Celebrating 18 years of “dropping in”

Oct 22, 2014

Mike Procter, adult protective services worker at Northern Frontenac Community Services in Sharbot Lake, was all smiles following a celebration on October 15 marking the 18th year of the weekly Wednesday drop-in lunch, which has grown markedly over close to two decades.

In 1996, the Province of Ontario closed the Adult Rehabilitation Centre Industries (ARCs), which brought an end to one of the sheltered workshop adult day programs that ran in Mountain Grove and was geared to community members with developmental disabilities.

Mike Procter founded the weekly drop-ins as a response to the closures. He said, "When that happened there was not much for our clients to do in the community so I decided to start this weekly lunch as a way for people to get together, enjoy some food, socialize and get a chance to develop friendships.”

Procter got the necessary agencies together, acquired the initial letters of support and the necessary funding, and through a partnership with Northern Frontenac Community Services (NFCS), Community Living-North Frontenac and the Northern Connections Literacy Centre, the weekly lunches were initiated. The agencies each put in a bit of money to buy the first meal and on its first day in 1996, 13 people showed up. On October 15, 32 people attended and on average 25 people come every week to enjoy the lunches, which take place Wednesdays at St. Andrew's Anglican Church in Sharbot Lake from 10am until 2pm. The meetings include a hot, home-made healthy meal, juice, coffee, dessert - all for only $4. Procter usually cooks the meal but often volunteers also offer him a hand. “If for some reason I cannot be here the program stills runs by itself,” which Proctor said is a good thing. “I will not be here for ever so it is nice to know that the program will be able to continue.” When the event began, it attracted mostly clients from NFCS but Proctor said that that has changed. “Now about 25% of our guests are members of the community at large.” Proctor also stressed that the meetings are much more about socializing than just about having a meal. “People come early and some often stay all day. For many people it is the highlight of their week and when a regular visitor is missing, others notice immediately and will often check up on that person to make sure that he or she is okay.”

The $4 cost covers the expense of the food and renting the hall. For attendees without transportation guests will often carpool. Those wishing to attend the Wednesday drop in but who do not have transportation can contact Mike Procter at 613-279-3151. The monthly menus are posted on Facebook at What's Happening Central Frontenac.