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STATEMENT OF VALUES

WE BELIEVE a person who has a physical disability has the right to live in a home in the community of their choice, in the least restrictive enviroment possible.

WE BELIEVE each individual's personal indepedence and physical, mental, social and spiritual health will be maximized when they assume responsibility for their well being, recognizing that functional independence may be influenced by the degree of disability.

WE BELIEVE holistic muli-level care and support services encourages participation by each person and enhances independence and well being.

WE BELIEVE all people should have access to community opportunities and experiences and to people of personal choice. To that end, we provide leadership to ensure needed community resources are provided for the physically disabled through partnerships and/or program development and encourage each person's involvement in an informal support network which may include family members, friends and other members of the community.

WE BELIEVE we have a responsibility to provide appropriate financial and human resources to meet the needs of the individuals who utilize our services.

WE BELIEVE in the development and operation of cost effective residential services that recognize the unique dignity and worth of each individual, support and encourage each person to participate in decisions that affect them and support each individual's sense of self worth, self respect and self determination.

WHAT IS NIGEL?

In 1975, special housing in the form of intermediate care residences for disabled adults did not exist. In response to this void, a housing committee for the disabled was formed. Three of it's members founded the Vancouver Island Housing Association for the Physically Disabled (NIGEL). NIGEL's mission is to establish and maintain cost-effective, accessible homes that enhance independent living, and provide a caring enviroment for adults aged 18 to 55 whose primary disabilities are physical.

NIGEL's first project was Nigel House, a boarding home for disabled adults. Through the dedication of the community and volunteers, including Marie Craddock, Andrew Hazeland, Gladys and Over Summers, Nigel House officially opened on December 11, 1977.

In 1981, NIGEL applied to the Ministries of Housing and Health to develop a group home with support care. Sutton House opened in December 1982. Then in May of 1985, NIGEL developed a second group home for younger disabled adults. Hazeland House residents proved to be good neighbors and were ultimately accepted into the community.

Sutton House

Sutton House

NIGEL continues to enhance the lives of it's residents by providing a wide variety of health and therapy services to enrich their lives. Along with music, art and computer therapy, they also provide spiritual care and personal image consultants and shoppers.

NIGEL founders laid the philosophical groundwork for a sound organization responsive to the changing needs of the residents and the community. They exemplified respect for people with disabilities and had the imagination and will to carry through with their commitment to them.

Today, NIGEL is a strong and healthy organization attracting volunteers to the Board who are ready to devote time, energy and their special skills. As an organization, it is able to attain and retain staff deeply devoted and committed to the well being and best interests of it's residents.

 

OUR SERVICES

Music Therapy

Music therapy is the use of music by a trained professional to achieve therapeutic goals. Goal areas may include, but are not limited to, motor skills, social/interpersonal development, cognitive development, self-awareness, and spiritual enhancement. Throughout the week, our residents can choose to enjoy interactive musical activities sessions, songs and guitar playing.

Residents taking part in music therapy

Art Therapy

Art therapy is a form of expressive therapy using materials such as paint, chalk and clay. It is based on the belief that the creative process involved in making art is - on a basic level - healing and life-enhancing. Art therapy helps increase insight and judgement, cope better with stress, work through traumatic experiences, increase cognitive abilities, improve relationships, and brings pleasure through the creative experience. This focused effort is valued by our residents and much of the artwork is displayed throughout the houses.

Computer Therapy

Many residents with limited mobility have a wider access to the world through the computer. Residents have the opportunity to learn skills and gain confidence as they explore computers.

A resident uses a computer

Spiritual Care

Residents have support to attend the church of their choice and to take part in group or individual activities.

Personal Image Consultant

The personal image consultant empowers residents to discover and achieve a look that brings them joy, personal satisfaction, and esteem. The consultant assists them with their personal appearance due to limited physical abilities.

Personal Shopper

Many residents do not have family to assist them with the selection and purchase of desired items. Having someone help them research items and then accompany and assist with shopping provides residents with personal choice and autonomy in their shopping needs.

Copyright 2008 Nigel
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OUR MISSION

To establish and maintain cost-effective, accessible homes that provide a caring environment for adults aged 19 to 55 whose primary disabilities are physical.

CAREERS