Mr and Mrs Claus with Jon and Fil

Franklin Centre Update

There has been a lot going on behind the scenes at the Franklin Centre in the last several months due to the closure of all regularly scheduled day programming as a result of COVID-19.

While there was some uncertainty about the future of the Franklin Centre in the early days, we worked hard to make sure it could reopen safely to continue to support the community.

Programming began in July for our community families and for our residential homes. Program offerings consisted of a blended program schedule with both indoor and outdoor activities. While programming was altered to meet the requirements by our Ministry and Public Health we were able to explore and engage with our community garden and enjoy crafts and music in the beautiful summer weather!

As fall approached the Franklin Centre was able to expand programming to include separate cohorts and spend a little more time indoors.  The schedule consisted of three programs in the morning, and three programs in the afternoon.  Given the groups were reduced, staff used a personcentered approach to the programmingProgram offerings included: Daily News & Book club, Drumming, Cooking, Bingo, Meditate & Stretch, Art Expression and our signature program Express Yourself.  A new program was introduced called ‘A Safe You is a Better You.’ This program offers participants information on healthy relationships, abuse awareness, sexual health and safety, as well as COVID-19 safety.

While the Region of Waterloo has moved into the Red Zone, the Franklin Centre has been able to deliver outstanding and engaging virtual programming to our participants.  We have a daily, LIVE morning talk show, cooking programs, craft and fitness programs!

The creativity behind the scenes has been nothing short of infectious!  Our in-house green screen allows us to be anywhere doing anything!  For example, during a recent episode Mr. and Mrs. Claus joined Fil and Jon from the North Pole for an interview, taking questions from participants watching from home!

Stay tuned for more programming and adventures from our Centre to your home!

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and wonderful New Year!

We will see your smiling faces soon!!

Merry Christmas!

photo of 3 staff in front of green screen with camera on tripod recording themstaff watching the live session on a laptop

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