In Thunder Bay, Ontario, there is a place where everyone is welcome — a place where people of any ability, age and stature can go to socialize and have a little fun. It’s a place where life-long friendships are formed, and for many, it’s a home away from home. Considering that was the goal right from the start, it’s also turning out to be a place of great success.

The Warehouse Project is an Ontario March of Dimes (OMOD) initiative that began in 2008 as a way to provide a social environment and recreational activities for people with disabilities.

“We had the idea that it would be good to do some laidback, social, interactive kinds of programs for people,” explains Regional Manager Ed Dovick. “And we had the space available, so we decided to do it.”

With funding from the Ministry of Community and Social Services, OMOD Thunder Bay was able to do some minor renovations to part of their existing building, turning it into The Warehouse — an area where people of any ability can come and take part in a variety of free programs hosted by community agencies.

“What we’ve done,” explains Ed, “is offered our space for use and we don’t charge for it. Organizations are more than welcome to come and use the space if they have a program idea.”

Currently, regular activities at The Warehouse include an arts class run by the Willow Springs Creative Centre and another run by developmental services agency Avenue 2, a weekly yoga class with the Canadian Mental Health Association, and a monthly drop-in session with the Learning Disability Association. The Warehouse is continuously expanding its programs, and a new gardening class is planned to start this summer.

The space also includes a pool table, an area for cards, and a large projection TV where a crowd can often be found watching movies and playing video games. The Warehouse frequently holds special events as well, like holiday dinners, barbeques and concerts.

“It’s always a very busy, diverse kind of group and we tend to see a real mix of individuals,” says Ed. “It’s youth, it’s seniors, and people with a full range of disabilities.”

Wesley Coates has Aspergers syndrome and is one of The Warehouse regulars. Along with participating in social activities, he’s also received job development training through OMOD and has recently started a job placement with their help. Wesley says that he’s met several friends through The Warehouse and enjoys the time he spends there.

“It’s pretty fun,” he explains. “It’s just something to do with my days, instead of sitting at home.”

One of the main goals of The Warehouse, says OMOD counsellor Susan Ward, is to provide people who are often isolated and who face social barriers a place where they always feel welcome and where they belong.

“Many of our clients refer to us as their family,” explains Susan. “There’s room for everybody — all walks of life and all types of talents and abilities.”

And that’s part of the beauty of The Warehouse — it’s uniting people in the community who come from a variety of different backgrounds. It’s allowing them to gather, connect and share with one another, and Susan says that it’s really turned out to be a very harmonious place for everyone.

“Friendships are formed and people no longer feel that they’re alone,” she explains. “And it’s a very gratifying situation for all of us.”