Hope Farm stretches across 40 hectors of field and bush on the western outskirts of Mindemoya a small community in the heart of Manitoulin Island. On this small farm we have Hope Farm Residence and our Life Skills facility.
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From its inception in 1980 the Manitoulin District Association for the Mentally Retarded has developed into a multi-facet operation. The agency had its beginnings in the 1950's when parents refused to put their developmentally handicapped children into institutions. These parents with the help of concerned citizens started an agency, which would expand and have a tremendous impact on Manitoulin Island.

In 1991 we changed our name to Manitoulin District Association for Community Living, which better reflects what this agencies goal and mission statement. With a new name we needed a new logo so we ran a logo contest. The winning logo is an open doorway in the world through which two people are emerging being supported by a walkway entitled MDACL. In the background there is a large black area representing the prejudice and barriers our folks are leaving behind with the support of our agency.

Hope Farm Residence was built in 1904 and a portion of it was utilized as the Island's first hospital. It was then occupied by two families until 1980 when the Association purchased the farm property and turned this impressive old farmhouse into a group home for eight developmentally handicapped individuals.
The level of care is unconditional, in terms of race, religion or personality. The overall policy of the home attempts to meet their objectives through an atmosphere that generates and maintains friendship, interdependence, mutual support, respect and understanding.
Field House

 

The individuals living in this home have aged and their physical and medical needs can no longer be met in this environment. It is imperative that we create a safe suitable home now and the Board of Directors is in the process of planning and fundraising to construct the home shown on this site's vision.

What began as an entirely volunteer organization has evolved gradually through the years to an Association offering a number of services provided by professional staff. Volunteers still play a central role in the Association by being members of the Board of Directors, committee members, and fundraisers and as friends and advocate.

The Manitoulin District Association for Community Living continues to work to ensure that all individuals who are developmentally handicapped can live and work in their communities under conditions, which encourage their personal growth and allow them to be valued, respected and contributing members of their community.
Rene's Place

MDACL is incorporated as a non-profit organization and is funded by the Ministry of Community and Social Services as well we gratefully accept donations from private and corporate individuals.

The primary focus of our agency is to assist adults who are developmentally handicapped to develop appropriate work skills and to develop a loving and caring appreciation of all life.
Maple Ridge a summer recreation vacation facility is situated at the northern back boundary and borders on our bush lot.

Maple Ridge is a ten-acre recreational facility adjacent to Hope Farm and is operated by the Board of Director's. It is designed to provide an environment where handicapped people can enjoy a variety of vacation experiences. Maple Ridge has an ideal location as it has easy access to the numerous amenities of the Island. The lodge itself is complete with accessible toilet facilities, kitchen and recreation space. The adventure area consists of a number of sub areas all accessible by wheel chair.

The emphasis on the natural component of the program is intended to provide new experiences for those who may have been confined to urban centers, institutions of nursing home, which are unable to provide such an environment.

Maple Ridge attempts to provide an opportunity for the vacationer to fully extend his/her desire to explore, experience and challenge the environment with the limitations of personal safety. Maple Ridge does not receive operating funds from the Ministry. Maple Ridge is a dream come true; thanks to the generosity of the Lion's Clubs on Manitoulin and the hard work of the Board of Directors of the Association.