When Bee Able Inc. opens its doors this Saturday, founder Claudett Bailey hopes the non-profit organization will do more than offer a day program for adults with disabilities and special needs in Bradford West Gwillimbury.
She said she wants it to become a community hub, connecting with other agencies and facilities “to deliver artistic, educational, recreational and social programs to adults of all ages and abilities.”
Children with disabilities and special needs are accommodated within the school system, with programs that help connect the kids with their classmates and their community. But once they reach the age of 18 and leave school, there are few programs and supports available, she said.
Bee Able Inc. is designed to help fill that gap — with the help of the community.
Bailey is hoping to connect with other agencies, including Community & Home Assistance to Seniors (CHATS) and Community Living Association for South Simcoe (CLASS).
As well, she wants to connect with community facilities, such as the Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library and the local bowling alley, and with individuals such as artist Meade Helman, who not only donated original works of art that brighten the walls of Bee Able Inc., but has offered to teach.
“It’s all about collaboration” to provide inclusive programming, Bailey said. “This is the community that is coming in… a community hub.”
And so far, the response has been positive: “It’s just really about connecting the dots for people, giving them the chance to make a difference.”
Bailey is opening Bee Able Inc. after 20 years of working in social services, inspired by the example of her parents.
She said her parents had a strong sense of service. Her father went back to school to become a pastor, which created challenges and strengths for Bailey and her four siblings.
“I just grew up watching the way they worked: selfless. I just admired them,” she said. “They’re my heroes, really.”
In fact, Bailey once asked her father, “How do you know what you’re supposed to do with your life?”
The answer led her into her career in social services: “The thing that makes you want to change the channel, that’s the thing you’re being called to fix.”
She began working with the Children’s Aid Society, assisting victims of child abuse.
“As I got older, I just saw so many barriers. I want to break those down and advocate, help.”
Bee Able Inc. hopes to break down barriers that face adults with special needs.
It is located at 13 John St. W., unit 2 in Bradford. There is a ramp for wheelchair access, accessible washrooms, and two exits. The centre meets all the standards of Developmental Services Ontario.
The adult day program will be offered from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday — combining structure with variety and flexibility.
“We definitely have to have boundaries. We definitely have to have policies to keep people safe,” Bailey said, adding flexibility is also needed to work with community partners.
The official opening takes place on May 26 at 11:30 a.m., with a ribbon cutting at 11:45 a.m. For more information, contact Bee Able Inc. at [email protected] or 905-551-3699.
