Lambton County Developmental Services
Lambton County Developmental Services (LCDS) was started in 1955 by a group of parents whose children had developmental disabilities. These parents dreamed of a better life for their children beyond institutions. They began developing creative solutions that would provide their children with a life of choices and opportunities in their community. "Since its inception, LCDS has been an innovator in the developmental services sector. When the provincial government mandated de-institutionalization, these parents knew they needed to provide services for those with developmental disabilities returning to their communities," explains Executive Director Nick Salaris.
Helping people live a meaningful life one person at a time is LCDS's philosophy. "We believe that people deserve to receive services their way, and that will be unique for each person," shares Karen McClintock, Director of Organizational/Community Development. LCDS provides housing support, opportunities for community participation, education, respite, and employment services. "One of our goals is to provide environments where people with developmental disabilities are encouraged to participate in the community, develop skills that foster independence, and experience relationships that make them feel respected," explains Salaris. LCDS's team of 300 staff members support over 200 people in 28 locations throughout Sarnia-Lambton.
LCDS continues to be known as an innovative leader in the developmental services sector. "We have a unique partnership with Habitat for Humanity. They expanded their definition of family, so that two people with developmental disabilities can purchase a Habitat home together," explains Salaris. LCDS was also one of the six founding members of Ontario Agencies Supporting Individuals with Special Needs (OASIS), and they were the first agency to become accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities International. "It is not mandated that we be accredited, but it shows our commitment to providing the best possible services, and it holds us accountable to a very high standard," shares McClintock.
As a non-profit social service agency, LCDS relies heavily on its fundraising efforts. Some of their events include a charity auction, trivia night, golf tournament, and Fusion: A Discovery of Food, Wine, and Craft Beer. "This is our 11th year hosting Fusion at Degroots Nursery. It's an amazing night featuring over 50 vendors, including Ontario wineries, breweries, and chefs," shares Salaris. LCDS has a committed team of volunteers and community partners who support them, but it is their dedicated staff who are the backbone of the agency. "Our staff give of themselves every day. Without them, we wouldn't have been here for 65 years."
LCDS believes strongly in the importance of each person's connection to other individuals and to their community. They have seen the difference that community makes in a person's quality of life in Sarnia-Lambton. "We want to make a difference in people's lives. It is a powerful thing to see someone achieve their life's goals," shares Salaris. "We are here to support people to live their best life possible, one person at a time."
Related Stories
Goodwill Industries - Essex Kent Lambton
Since its founding in 1933, Goodwill has always been focused on the needs of the community. Our mission is to change people's lives through the power of work, and we've been doing this for 85 years, explains CEO Kevin Smith. To mark their 85th anniversary, Goodwill recently published a his
Bluewater Hearing & Balance
When Nashlea Brogan was 18 years old, she received her first pair of hearing aids. "I lost the majority of my hearing as an adult, so I was interested in studying how people coped with acquired hearing loss. I wanted to understand...
Sure Signs Inc.
It is often said what goes around, comes around. And yet nobody was more surprised than Mark Tetreault when he returned to the company that once employed him in his early twenties, Sure Sign Inc., to be its Chief Executive Officer. I worked here 10 years ago as the production manager for about fo
Daisy Fox Bakery
When it comes to forging a career, Melissa Jones places personal happiness way above any money she earns. I originally went to college and studied engineering software and I worked in that industry for a while, Melissa says. It didn't take long for Melissa to grow tired of working in a cubic
Related Stories
All Seasons Trophies
Peter Sparks started at the bottom and worked his way right up to the top as owner of All Seasons Trophies (AST). The business opened in Sarnia in 1975 and I started working there in 1999, Peter says. Then I purchased the business in 2007. Peter claims he didn't originally have designs
TurnerMoore LLP
In 1994, Brian Moore moved his home-based accounting business to the Sarnia office of Paul Turner to form TurnerMoore CPA's (originally TurnerMoore CGA's). In 1997, Turner moved to Wallaceburg to open an office which sparked the i...
Refined Fool Brewing Co
Refined Fool started out as most good things do, in the company of friends. A group of teachers, blue collar workers, entrepreneurs, musicians and pastors began brewing beer in their own houses in midwinter with propane burners and frozen hoses. They opened their doors in May of 2014 in a 600-square
Mackenzie Oil
Mackenzie Oil was founded in 1945 by Doug Mackenzie and his father, Charlie Mackenzie. Doug was working in Hamilton at the time and saw the opportunity to start a company in Bridgen that would service the farming community. My uncle Doug partnered with my grandfather, Charlie, to start the business.