This grant request was unusual for us as it is not directed towards an individual but towards another agency, ( https://www.oifn.ca ), who support people with developmental disabilities to direct their own lives, and live as valued community members and citizens. Something that we at Alice Saddy are happy to support.
The $500 grant is to facilitate a virtual gathering focusing on Conscious Listening and Speaking. It facilitates a way to listen with our entire being to what matters the most to the people we serve and our family members who live with a disability. The aim is to meaningfully come to know those we serve so that we can support them. It’s a two day course and offers participants an expanded imagination of what it takes to be truly present in a conversation and hold space. To explore new ways to approach conversations and practice what it takes to transform our relationships with others.
While this event is free of cost to participants, there are significant resources dedicated to running these events, including many hours of both paid and volunteer time, as well as other operational costs.