Source: The Athenry News and Views

Athenry Brothers of Charity Centre, which is located close to Byrne Mech Ltd in the Raheen Industrial estate, offers a day activities programme to people with learning disabilities from the local area. There are 26 people attending this purpose built centre which will be officially opened later this year.

Integral Part of the Athenry Community

The Brothers of Charity Centre has become an integral part of Athenry Community and won a prize in the St Patrick’s Day Parade last year with their float featuring ‘Paddy’s Big Breakfast’. The Centre took an active part in supporting St. Mary’s GAA club in their march to the All Ireland Final last year and people working in the centre produced and distributed GAA badges for supporters. There was-a most enjoyable social evening in the Centre last March when the Athenry Senior team paid called in after a training session. The centre hopes to integrate with the local community to the greatest extent possible and greatly values the warm welcome they have received since establishing themselves in the town.

VEC Graduation Night

The Athenry Brothers of Charity Centre had a very busy activity programme over the past year with the highlight being a VEC Graduation night in Kilcuan Centre Clarinbridge recently at which renowned singer Sean Keane was guest of honour. Over 120 people turned up to celebrate the Awards to 25 of the people attending Athenry Centre. People with disabilities took part in a VEC Back to Education Initiative that included modules in art, music, drama, crafts, cookery and computer skills over the past year. It was truly a night of saviour as graduates were joined by their families, friends and support staff to celebrate their achievements.

Contract Work and Special Olympics

Apart from the VEC classes people in the centre partake in a range of activities including contract work, swimming, music and social outings. We are very grateful to employers who offer opportunities for work experience and part-time employment and would welcome new work opportunities. Many people from the Athenry Centre partake in the Special Olympics competitions and six will attend the National Games in Belfast next June.

Co-operation with the Local Community

There is much satisfaction and enjoyment to be got from co-­operation between people with learning disabilities and the local community and we hope to contribute to the strong community spirit that exists in Athenry. Students from the Presentation College Secondary School have partaken in joint activities with our centre and we welcome more contact with the schools.

Welcome to Visit the Centre

Athenry Brothers of Charity Centre aims to assist people with learning disabilities to live and work in the community and to use local facilities. The centre supports people who receive a service to mix with people who do not have a disability and to form valued relationships. We would welcome people to call in to visit us and encourage people to become friends of the centre. We have a modern spacious centre and are happy to accommodate local groups who may need a room for a meeting.

Why not call in to visit us and we will be glad to show you around.