Aiming high at Unitarian Universalist

Crescentwood

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 17/04/2024 (567 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The banner at the front of the building at 603 Wellington Crescent says “Love is the Spirit of this Church.”

If I read between the lines what it really says to me is ‘Welcome’.

My favourite definition of welcome is to let someone know you are happy to have them or that they are OK to be where they are. Crescentwood’s First Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg has made many people happy with its efforts to welcome the community into a space where all abilities are valued.

Those exemplary efforts have been recognized, as First Unitarian Universalist of Winnipeg is the only church in Canada to attain certification as an Accessibility and Inclusion Ministry (AIM), from EqUUal Access and the Unitarian Universalist Association. AIM “advances the work of anti-ableism, to create a spiritual community inclusive of people with disabilities and to promote social justice activities.”

Through inclusion, the church, a signatory to Winnipeg’s Indigenous Accord and acknowledger of Treaty One, “makes us a more vibrant community,” said Ann LeDuc, the church’s community outreach co-ordinator.

Outreach includes teaching greeters and volunteers about disabilities and using accessible print that also benefits the broader community such as using 12-point Arial font on the church’s website as well as for all programs, handouts and documents. That the church is a welcoming place on all levels is happening with the completion of an elevator that will run from the children’s area in the lower level to the minister’s office, pastoral care and administration on the top floor. With the elevator, the UU church no longer faces an employment barrier to candidates needing access.

The “A Team” as they have been affectionately dubbed, consists of many volunteers who work hard to address accessibility issues. The church now has large-print hymnals, a new sound system with personal hearing devices and inclusive washrooms. For Diane Pearce, a retired physiotherapist whose father was the first person to use the wheelchair ramp, she was inspired to initiate an elevator fund. This was supported by a Winnipeg Foundation grant to pave the parking lot to keep those using wheelchairs, walkers and scooters safe. This was followed, thanks to Winnipeg South Centre MP Ben Carr, with a grant from the Enabling Access Fund to complete the elevator installation.

If all that wasn’t welcoming enough, the A Team’s latest project, spearheaded by Sara Allen, a rehabilitation assistant by profession, is based on recommendations from the Alzheimer’s Society called Wayfinding. This involves posting easy-to-follow signs with both words and icons to help people move from one location to another independently.

The accessibility of the church, which is a Harvest depot and hosts a prostate cancer support group, has resulted in much interest from musical groups, weddings, funerals, private birthday parties and even baby shower rentals. From hosting Inquiring Minds public forums and as the site for documentary film premiers, everyone is truly welcome.

“I always felt we could do this,” said Pearce,” we were determined to be inclusive for everyone.” This sentiment is echoed by Allen who wants “everyone to live a full life. Everyone benefits within the church community and beyond.”

Passion for AIM for Paula Keirstead, UU board member and social justice advocate, comes from a career of working on behalf of those facing barriers to full participation in society.

“We welcome all to come to experience and enjoy our facility. And elevator,” she said.