August 7th, 2015
CLBC service provider, Hovanes Community Services, and the individuals they support, have proven that they are ‘upcycling’ masters.
Not only do they turn unwanted furniture into something that is treasured and loved at a storefront called the Painted Chair, they have now turned an unused space into a place where individuals come together to learn, laugh and share their interests.
“We had an exercise room with a few pieces of donated equipment, but it was a huge waste of space’, said Executive Director Tara Hovanes. “Most of our staff and participants walk and ride bikes on a regular basis and attend the local gym; the exercise room was unused. So, we decided to turn it into a space that people would enjoy using.”
The space is used for many things; such as teaching individual’s basic kitchen skills to full meal preparation. “Our baking program is very popular, its always full,” said Tara. “We have had bake sales that are open to the public at the Painted Chair and everyone’s very generous donations have helped cover most of the costs of the baking program.”
Another popular component to the room is the media space where computers are set up for individuals to do what most people like doing; playing and learning on the computer. “Right now people love the media space,” said Tara. “Many of our folks enjoy updating our Facebook page, adding videos and pictures and love using the computers to create promotional material for the Painted Chair.”
Tara and her husband Ron run Hovanes Community Services Ltd. They receive funds through Community Living BC to provide positive, strong, accountable support and services to adults with developmental disabilities. They also run the Painted Chair where individuals learn transferable job skills by turning unwanted donated furniture into pieces of art. Individuals sell the furniture to the public and keep the money they make.
Learn more about The Painted Chair and see pictures on their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/thepaintedchairBC
