About Harmony Centre for Community Living
For more than 50 years, Harmony Centre has been a trusted part of the community, supporting adults who live with developmental disabilities to live meaningful, self-directed lives.
Where We Started
What began as a small group of dedicated parents coming together in a private home has grown into one of Northwestern Ontario’s most trusted community organizations. For more than 50 years, Harmony Centre for Community Living has been shaped by the people it serves, the families who believed in a better future, and a community that continues to show up.
Â
From humble beginnings as a volunteer-run day program, Harmony Centre has grown into an organization that supports adults across residential programs, community participation, employment services, and family support. Our organization has evolved, but our purpose has never changed — championing inclusion and empowering people to live meaningful lives.
Our History
A group of dedicated parents joined together in their pursuit of building an inclusive community for their sons and daughters. A private home day program was hosted by Nellie Lemon, funded through donations and volunteers.
The program moved from the Lemon home to the basement of a local church. Services grew to include adults with physical disabilities and children, continuing to be run by volunteers and funded through donations and fundraising.
The Day Program received official funding from the Ministry of Community and Social Services. Full-time staff were hired to oversee the program and the name "Harmony Centre" was born.
The Ministry funded the construction of a new building at 26 Young Street in Red Lake, with 20% of funding coming from the community. The building housed a Sheltered Workshop with carpentry and ceramics programs, and new life skills training was introduced.
Supported Employment was added to the programs. Participants began going out into the community with Job Coaches to meaningful jobs, earning minimum wage or better for the work they accomplished.
Supported Independent Living opportunities were created with the construction of a six-unit apartment building in Balmertown, ON, with staff supports on site and services geared to the needs of the individuals.
The organization celebrated 50 years of empowering individuals and building inclusive communities across the Red Lake and Ear Falls District.
The 26 Young Street location remains a cornerstone of Harmony Centre, hosting a commercial laundry facility, cooking programs, and life skills development initiatives. This space also serves as the administrative hub, continuing to be a place of growth, opportunity, and community connection.
Get Involved Today
Together, we build inclusive communities where everyone belongs.