Breaking Away helps adults with disabilities to thrive

Breaking Away is a non-profit organization that provides a life skills program for adults with developmental disabilities in the community. 

The unique initiative is driven by one important mission: to ensure special-needs adults who have completed high school continue to grow in a way that maximizes their potential. 

The name Breaking Away reflects the wish that these adults will have the opportunity to break away from others’s perceptions of their limitations. 

“As a non-profit program, we are very grateful to those who have supported us through sponsorships,” shared director Tiffany Daniels. “We’ve had fundraising events in the past to support the program; this is something we are working toward planning in the near future.” 

The grassroots idea was launched by a few determined families and has expanded to become an invaluable resource. 

Debra Tonon’s daughter Danielle has been a student for many years. “Danielle looks forward to her days with her friends doing what she loves to do," she says. "It’s very meaningful.” 

“She continues to learn life skills that have given her some independence. They share their experiences and are actively involved in planning the weeks ahead,” describes Tonon. 

Breaking Away offers more than just respite services. The program is challenging, goal-oriented and uses individualized learning plans to bring out the best in participants. 

The program operates every weekday (noon–5 p.m.) at the Mount St. Joseph Learning Centre.

Students should be independent, over 18, ready, willing and able to be part of a group and be supported by their families.

Activities include shopping, visiting the library, swimming, yoga, gymnastics, field trips and preparing and eating meals. 

These activities help to develop friendships and interpersonal skills all while creating meaning for the students. 

“I have witnessed firsthand the amazing opportunities the program provides the students, ranging from friendships to learning valuable life skills,” says Daniels. “Breaking Away is truly an incredible program that I’m proud to be a part of.” 

If you would like to find out more about Breaking Away, how you can get involved, or make a donation, visit breakingawayssm.com.

SooToday is proud to make a difference in our community by highlighting extraordinary individuals and organizations with this Cares feature, a foundational piece of our SooToday Cares program. 

The SooToday Cares team's mission is to create meaningful change in Sault Ste. Marie and inspire others to do the same.