Julie O'Reilly is the Community Awareness and Supports Coordinator for AiMHi, the Prince George Association for Community Living. Julie was born right here in Prince George and has lived here her whole life. She is married to Alan O’Reilly.
Julie joined AiMHi to allow her to reach out to children in her community and raise awareness about diversity and the acceptance of others. She supports the agency's approach of not focusing the message specifically on one culture, but rather promoting the concept of diversity as it relates to all people.
The Prince George Association for Community Living, a non-profit organization, was created by a group of concerned parents in 1957. The agency supports children who have special needs, adults who have developmental disabilities and their families. Through the provision of advocacy, services, supports and education, AiMHi fosters a community where people are celebrated for their gifts, abilities and contributions.
AiMHi supports over 700 people throughout the year through a wide range of services to infants, children, families, adults and senior citizens. These programs include: Skill Building Library; Kitchen Program; Work Options Program; Infant Development and Family Support Programs; and Community Living – Supported Living Homes.
The agency’s offices are located at 950 Kerry Street. Visit their website at www.aimhi.ca or call (250)564-6408 for more information.
One of AiMHi’s exciting partnerships this year is with the Canadian Red Cross. Together they are presenting the RespectED program “Beyond the Hurt,” which is designed for kids in grades 6 and up and addresses bullying and peer harassment—what it is, why it happens, and how to make it stop. The program aims to sensitize young people to the devastating impact of bullying and teaches them ways to react when bullying affects their world. The program is delivered in schools and community groups by adults and young people who have been trained, mentored and are supported by adult Prevention Educators.
Upcoming events include the 2008 Family Focus Conference on May 16 to May 18, 2008. This year’s theme is “Lean on Me – Bringing Families into Focus” and AiMHi is pleased to be co-hosting this event with the Family Focus Society. Visit their website at www.familyfocusconference.com to view workshop schedules, speakers’ bios and to register on line.
Also, to celebrate the partnership between AiMHi and Value Village, a Community Barbeque will be held May 26, 2008, 11:00 a.m. at the Value Village on Spruce Street.
