Amenities available to children with special needs in the Elk Valley have come a long way since the start of the Elk Valley Society for Community Living in 1971.

There was a need in the community in the early 1970s to help mentally and physically disabled children to live a good life.

“The original society was formed in 1971 and was called Kootenay Society for Handicapped Children – Fernie branch,” says member Coleen Pelletier.

Some of the many early organizers were Reverend Morelli and Kay Siska. In 1972 the Fernie Elks Lodge #81 helped form the Dr Fahmi centre, where classes took place at the Elks Lodge three mornings a week until 1975. This organization was funded by local people through the Flowers of Hope campaign.

With new funding from the government local initiative program, the organization moved to the Holy Family School where Emma Chubra and Betty Pettier (Stronski) worked with the children five days a week.

“The Dr Fahmi Centre's main focus was to provide an opportunity or handicapped children and adults to develop to their fullest potential socially and academically,” remembers Coleen.

It ran until 1978, then the group moved to Ridgemont Elementary School, where a special educational classroom was provided, and the class was taught by Cathy Falder.

“This was the first step in a long journey towards our goal of integrating our handicapped children into the community,” says Coleen.

“In 1980 the classes moved to Max Turyk Elementary School where the focused changed from children to adults. A duplex on Fifth Avenue was purchased and renovations were carried out to accommodate four adults. The organization changed its name to Elk Valley Society for the handicapped.

In 1983 the adults were able to access programs through the Fernie and District Home Support Society, until 1985 when the program was no longer needed and it was discontinued.

“Since 1985 the focus of this organization has been to advocate the rights of persons living with physical or mental handicaps and their families,” says Colleen.

A new name of Elk Valley Society for Community Living was adopted in 1990. “This organization joined the provincial association with new goals which are to create safe, inclusive communities that welcome all citizens regardless of ability,” says Coleen.

This society has run a summer program for children with special needs for the last 30 years. In the last three years this program has taken place in Sparwood Rec Centre and in Fernie Community Centre. Children are taken swimming, horse back riding and overnight camping with trips to Fort Steele and Frank Slide.

“We also give donations to send local athletes to Operation Track Shoes in Victoria, where those with special needs can compete in sport activities in the summer,” says member Gayle Vallance. These programs will continue in the future.

Funds to operate are given to the organization by local services clubs and businesses, helping the organization tremendously. There are 32 members at the present time and they are looking for new member.

If you are interested, meetings are held every third Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in the Tom Uphill Manor in the Dupuis room.

• As our new community correspondent, Bob Sumka will write a monthly feature on a local group or society. If you would like your organization to be featured please email freepress@shawcable.com or call 250-423-4666 ext 107.

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