back to this community and to work in this community. It's a worthwhile project for the benefit of many here on the Sunshine Coast," Stuart said.
Many groups and organizations have been involved and supportive of the Gibsons Family Network. Stuart said the support from the Gibsons Rotary Club, the Sunshine Coast Foundation, the Vancouver Foundation, the Sunshine Coast Regional District, the Town of Gibsons and Community Living B.C. has helped the network and the people involved achieve their goals.
