About Harmony
History
In 1972, seeing that the five young ladies she cared for had no opportunities for social and recreational activities, Peggy Renaud-Adams founded a "Friendship Club." With the help local business, she arranged for them to bowl weekly. From here the 'club' began to grow, weekly adding individuals and activities. Early evening and weekend activities included: bingos, card games, dances, crafts, sewing and even cooking classes.
By the time the group was incorporated in 1981 as "Harmony In Action" more than 100 individuals were benefitting from its programs. In fact at the first dance after incorporation, over 300 attended.
With more and more individuals participating Peggy Renaud-Adams launched a highly successful, capital campaign. With the help of the Couse estate, Harmony was able to purchase the former Gilmore School building and begin a full-time day program including skill enhancement activities.
To reduce operating costs and provide additional program space, Harmony liquidated the Gilmore property and relocated to the Herb Gray Centre for Non-Profit Excellence in December of 2000. In July 2006 Harmony moved into the Novelletto Rosati Complex in Mic Mac Park.
Under the leadership of Elizabeth Esposito MSW, Executive Director, in 2010, Harmony In Action purchased their own building at 3335 Woodward Blvd.(St. Christopher's Church). After extensive renovations, the Grand Opening was held on June 5, 2011 and on June 6, 2011 all programs were re-located. New equipment and programs were added such as: wheel chair accessible Gym, Smart Board Room and Snoezelen Room. The Music Therapy Room was dedicated in honor of Jenny Higgins a long-time participant at Harmony In Action. The large gymnasium was dedicated in honor of Edward and Vicky Azar for their contribution to helping Harmony reach their goals.
Harmony also initiated the first ever Scouts Canada Group for adults with disabilities in 2011. This group is successfully running out of the Woodward location.
Harmony serves approximately 65 individuals in its Day Program and hundreds more through its weekly Darts Program and monthly Dinners & Dances.
Harmony maintains social inclusion and community involvement as a priority. Equality and Opportunity offers an improved "quality of life".