Adventure, Community, and Choice
Inside CVNQuinte Adventures
Confronted by staggering statistics, this local agency has created a novel solution.
“Across Ontario, just over 30,000 people living with intellectual disabilities have services, but that still leaves 52,000 on a wait list,” explains Terri Korkush. As the Executive director of CVNQuinte, Terri and her team of professionals are always fielding calls from families looking for assistance as they support family members who live independently in the Quinte area.
“Specifically, there are 400 families in our area looking for relief,” says Terri. “Rather than waiting for funding from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, we have launched a series of relief weekends that give families a bit of time to recharge while offering their loved one a desirable and memorable experience funded by generous donations and partnerships in the local community.
A Different Kind of Weekend
CVNQuinte Adventures provides adults living with intellectual disabilities a chance to take a break from routine in a setting that’s safe, relaxing, and engaging. The agency has been successful in launching these themed weekends weaving support from specific community organizations, private donors and their own fundraising events such as the recent Famous Peoples Players performance at the Empire Theatre.
Each retreat is built around an engaging concept, whether that’s a local hockey series, an international festival, Indigenous cultural learning, or a food-focused experience. Planned events include: Royal High Tea, The Lord of the Rings, Night at the Museum, “Planes, Trains & Automobiles”, pottery exploration and more. Guests enjoy a weekend of planned activities in a small group of no more than three, supported by trained and experienced CVNQuinte employees.
Built Around What People Want
Choice drives the service. At the planning stages, potential guests complete a survey in which they share their interests, preferences, and what they’re hoping for from the themed weekend. The CVNQuinte planning team uses that information to match people with retreats that suit them.
“There’s a lot of creativity happening behind the scenes,” says Kyra. “We look at what’s going on locally and we build a weekend around it.”
The theme shapes everything, including meals. During a Caribbean-themed retreat, for example, guests made decorative masks in the morning, had homemade Cuban sandwiches for lunch, and joined a downtown parade that afternoon.
Themes that Hit Home
When the snows of December started nudging people toward cabin fever, the hockey-themed retreat weekend arrived just in time. Flanked by two games to see the Belleville Senators play, the planned experiences were punctuated with some tasty meals and a clever craft that left guests with a decorated hockey stick and photo frame combination to remember their weekend.
“Who doesn’t love hockey?” asks Wayne, one of the weekend participants.
Another guest, Joe, is filled with nostalgia as he recalls family memories involving Hockey Night in Canada. “My Dad, my brother and I, we always watched the Toronto Maple Leafs together,” he recalls.
Shayla, who participated in the Caribbean festival retreat and the hockey-themed retreat, really appreciates the chance to broaden her horizons through her CVNQuinte Adventures. “It’s good to get out,” she explains, “to do some crafts and to go places.”
Fun Facilitators Who Want to Be There
The retreats are supported by CVNQuinte employees who elect to offer personalized interest over the weekend. “We have some dedicated employees that are looking for a little bit of an adventure themselves,” says Terri. “They have an invested interest in what the theme retreats are and in making sure the people attending enjoy themselves.”
Debra Bebee-Houlahan is one of those employees. “I’m out doing things the same as the people we support. I’m trying something new, getting into what our community offers, and having a great time.”
That relationship matters. “The people we support trust us,” says Debra. “And their families do, too. It’s a comfortable environment where their needs are met in every way.”
A Comfortable Home Base
Retreats are based in a cozy countryside residence just outside Belleville, close enough to town for activities but set in a quiet, natural setting. The space has been set up intentionally to feel welcoming and comfortable.
“It’s quiet. It’s peaceful. All the comforts of home are here to make it a comfortable and safe stay,” says Terri.
Accessible and Affordable
The service has the option to be funded through Passport, which makes it affordable for many families. Most retreats run two nights; meals, activities, and support are all included.
“It’s very cost-effective because we want people to enjoy this aspect of our service,” explains Terri. Employee support is provided by donations and grants, so the organization continues to provide relief to families by building networks right here in our local community.
Most retreats run anywhere from $275 to $350 depending on the activities involved.
Ideas Welcome
CVNQuinte Adventures continues to grow, and the team wants to hear from others about what types of experiences would be meaningful.
“We’re here to help,” says Terri. “We continue to bring together donors, people who want to participate and, of course, families who are seeking a period of relief.”
To learn more or book a retreat, contact CVNQuinte.
