More than two millennia ago, Aristotle wrote that humans are social animals.

On Thursday, that sentiment will serve as the focus of a new evening service for adults with developmental disabilities.

Go West Recreation Club is based at the same Meaford Avenue location used by West Coast Human Services during the day. The clients for both services are people with a range of developmental disabilities, from autism to Down syndrome.

During the day, clients are assigned by The provincial agency wonB次元官网网址檛 supply clients for the evening program, though funding might be available based on individual assessments.

Jodie Comerford and Keira Angus are the two young women behind the idea for Go West Recreation Club. ComerfordB次元官网网址檚 father runs West Coast Human Services, where both women currently work.

B次元官网网址淪ome of our clients IB次元官网网址檝e known for 20 years,B次元官网网址� said Comerford, just 20 years old herself but already an experienced supervisor and manager who has grown up working with people who have developmental disabilities.

The idea for an evening social came from meetings with people involved with caring for adults with developmental disability. The goal is to provide an experience, rather than just a break for the clientB次元官网网址檚 primary caregivers.

B次元官网网址淲e really want to focus on (enhancing) the quality of life of clients rather than the respite side of things,B次元官网网址� Comerford said.

Though they can hold the nights with as few as two clients, the ideal, at least to start, is six.

B次元官网网址淲e really want to normalize it,B次元官网网址� said Comerford, whoB次元官网网址檚 studying biology and psychology at the University of Victoria. B次元官网网址淭here are clubs for people without developmental disabilities -- we just want (Go West Recreational Club) to be a fun night.B次元官网网址�

A price of $60 for three hours is reasonable, Comerford said, based on existing models of care.

The first night was held on July 5. A Hawaiian theme featured a Polynesian barbecue and the requisite shirts, as well as activities traditionally done at the beach.

On Thursday, theyB次元官网网址檙e planning a carnival theme with related activities and food.

B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e going to see what kind of client we get and it will be based around their needs, for sure,B次元官网网址� said the 24-year-old Angus, whoB次元官网网址檚 working on a degree in elementary education at UVic.

And while both women have experience dealing with people who demonstrate challenging behaviour, they say the evening program isnB次元官网网址檛 suited for people who act aggressively. ItB次元官网网址檚 meant to be a social evening designed so clients can interact with each other and staff in a friendly way.

B次元官网网址淭he most important thing is we donB次元官网网址檛 want to harm the fun for others,B次元官网网址� Angus said.

For more information on the West Coast Recreation Club, call 250-474-2238.

editor@goldstreamgazette.com