May 1 marked the opening of The Lighthouse, a group home for adults with a developmental disability, on 6528 First Line here.
The home is one of the four operated by the Anchor Canadian Reformed Association for the handicapped. The official celebration of the opening was held on May 10.
The Lighthouse currently has four residents, Lisa Alkema, Terence Berends, Cheryl Jelsma, and Sandy Spyksma but it is set up to accommodate eight residents.
The residents are encouraged to seek employment in the community and they will make use of the many facilities available in the town.
The Anchor Association was originally started by concerned parents from the Canadian Reformed Churches in the Niagara area in 1976, and was incorporated as a registered charity in 1983. Homes are funded by memberships and private donations. A board of governors has the oversight and currently there are 25 employees.
Experience has taught that the homes with up to eight residents have a high success rate. Two staff are present at all times. The association also runs a summer camp from July 7 to 18.
Centre Wellington council has been cooperative and the association has received a lot of positive response from the supporting community.
