Who We Serve: Meet the Team!

When Luke talks about his days at the RLC he says he likes to “go bowling and water the plants.” The RLC has a partnership with The North Grove Community Center, which is a non-profit organization located in Dartmouth North. Luke, along with his fellow participants, volunteer their time every week tending there plant wall in the community kitchen. Luke also talks about the importance of his peer relationships. He said he likes to see “John, Peter and Tara” who are his friends at the Active Lifestyle Program.

"I can’t remember when Chad started with DASC but I think it was approximately 18 years ago. From day one he fit well with the staff, employees and the different contracts that he was able to work on.
He loves his job there and 14 years ago they found him community employment with Baker Tilly which has turned out to be the best opportunity that we could have ask for.
I just don’t know where Chad would be today without DASC and where we would be as it has given him independence and a circle of friends and co-workers that he is still enjoying.
Thanks to everyone who has helped him along the way."

“He would be lost without DASC. With the COVID closure, he was lost. He needs the one-on-one support. I find it very comforting. He’s coming to a place where they value him. He loves coming. He loves the social interaction and the contact. During the time he’s been at DASC, they’ve never given up on him and tried everything for him. It’s why he’s still here.”

“It’s important to keep the company clean. I like working with my associates, they’re nice people. They look out for me. I’m very independent. I live with my Dad, but I buy my own groceries and pay my own bills. I love what I do. Coming here, to see my associates, it makes me proud. It makes me happy. It makes me feel like I’m worth it. I’m worth being here.”

“I like the friendship and the bonding with staff. The staff understand your needs. It makes me feel like a person. Everyone wants to get to know me. To know what my expectations are, my limits. I like to stay positive and have a good time. My main goal is to become a sailor. I’m an adventure kind of person!”

“DASC helps people with disabilities and gives them a purpose and a reason. Without DASC, I wouldn’t see my friends. Jill (Rhonda’s job coach) helped me find this job. I don’t know what I’d do without her. With my job I can make my own money and buy my own stuff. I’m able to contribute to my family. I can buy snacks for my son’s lunches.”

“I like the social aspect of DASC. Before I had DASC, I felt like I didn’t have a purpose. DASC helped me find a purpose. I’ve learned how to budget time. Also, how to be professional. Staff are understanding. DASC got me a job at Scotiabank Centre. DASC is a stepping stone. I really like being here. I’d miss a lot of the people here if I couldn’t come here.”

"DASC is very important to me because it keeps everyone safe and helps them follow the rules. I support new clients that come to DASC and I treat them nice with kind words. People at DASC are proud of me when I do this. Someday I would like to have a job in the community where I can work with animals and the staff at DASC will help me to reach this goal."

Hi, my name is Catherine. I have been with DASC since June 1 2012. I am now involved in the RLC program. I like being here and hanging out with Luke and my friend Tara at the ALC. I go out to the mall and go to the North Grove to bake and cook. My favorite thing is to use the baking mixer. I like to go bowling and the track. When I’m in the program I like to listen to music and watch movies. I like to go to the Zumba classes and use the gym.” I love it here’