by Emily Dawson

When Gregory Clark was discharged from Providence, he felt a bit discouraged. “Although I was physically stronger after my rehab, and I could do more than I thought I’d be able to, I wasn’t working and I was worried I’d be bored at home. I knew that could set back all the progress I’d made,” says Gregory.

Gregory was both an inpatient and an outpatient at Providence. As a recent amputee, he had to learn to stand, balance, walk and manage a prosthetic leg. The challenge was daunting, but Gregory was dedicated to the rehab. He took his own advice, saying he “set realistic goals and didn’t expect to run and jump right away. I had to give it time to see progress, and I had to follow everything my therapists told me.” There was no ‘easy way’ for Gregory – it was sheer hard work and will. “I came to Providence in a wheelchair and I left with a walker,” he proudly tells us.

When he left Providence, he needed a source of social and physical stimulation. One of Providence’s Therapeutic Recreationists, Tracy Martin, told Gregory about the new Rehab to Community Program through the Providence and Variety Village partnership. He embraced the idea and started going to Variety Village three days a week using Toronto’s Wheel Trans service.

Gregory’s voice is animated when he’s talking about Variety Village. “I can do many of the same physio exercises I did at Providence, and even have access to one of Providence’s therapists there. I’ve made a lot of great friends. If I have to miss a session for any reason, they’ll call me and ask why I wasn’t there. They notice. It’s an amazing place, and I’d recommend it to anyone.”

Our partnership with Variety Village is an effective transitional resource for people returning home in the community. It’s all part of our dedication to helping people flourish “beyond our walls.”