CONNECT Hamilton Reunion Welcomes Back People Once Supported and Their Families

Happy connections and inspiring stories were shared at a reunion barbecue at CONNECT Hamilton on Tuesday.

Approximately 35 people once supported by CONNECT and their family members joined staff and some of the people currently supported for the event on September 16.

Barbecue attendees lined up in the sunshine for hamburgers and hotdogs.

A few of the people CONNECT had supported took time at the barbecue to share their experience during and after CONNECT.

Peter moved out of CONNECT two years ago and has been in his own apartment downtown with some support from March of Dimes.

“It’s good to be back here at CONNECT,” said Peter. “They taught me so much about organization and bathing routines. I praise CONNECT every opportunity I get. The people working here are making a big difference in people’s lives. And now I’m doing great where I am currently living.”

Adam van Sickle, Service Access and Transitions Leader, said the intention of the reunion barbecue was, firstly, to invite those people who were once part of the CONNECT family to continue to be part of the CONNECT family.

“Secondly, it was for staff to reconnect with them to see how all our support paves the way for their continued life after CONNECT. It was truly heart warming to see them and their families, and catch up. We miss hearing from those people we supported and to hear how they are doing.”

Two representatives from Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) attended the barbecue; Rebecca Bond, Community Intervention Co-ordinator, and John Zsofcsin, Clinical Manager, both from the Acquired Brain Injury Program, Regional Rehabilitation Centre. HHS is a valued partner responsible for helping to bring CONNECT to Ontario.

Michael moved out in July and is currently living in his own apartment.

“CONNECT helped me a lot with building some social connections,” he said. “I have joined a club and am part of a choir, I am studying library tech at Mohawk. Things have been really good.”

Michael says he’s fortunate to have had the opportunity to live at CONNECT and set out on a positive path forward.

Michael, who was supported by CONNECT, says he is thriving since moving into his own apartment in July.

Tracy lived at CONNECT for almost two years after her stroke.

“It was COVID during my time at CONNECT and the people living and working here were pretty incredible. We were a family and supported each other a lot.”

She said she had to overcome a lot of fear when it was time to move out of CONNECT, but is thriving living downtown in her own apartment.

After his stroke in 2021, Keith spent a few months at Hamilton General and then a few weeks at St. Peters. He moved to CONNECT in 2022.

“CONNECT was all about good routines, independence, preparing our own meals and doing our own laundry,” said Keith. “There was no laying in bed past 10am like in the hospital.

“I haven’t been here for three years and being back here, people recognize me, remember me and are greeting me. These are people who really care. I wish there were more CONNECTs in the province and I hope the hospitals are using CONNECT to its full potential.”

Keith’s wife, Mary Ann, said she visited Keith every day when he lived at CONNECT, until she realized he was in good hands.

“Once I saw how the team was supporting him, I would come here every other day,” she said. “It’s good to be back here for this visit. We have lots of memories here.”

Adam was manning the grill for the reunion barbecue. He probably still smells like smoke and hamburgers.