NeLL Spring Open House and Anniversary Concert

Jordan Webster, with files from Jeff Green | Apr 17, 2024

In the heart of South Frontenac Township lies a beacon of hope and inclusion: New Leaf Link, which uses the Harrowsmith Free Methodist Church as its home base.

This rural non-profit organisation that runs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays has been making a difference in the lives of adults with developmental and physical disabilities since it began operations in the community, in 2009.

NeLL champions the abilities and interests of its participants and their families, people like 26-year-old Lauren Lalonde and her family.

Lauren’s mother, Pat Lalonde, says Lauren has found many benefits from these programs.

“All the participants in New Leaf Link are very different, right? So, something that one of them would like, another wouldn’t. New Leaf Link, they do a good job dealing with such a diverse clientele”

Offering an array of educational programs ranging from arts and healthy living to community outings, a summer camp, various sports activities and guest speakers, NeLL’s commitment to inclusion and education is reflected in every facet of their activities.

The NeLL Spring Open House and Concert took place on Saturday (April 13) offering a meet and greet, which followed by a concert by the 11 participants and instructors, who created and performed 9 original songs. It was capped off with a free lunch.

The concert showcased not only New Leaf Link participants, but the collaborative relationship that has developed over the years between the musicians who work with them periodically throughout the year.

NeLL program director Chris Boal is also a music instructor, and he led the first few songs with the NeLL choir, before each of the other three instructors (Tim Sheffield, Margaret Moncrieff, and Gary Rasberry) talked briefly about what they bring to the NeLL community, but also about what working with the NeLL community brings to them. Performances include the first ever NeLL song, led by Gary Rasberry, the camp song that was created when NeLL’s first annual summer camp took place last year, and many others old and new.

Before the concert, which was held in part of the gym at the church, the other part of the gym was set up in stations, presided over by other instructors, who talked and demonstrated the range of subjects covered each week.

New Leaf Link is working hard to find ways to create a fun and engaging atmosphere for its community, and encourages any families that are interested in learning more about their programs to reach out, as they aim to increase their support to the community.

They also need and welcome any volunteers that are interested. Both staff and participants families noted that there are not enough programs for disabled adults, and the programs that do exist are severely underfunded, and just too expensive for most families. New Leaf Link’s program costs only $45 dollars a day, compared to other similar programs which can range up to $150 a day.

As they continue to expand their reach and impact, New Leaf Link provides a shining example of how community support and inclusivity can transform lives.