Clements Centre

Please read our Spring newsletter to learn about our recent news, along with some inspiring stories of our work and your impact, and about our June campaign "The Drive for a Drive" which is a real opportunity to touch the lives of the people we serve.

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Navigating services can feel overwhelming, and no family should have to do it alone. As BC transitions away from the Autism Funding Program toward the new BC Children and Youth Disability Benefit, families may be unsure of what comes next. Clements Centre works with children, youth, and families to connect them to the right supports, coordinate care, and help make sense of what is available. We are here to help you find your way.

We are recruiting three new members to join our Board of Directors. If this sounds like you, or someone you know, please share this post and help us spread the word in the Cowichan Region.

Since 1957, Clements Centre has served the Cowichan Region, providing programs and services to individuals with developmental disabilities, delays, and support needs. We are looking for three new members to join our Board of Directors and we welcome applicants who have expertise in areas including finance, law, human resources, health or social services, fundraising, project management, advocacy, and/or lived experience of disability.

The vision is a community in which everyone is included, valued, and celebrated. The commitment is six to eight hours per month over a three-year term. The deadline to apply is June 30th, 2026.

Click the link below to learn more and find out how to apply.
https://www.clementscentre.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Clements-Centre-board-recruitment-document-June-2026.pdf

For Laura, every trip into the community in one of our vehicles is a step toward independence and belonging, and that is exactly what our mission is about. In her words:

"I get to go out with my friends and have picnics and adventures in places like Chemainus and Victoria. That is important for me because I do not drive. Plus," she adds, "I like it when we all sing along with the staff person driving. That makes it extra fun."

Vehicles are central to our mission, and they change the lives of the people we serve every day. Your support helps keep them on the road, and thanks to Island Ford Superstore's generous matching gift of $15,000, your donation today will be doubled.

To help us keep the adventures going, please donate to our "Drive for a Drive" campaign at clementscentre.org/make-a-donation.

Greetings from our nation's capital. Libby and Candice from our Supported Employment Program, and Dominic Rockall, our CEO, are honoured to represent Clements Centre at the 31st annual Canadian Association for Supported Employment (CASE) Conference in Ottawa this week. Guided by this year's conference theme (Full participation in real work for real pay), they are joining colleagues and leaders from across the country to explore disability rights, inclusive employment, and the kind of opportunities that support autonomy, choice, and control for every job seeker.

Support looks different for every child and every family. With changes underway to child development funding across BC, we understand families may have questions about what is available and how to access it. At Clements Centre, services are delivered in a range of settings, including homes, centres, schools, community spaces, and virtually where appropriate. We work with families to find what fits best for their child and their life.

Recently, the Knights of Columbus brought their community together over a pancake breakfast and shared their generosity with a number of local charities, including Clements Centre. We are honoured to be among the recipients of their donation and grateful for their continued support. Their kindness helps us continue our work supporting hope, belonging, and independence for the people we serve. Thank you, Knights of Columbus, for your dedication to this community and for supporting our "Drive for a Drive" campaign.

If you would like to support our campaign you can visit our website at https://www.clementscentre.org/make-a-donation/

Last Thursday, some of our LOCAL day program participants made the trip to Victoria to take in a HarbourCats game, and the home team did not disappoint, winning 6-3 over the Edmonton Riverhawks. The group celebrated after with ice cream and a picnic. This is what community inclusion looks like: belonging, connection, and the joy of having fun together.

Without reliable transportation, days like this one would not be possible. We thank everyone in our community who contributes to our June "Drive for a Drive" campaign. To donate, please visit our website at https://www.clementscentre.org/make-a-donation/