Art Sweet Art – Making A Home for Cameron and His Creativity

 

If you ask Geoff Gratton and Josh Van Erp, it was Cameron who picked them to be his family even before they realized what was unfolding directly in front of them. As Community Support Workers, both were providing around-the-clock support to 26-year-old Cameron, who was living independently. 

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It didn’t take long for the couple to realize their dream of having their own family included Cameron. They approached CLA management to discuss their desire to open their home to Cameron, through LifeShare.

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CLA supported their commitment to being a family and the benefit of their professional skill set in supporting Cameron in living his best life. Cameron also gave them the go-ahead in the decision-making process.

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 “His actions showed he wanted to be with us, it is so much more than words,” says Josh. His vocalizations are akin to singing and they describe it as if Cameron is ‘working his vocal cords.’ 

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After discussions with Cameron’s biological family and trial-run sleep overs, it was decided, collectively, that they would live together.  Geoff says Cameron’s biological father was very moved with the commitment he and Josh were wanting to make with Cameron. In fact, he has sent Father’s Day cards to Geoff and Josh, an action that has deeply moved them.

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“We had a couple of sleepovers at our place and then, like a typical move you or I would have, we packed up,” says Geoff. “He knew what was happening, Cameron made us unpack everything right away at our house, set up his stuffies (plush toys) and took over the spare room.” 

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The move proved to be a catalyst to creativity for Cameron.

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“Being with us meant it gave Cameron an opportunity to relax because he knew someone was always there and that he was safe and loved,” says Geoff. “It also meant he could express his talents.”

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Cameron’s art, which features bold colours and powerful images, are hung on the walls throughout their home. 

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“Cameron was creating art before his move (with us), now it is all day, every day,” says Geoff. The bold lines and bright colours capture images that people enjoy interpreting. 

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Today, four years after getting involved with LifeShare, their relationship with CLA remains strong thanks to monthly meetings and access to resources. Geoff continues to work for CLA while Josh is a stay-at-home support to Cameron.

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For Cameron, LifeShare has meant a bonus instant family with roadtrips to southern Ontario to visit his new extended family. He also retains a connection with his own biological family. 

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Geoff and Josh have never viewed LifeShare as a job.

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 “We had a desire to support someone who needs a little extra help to give him the life he deserved,” says Josh. 

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“We were inviting him into our home like a brother or a son, it is no different,” says Geoff. 

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For anyone thinking about LifeShare, both men are quick to say that people don’t need to feel overwhelmed about having to be able to ‘know’ what to do. In fact, they recommend that, if someone is considering LifeShare and don’t have any background in the developmental services sector, to ease into it. 

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“You don’t have to have the experience but you may want to try respite or volunteering,” says Geoff. Josh adds that providing support also comes with trial and error. 

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“Their needs are the most important thing you’ll need to be focusing on,” says Josh. “And building trust.”  And it is important to keep in mind that traditional examples aren’t always applicable when supporting someone with a developmental disability.

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“For example, Cameron’s way of showing trust is by him handing you your coat to let you know they want to go with you,” he says. 

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And, eventually, that journey leads them back home.