The Salvation Army Lawson Ministries in Hamilton is Celebrating 40 years with Creative Programs and New Connections to the Community

by Caroline Franks
Categories: Divisional News
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The Salvation Army Lawson Ministries is hosting an open house in celebration of 40 years of supporting Adults with Developmental Disabilities in Hamilton.

The event will take place at the Paparella Innovative Arts Centre at 333 King Street East in Downtown Hamilton on Friday June 17th from 2:00 to 5:00 pm.

“It’s going to be a wonderful afternoon showcasing some local talent and the creativity of the people we support at a facility we actively use for arts and life skills programs,” said Deanna Finch-Smith, Executive Director at Lawson Ministries.  Guests will also have the opportunity to learn about the many exciting and rewarding activities offered at our centres.”

Established in 1982 by The Salvation Army in Hamilton, Ontario, Lawson Ministries supports adults with dual diagnoses, including developmental disabilities like Autism Spectrum Disorders, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorders, Down Syndrome, and psychiatric conditions.

Program participants range in age from 18 to 84 and live in group homes, supported independent living apartments, intensive supports homes and long-term care centres throughout the city.

Lawson Ministries is committed to establishing a network of people who provide support and social inclusion to adults with developmental disabilities and their families.  This is accomplished through residential and day program services in supportive, caring environments that address individual needs.

Our programs include ‘STRIVE’, which focuses on skills training, recreation, volunteering and employment , annual summer camps, and ‘On My Way’, which teams program participants with local artists to help express personal achievements and goals.

“Over the years we have played a part in helping hundreds of individuals to live their lives more fully and independently,” said Deanna. “Some of the participants have been with our agency for over 30 years.”

Our caring staff work from several facilities, including a residential location at 1590 Main Street West, our Autism Centre at 533 Main Street and the Paparella Centre for Innovative Arts at 333 King Street East, which opened in 2018.

All our welcome to attend the open house on June 17th. Please RSVP by email to dallaswalzak@lawsonministries.org by June 10th, 2022.

To learn more please visit www.LawsonMinistries.org and visit us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To donate to The Salvation Army please visit SalvationArmy.ca or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY

By: Caroline Franks