Fundraiser focuses on the art of investing in human beings

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This article was published 28/10/2023 (754 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

In the 1980s and ‘90s, Ron and Jean Nobess challenged the Manitoba government over rights violations of their son, Derek, who was living with a disability. The prolonged challenge ultimately resulted in the creation of the Vulnerable Persons Act in Manitoba, designed to protect the rights and freedoms of all Manitobans living with intellectual disabilities.

Determined to give their son a better life, the Nobess family — together with another family whose son was in similar circumstances — arranged for both men to be supported by Arcane Horizon Inc., a not-for-profit organization they helped found with the assistance of Family Services, Association for Community Living and Prairie Places Inc.

Since its inception, more than 60 families have joined the Arcane Horizon Community. Founded in 1995, Arcane Horizon has more than 200 staff and 15 homes serving 68 people and runs various programs for Manitobans living with intellectual disabilities, including supports for independent living.

The majority of funding for the agency comes from the provincial government and covers the basics. Applying for grants and doing active fundraising to maximize impact is a necessity. This year, the agency is trying something new in the hopes of attracting a wider range of support.

The Arcane Horizon Community, partnering with the Lennard Taylor Design Studio, will present their inaugural Art Gala fundraiser on Nov. 18 on the 5th floor at 290 McDermot Avenue. The evening will feature art by nine local established artists, alongside the work of six Arcane artists who are part of the Artbeat Artist Group, music by the Luminous String Quartet and hors d’oeuvres by Master Chef Canada All-Star Jeremy Senaris. Tickets are $65 and doors open at 6 p.m. All of the canvas and sculpture art, in a variety of styles, will be up for auction.

Linsay Skipp, one of most enthusiastic of the Arcane Horizon artists taking classes with ArtBeat at Graffiti Gallery, is eager to be part of the fundraising event and to have her artwork featured.

“I like the painting, I love it,” said Skipp, an emerging artist who recently celebrated her 44th birthday.

She’s excited about the artform that has given her a creative outlet.

“I did a painting and painted the canvas black. Then I splattered neon paint in different colours. I like any colour, all colours,” she said, adding that painting is going to be an important part of her long-range plans.

Skipp said she appreciates the staff at Arcane Horizon, who provide a variety of supports that facilitate her ability to do more, in supported independent living.

“If I have to shop, they take me shopping. If I have to go to appointments, they take me to my appointments,” she said, adding that she’s lived in her own apartment for the last seven years.

“I can cook. Sometimes they help me with that. I like it. I have independence. Different people coming every day — I’m actually with one of my support workers now. I have a sister also in the agency. She’s in a 24-hour care house.”

Skipp is busy preparing herself and her work for the fundraiser and is thankful to be involved in such an important cause.

“I’m excited. My mom will be there, my dad will, maybe my sister,” she said.

Chris Bauer has been with Arcane Horizon Community for 14 of its 28 years, beginning as a front-line worker and working his way to executive director.

“The Winnipeg art community has been very supportive,” said Bauer. “People who are vulnerable have skills and this event speaks to inclusion.

“Our goal is to provide living supports that focus on quality of life, respect and dignity for adults with intellectual disabilities, so they can be actively included, accepted by society at large and valued for their ability to contribute.”

People with intellectual disabilities are human beings capable of contribution and there is value in investing in them, rather than looking at it as charity to help the less fortunate, he said.

“We’ve moved away from the more institutional philosophy (but) I think we still have a ways to go,” he said, pointing to the importance of properly paying staff to prevent the revolving-door turnover of workers fed up with low wages.

“Staff need a livable wage so they stay longer and support more positive outcomes… That stability for the vulnerable people, that will help us create more success long-term.”

Bauer said the ultimate goal is to see clients become self-governing and self-reliant.

There’s great reward in being part of an agency that’s making a positive difference for people, he said.

“At the end of the day, it’s a job in which you are helping people lead their best lives,” he said. “I find a lot of satisfaction in that: working with people that don’t necessarily have the same opportunities. They’re competent and worthy of inclusion. That shouldn’t even be a question in our society.”

Arcane Horizon is always looking for more volunteer and paid work opportunities with local businesses for the people they support in the community who take pride in helping and having a purpose.

To learn more about the organization and the upcoming art gala fundraiser, visit: http://wfp.to/6sw fpcity@freepress.mb.ca