Pathways for All: A Project of Belonging is about creating a space where everyone, regardless of mobility or physical ability, can fully participate in the care, connection, learning and healing community that Brooksong offers. This project ensures inclusion for all who come to Brooksong for cancer support programs, grief groups, wellness programs, workshops, volunteering, meaningful work and community-building events. Currently, several individuals on our cancer support waitlist and within our community are unable to attend retreats and programs because our facility does not yet provide accessible movement between floors.
To make this vision real, we will:
*install a commercial stair chairlift for safe, reliable, dignifying access between levels
*build an all-season outdoor ramp with handrails, covered entrance, and an ice-resistant front walkway for year-round safety
*create a small indoor ramp with handrails where two steps currently limit access, ensuring smooth movement between spaces.
Once complete, Pathways for All will strengthen community health, learning and accessibility across the region and beyond, expanding access to whole-person cancer support locally and provincially. It will also create a more welcoming environment where participants, caregivers and community partners can continue to learn, share and grow together for years to come.
In the Haliburton Highlands and across Ontario, many people living with cancer, chronic illness, or grief face not only emotional and financial challenges but also physical barriers that limit their ability to take part in supportive, life-enhancing programs.
Brooksong is a one-of-a-kind organization in Ontario, offering evidence-informed, nature-based cancer support retreats and online programs at no cost to people with cancer and their caregivers. These programs foster healing, connection and life-long learning, helping participants explore practical tools to support their wellbeing. Yet until now, limited accessibility at our facility has meant that some community members using wheelchairs, walkers, or mobility aids have been unable to fully participate in these shared learning and healing opportunities.
Pathways for All: A Project of Belonging will change that. Through the installation of a permanent chairlift, ramps, and safe, all-season walkways, Brooksong will become a place where everyone can move freely and feel fully included in programs that nurture mental health, resilience, connectionand learning.
support
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When we say “no-one walks alone”, we don’t mean no-one except those with accessbility isssues.
Brooksong was there for me at a very low point in my journey. I was made to feel welcome and accommodations were made for me in particular. I was very emotionally low, amd had physical limits that were respected and accommodated. I also had pretty severe dietary restrictions and Brooksong made sure I had delicious, nutritious meals, and I never felt singled out or that it was any imposition.
Brooksong is an exceptional organization, offering a tremendous and needed service to those living with cancer.
Brooksong is an amazing place of peace, hope, laughter and support. It was originally a private home, and as such, was never intended to be a place of healing. While some of the bedrooms are on the main floor, the rest and the activity space are on a lower level. People with mobility challenges are unable to physically get to this area, denying them the chance to participate in this life changing program.
Brooksong is an amazing place of tranquility, rest, hope and reflection both for people with cancer and their support person. The home is beautiful, but it was
Having Brooksong more accessible will allow more people to participate in A Warm Hug we can surround more people living with a cancer with a warm handmade quilt
Brooksong can truly welcome everyone once the facility is accessible both outdoors and in regardless of physical abilities. It would make a huge difference.