VON Adult Day receives community support for Memories Baking Program
Different tastes and smells are often nostalgic, and usually conjure memories of happy times in a person’s life. Homemade brown bread; tea biscuits with jam and butter; the incredible aroma of chocolate chip cookies fresh from the oven—the list goes on. But what happens when those sweet treats you once enjoyed making for family and friends is no longer feasible or safe to do on your own?
The VON Adult Day Program in Middleton and Berwick is proud to offer a Memories Baking Program, giving clients a renewed sense of independence in the kitchen and an opportunity to enhance skills they once had. This program was made possible this year by generous donations from Artists with Artitude, the Kings Mutual Insurance Company, and support from Canadian Tire in Greenwood.
“We are incredibly thankful to the donors who made this program possible. The impact that it has on our clients is wonderful,” says Alice Morse, Coordinator of Fund Development.
“When we do intakes with new clients, they often tell us that they used to bake, but are no longer able to do so. This program has given our clients the freedom and pleasure to bake again, but in a safe environment,” says April Bailey, Adult Day Program Coordinator.
Using a Montessori approach, clients work together to make delicious treats to be used for snack time, dessert, and birthday celebrations.
“All clients play a role that is appropriate for their interests and capabilities,” Bailey says. “From reading the recipes aloud, to measuring and pouring ingredients, to mixing—there’s something for everyone to do.”
Clients are encouraged to bring in old family recipes to be shared and enjoyed with others. Since the program began in January, they have made bread, cupcakes, muffins, squares, and cookies.
“There is also an element of learning about new technologies,” Bailey adds. “For some of our clients, the idea of using an electric mixer or bread-maker is novel. Some clients are absolutely fascinated by it.”
Items purchased for the program include: deep freezers; stand and hand mixers; bread-makers; and all new baking utensils. Leftover funds will be used to replenish ingredients required for baking so clients will have plenty of material to continue to create those tasty treats.
