OUR HISTORY
The Chris Ruth Centre offers a day service for individuals over the age of 18 years that have complex needs.
It is only in recent years that children with physical and intellectual disabilities have had a choice of accessing mainstream education. As a result, The Chris Ruth Centre Charitable Trust was formed to help these young people integrate into society once they leave school.
The Chris Ruth Centre Charitable Trust has bridged the gap where upon the maturing students leaving the Upland Unit (a special education programme at Hillmorton High School) could continue their integration into society. We now offer placements for students from all of Canterbury and Mid Canterbury schools.
Once reaching the age of 18, these individuals are no longer funded for education and although some supported employment initiatives exist in Christchurch, they are not suitable for people with higher needs.
Vision
Enhancing opportunities, embracing potential
Mission
Valuing the uniqueness of each person, through enriching programmes, which are interwoven with community connections- whanaungatanga.
Values
Respect: Valuing each individual
Excellence: Striving for the best outcomes
Support: Standing with individuals and their whānau
Independence: Providing choice and promoting decision-making
Integrity: Ethical and transparent
Background
The Chris Ruth Centre Trust was set up in 1997 as there was a gap within the disability sector for young adults finishing high school. The establishment of the Trust meant there was a place and programme for these school leavers with very high complex disabilities to attend where they could enjoy an individualised programme, accessing community venues and places of interest.
The centre started with 4 attendees on the grounds of Hillmorton High School. To date, we now have 140 attendees across five locations in Christchurch (Hoon Hay, Bishopdale, Sockburn), Kaiapoi and Ashburton.
What we do
Community
The aim of The Chris Ruth Centre is to be part of the working culture within our local community. The community benefits by having our people experiencing a quality of life that would not otherwise be available to them. It is also very valuable for the wider community to have our people alongside them in mainstream life.
Workplace
Voluntary employment positions for the people at our centres are arranged with local businesses. Placements are usually for one hour per week and at no cost to the employer. Each individual is accompanied by a support person who assists them and looks after their needs. Most people have one work placement, related to their interests and abilities.
Individualised
Each person has their own program designed to meet their needs, incorporating life skills, communication, functional education, community orientation, physical therapy and recreational pursuits. Activities include horse riding, swimming, cooking, computer activities, crafts, woodwork, shopping, lunch out, attending festivals or outings. Physical needs to be met include eating, toileting, physiotherapy, appropriate downtime, medication and medical assistance.