About Us
Our Mission
Participation Lodge supports the choices of individuals with complex needs to empower and enrich their lives.
Our Vision
Is to be a community leader fostering citizenship for people with complex needs.
Our History
In the 1970s, the Georgian Bay Lutheran Cluster and the Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy saw the need for increased accessible services for adults with developmental disabilities. Their commitment to this cause produced Participation Lodge Grey Bruce, a fully independent non-profit organization offering various levels of support across Grey and Bruce counties to individuals with complex needs.
Over the years Participation Lodge Grey Bruce (PLGB) has developed and maintained numerous community programs which help increase revenue, enhance visibility and relationships with the public, and provide important services to members of the community. Please see our highlights below:
In 1974
A joint committee made up of the Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy and the Georgian Bay Lutheran Cluster (LutheRanch) started working together, with the goal of developing facilities that would provide recreational opportunities for families with developmental and physical disabilities. The initial plan to create accessible camping facilities was accomplished, but the survey they conducted at the start of the project revealed a need that went well beyond vacation opportunities; attendant care, housing, recreation, therapy, and other services were urgently required in Grey Bruce. The committee’s scope expanded with this knowledge, and led to the creation of Participation Lodge on 25 acres donated by LutheRanch. The project began with a million-dollar grant from the Ministry of Culture and Recreation in 1981 that required matching dollars, so fundraising began in earnest. Participation Lodge opened its doors in 1982 as primarily a vacation/relief program which was very successful. In October of 1985, the Ministry of Community and Social Services recognized the need to provide operational support, and the funding they provided opened the doors to 12 permanent supported individuals and enabled the creation of a life skills day program.
In 1988
PLGB opened its first apartment program in Owen Sound at St. Francis Place, enabling 6 supported individuals to move into their own apartment with 24 attendant care as required. This program later expanded to 10 supported individuals. The same year The Ministry of Health - Housing provided funding for an expansion at the Holland Centre location and a new wing was built, large enough to house 12 supported individuals and provide two private respite rooms, which offer short-term accommodation to individuals with a disability.
The Lodge was later selected to provide a Grey Bruce program called ‘Attendant Care Outreach’, which enabled PLGB to provide attendant care to persons with disabilities in their own homes.
In 1994
A second apartment project was started in Hanover at St Matthew's Place, to provide 24 hour attendant care to 9 supported individuals. This program later increased to 10 apartments and supported individuals, and the main site in Holland Centre increased to 22 full time supported individuals and 2 respite rooms.
In 2002
The Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) program was started, providing training and group living supports to people living with brain injuries. The department started with 3 supported individuals and later increased to 6.
In 2015
A bathing program was started to serve 30 individuals in the community, as an extension of the Attendant Care Outreach program.
In 2017
Individualized supports program was initiated ‘Owen Sound Community Supports’ to serve 2 supported individuals in their own homes, and community. This program has now expanded to 3 supported individuals, with plans to increase our support capacity.
In 2017
Individualized supports program was initiated ‘Owen Sound Community Supports’ to serve 2 supported individuals in their own homes, and community. This program has now expanded to 3 supported individuals, with plans to increase our support capacity.
Over the years Participation Lodge Grey Bruce has developed and maintained numerous community programs which help increase revenue, enhance visibility and relationships with the public, and provide important services to members of the community. These include pool use and rental, a gym program, the Snoezelen Room, and a banquet hall with kitchen available for community use. We are excited to continue to expand our reach and capacity to provide support to our community, and look forward to being able to reopen our doors to the public this year as COVID-19 restrictions slowly wind down.
Our History
A joint committee of the Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy and the Georgian Bay Lutheran Cluster began work to develop recreational facilities for families with disabilities on a 300+ acre parcel of land known as LutheRanch. A survey revealed broader needs, leading to the creation of Participation Lodge on 25 acres donated by LutheRanch.
Laying the Foundation
Community Rallies Together
The project received a $1 million grant from the Ministry of Culture and Recreation, requiring matched funds, which sparked widespread fundraising efforts.
A New Home and Purpose
The Ministry of Community and Social Services provided operational funding, supporting 12 permanent residents and enabling a new life skills day program.
Advocating for Independence
Participation Lodge launched the Adult Protective Service (APS) program to support adults with developmental disabilities living independently or preparing for independent living. The program focuses on advocacy, life planning, and connecting individuals to essential community supports, empowering them to make informed decisions and live safely and confidently in their communities.
Growing Residential Supports
A second apartment program opened in Hanover, offering 24-hour care to 10 supported individuals. Holland Centre expanded to support 22 residents and 2 respite rooms.
New Pathways for Recovery
The Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) program began, offering group living and support services to 6 supported individuals with brain injuries.
Spaces That Inspire
PLGB renovated its gym and included a new yoga and dance studio, promoting movement and creativity. The Snoezelen Room was also renamed the Sensory Room to better reflect its calming, multisensory purpose.
Personalized Supports Take Root
Individualized supports program ‘‘Owen Sound Community Supports’’ was initiated to serve 2 supported individuals in their own homes, and community. This program has now expanded to 3 supported individuals, with plans to increase our support capacity.
Enhancing Dignity at Home
A bathing program was introduced to assist 30 community members, expanding the reach of the Attendant Care Outreach program.
Expanding Beyond the Lodge
PLGB opened its first apartment program in Owen Sound at St. Francis Place, supporting 6 individuals with 24-hour care, later expanding to 10. That same year, Ministry of Health – Housing funding supported a new 12-bed wing at Holland Centre with 2 respite rooms. PLGB also launched the Attendant Care Outreach program to provide in-home care across Grey Bruce.
Opening the Doors
Participation Lodge officially opened its doors as a vacation and relief program for individuals with developmental and physical disabilities.
1982
1985
1988
1994
2002
2015
2017
2024
2025
1974
1981
Community Rallies Together
The project received a $1 million grant from the Ministry of Culture and Recreation, requiring matched funds, which sparked widespread fundraising efforts.
A joint committee of the Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy and the Georgian Bay Lutheran Cluster began work to develop recreational facilities for families with disabilities on a 300+ acre parcel of land known as LutheRanch. A survey revealed broader needs, leading to the creation of Participation Lodge on 25 acres donated by LutheRanch.
Laying the Foundation
Laying the Foundation
A joint committee of the Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy and the Georgian Bay Lutheran Cluster began work to develop recreational facilities for families with disabilities on a 300+ acre parcel of land known as LutheRanch. A survey revealed broader needs, leading to the creation of Participation Lodge on 25 acres donated by LutheRanch.