Over the last years we have seen visitors from the Netherlands, Japan, Philadelphia, Portugal, Denmark, England, Scotland, the Maritimes of Canada and a wide variety of closer Provinces and States. What brings them? It is always Gentle Teaching and our work with folks who present challenges to Community Living. We are very proud of our success. The HOME Society supports the last individuals to leave the local institution before it closed. We also support a variety of others folks who gained notoriety for the many challenges they presented to previous agencies.

From the very early days we have adopted a philosophy of Gentle Teaching. There in lies the secret. While other agencies and professionals struggled to implement programs to change the individuals we now serve, we have learned to change us and accept the individuals as they are, by keeping them safe, and loved. Our goal is companionship. In a loving atmosphere people reconnect, and previous aggression fades.

Visitors who come expecting to see an army of behaviour specialists, won't find any. Those expecting to see fortress like homes, will find warm, well designed homes on rural and city properties. Those who come to find behavioral intervention programs will find, community gatherings, neighbours, families, pets and BBQ's.

We are very thankful to Dr. John McGee and his constant mentoring. He has given us the tools to make community living a reality for individuals who had previously spent 35 to 40 years of their lives in institutions. We also acknowledge the leadership and financial support of the Community Living BC. They had the vision and courage to close the institutions and to shift funds to Community Living for all.