New Leaf Link fills a generations-old gap

Mar 11, 2010

Julie and Joel Hunt and his artwork he calls “The Present”

Well into its third season of offering programming to adults in South Frontenac with developmental disabilities, the New Leaf Link or (NeLL) is right on track with its mandate of “supporting the continuing education and meaningful occupation of youth and adults with developmental disabilities such as autism spectrum conditions, Down syndrome, intellectual disabilities, acquired brain injuries and other neurological disabilities.”

The non-profit, charitable organization was begun through the efforts of Dr. Karin Steiner and Howard Smith of Verona, who as the parents of Nicholas, their 23-year-old autistic son, are well aware of the gap in community services available to adults in South Frontenac after they graduate from local school-to-community programs.

According to Steiner, NeLL’s executive director, “Our main focus is on delivering programming to our sons and daughters who would otherwise sit at home with nothing to do and nowhere to go.”

Thanks to generous donations, especially from the Oddfellows and Rebekkahs of Harrowsmith, NeLL is now in its third season of offering regular programming two days a week to participating adults in South Frontenac and the surrounding area. All this has been accomplished so far without any government grants. NeLL currently offers seasonal Equestrian, Art Education and Food for all Seasons programs, the latter two of which are currently running in Sydenham at St. Paul’s Anglican church. The Food program enables participants to develop an awareness of the links between nutrition, exercise and health and to learn a variety of skills aimed at increasing their employability and independence. The art program connects participants with local artist/mentors from the community and participants work in ceramics, abstract art, printmaking and computing, developing their artistic expression and employable skills, and are given the opportunity to develop their work into saleable products.

Steiner is quick to point out that all of the NeLL programs offered can accommodate adults who function at various levels.

Currently four adults are enrolled in NeLL, which at this time has a capacity for 10 adults.

Joel Hunt of Sydenham has been participating in the program since its inception. His mother Julie Hunt said, “Prior to joining NeLL we looked into some programs in Kingston but going into the city can be quite stressful. I strongly believe that these rural adults have a right to stay in their own community and be productive here, where they are comfortable, safe and where they are known.”

Joel, who is 22 years old and who has an acquired brain injury, graduated from the school-to-community program at Sydenham High School in 2008. He participated in NeLL's Equestrian and Arts Education program where he was able to care for and ride horses for the first time in his life. Julie explained that for Joel, “It was the first time that he was given the opportunity to take care of something rather than being taken care of himself.”

Joel showed me the art work he has created in the current NeLL arts program, work that is impressive and of which he feels proud.

Both Joel and his mom are thrilled with the program. Julie Hunt explained, “With the New Leak Link program Joel is one of the lucky ones; his life is full and he really looks forward to it. Joel is a very social person and the program has allowed him to develop relationships with friends and others outside of our home, and has ensured a bright future for him in the community.”

Steiner is hoping to further expand and develop the NeLL program this year.

“Our goal this year is to raise additional funds so that we can offer a third day per week of programming for an Entrepreneurial Arts Program that will begin in September this year.” she said.

For years, in South Frontenac and other communities, after completing high school, adults with disabilities and their families have been left to cope on their own.

New Leaf Link is aiming to make those days something of the past in South Frontenac. In Steiner’s words, “Our world view is that everyone has abilities; everyone has something to learn and everyone has something to give back.”

For more information about the New Leaf Link program or to make a tax-deductible donation contact Dr. Karin Steiner at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 613-374-3451.