Empowering Growth, Wellness, and Community Through Innovation
Learn About Our Centre
Welcome to Progressive Life Centre! We are dedicated to empowering growth, wellness, and community through innovative support for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities.
Explore our programs, services, and community initiatives designed to promote well-being across multiple dimensions.
We provide a wide range of programs and services tailored to meet the unique needs of autistic individuals. From organized sports and fitness coaching to social clubs and employment training, we are here to support you.
Holistic Programs
What We Offer
At the Progressive Life Centre, our Holistic Programs are designed to enhance the overall well-being of individuals by addressing all eight dimensions of health and wellness: physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, occupational, environmental, and financial.
Our diverse range of programs and services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each participant, fostering personal growth and promoting a balanced, healthy lifestyle. Whether through therapeutic interventions, educational workshops, recreational activities, or community engagement, our goal is to support individuals to achieve their desired potential and lead meaningful and rewarding lives!
Program
Overview
Physical
At Progressive Life Centre, we promote physical wellness through organized sports, fitness coaching, and access to our gym. We encourage active lifestyles to improve overall health and well-being.
Emotional
We provide a supportive environment where individuals can explore their emotions, develop coping strategies, and build resilience. Our 1:1 ABA sessions, many of our group programs and our Snoezelen room are designed to enhance emotional well-being.
Intellectual
Our Living Well program stimulates intellectual growth through skill-building activities, opportunities to learn and practice functional academic skills and continuous learning opportunities. We support the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills in several of our group programs.
Social
We foster social connections by offering social clubs and events and help build social skills through our PEERS for young adults group. We create a welcoming space for individuals to build meaningful friendships and romantic relationships.
Spiritual
We respect and support individual spiritual journeys by providing opportunities for reflection, meditation, and mindfulness practices during our Living Well program. Additionally, we assist individuals in identifying and aligning with their core values, fostering a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment. Our holistic approach includes nurturing the spirit alongside the mind and body.
Environmental
Our centre emphasizes the importance of a healthy environment by promoting sustainable practices and creating a safe, clean, and accessible space. We educate individuals on the impact of their surroundings on their well-being.
Occupational
Our Ready to Work program helps people develop the skills needed to find, get, and keep a job. We offer on-site job coaching and support, and we develop partnerships with community businesses to provide employment opportunities for our members. Additionally, we provide paid employment opportunities and training through the PLC Cleaning Crew, ensuring our participants gain valuable work experience and job readiness.
Financial
Our Living Well program and many of our group programs include support with budgeting to help individuals manage their finances effectively. Through our Personal Assistant program, we provide support for financial management. We also create and provide employment opportunities to help participants achieve greater financial stability.
What Sets Us Apart
Defining Our Values
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Mission
Empowering growth, wellness, and community through innovation.
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Vision
To be a leading centre of excellence in Durham Region, fostering an inclusive community where individuals with autism can achieve their desired potential and optimal quality of life.
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Philosophy
Our approach is grounded in the belief that every individual deserves respect, dignity, and inclusive support. We provide innovative programs and services that cover all aspects of wellness and work in partnership with families and the community to ensure overall well-being.
Discover Our Unique Facility
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Programs and Services
Autism Fitness Coaching: Tailored fitness programs designed by a certified Autism Fitness Trainer to meet the unique needs of individuals with autism, promoting physical health and well-being.
Multi-Sport Club (Adults): Offers adults the chance to participate in various sports, encouraging physical activity and social interaction.
Multi-Sport Club (Teens): Provides teenagers with opportunities to engage in multiple sports, fostering teamwork and fitness in a fun environment.
Group Fitness Program (Adults): Structured fitness sessions for adults, focusing on overall health, strength, and community building.
Group Fitness Program (Teens): Fitness classes designed for teenagers, promoting physical health, self-esteem, and social connections.
Personal Training (all ages): One-on-one fitness training tailored to individual needs and goals, suitable for all ages.
Dance Classes: Fun and energetic dance sessions that improve coordination, fitness, and creativity.
Cooking Club: Interactive cooking sessions where participants learn to prepare healthy meals while developing culinary skills.
Meal Prep Sundays: Weekly sessions focused on preparing balanced meals for the week, promoting healthy eating habits.
Dental Confidence Program: Supports participants in becoming comfortable with dental procedures through a simulated dental office and trauma-informed approach.
Living Well Program: A full-day or half-day program that participants can attend on a full-time or part-time basis, focusing on improving various aspects of well-being, including physical, emotional, and social health.
Ready to Work Program: A half-day program preparing individuals for employment by developing essential job skills and providing job search support.
Essential Skills Program: A 1:1 individualised program using evidence-based strategies to teach skills and reduce behaviour that may interfere with participation in social, community and vocational activities. Participants learn the skills needed to join the Living Well and Ready to Work Programs.
Job Coaching: Personalized support to help individuals find and maintain employment, tailored to their abilities and goals.
Brain Hacks: Teaches strategies for improving executive functioning skills such as planning, organization, and time management.
ACTion Seekers: ACTion Seekers is a transformative program for adults based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). We empower adults to embrace personal growth and achieve their goals by accepting negative thoughts and emotions without judgement and taking actions aligned with their values to foster meaningful change.
Job Tips: A group program that provides essential tips and training for job searching, applications, interviews, and workplace success.
PEERS for Young Adults: An evidence-based group social skills program for young adults, focusing on making and keeping friends, dating, and handling conflict.
Social Club (Adults): Social gatherings and activities for adults, promoting community and friendship in a fun, relaxed setting.
Social Club (Teens): Offers teens opportunities to socialize, make friends, and participate in enjoyable activities.
Weekend Respite: Provides caregivers with a break while participants enjoy structured, supportive activities during weekends.
Personal Assistant Program: For those that may need occasional assistance. Our Personal Assistants can support you on an as-needed basis, either in-person or virtually.