If you’ve lived in the Sarnia-Lambton area long enough, chances are you’ve passed through the small towns of Alvinston or Inwood without giving them a second thought. For Patty McDonald, though, those places are where her story begins. They are the roots of a life spent in service—of community, of inclusion, and of possibility.
“I’ve always loved people,” she tells me with an easy smile. “And I’ve always believed that everyone has something to contribute, no matter their circumstances.”
That belief would become the foundation of McDonald’s 25-year career in the developmental services sector, a path she began after enrolling in the Child and Youth Worker program at Lambton College. But education, as it turns out, was only the beginning.
“I’m an education junkie,” she admits, laughing. “After that first program, I went back again—Developmental Services, Human Services, Mental Health First Aid Trainer. If there was something I could learn that might help me better support someone else, I wanted to learn it.”
For nearly a quarter century, McDonald worked in group home settings, supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. Her dedication didn’t go unnoticed—she gradually moved up through the organization, eventually landing in a supervisory role. On paper, it was a success story. But behind the scenes, something felt off.
“I found myself behind a desk more than anything else,” she recalls. “Most of my time was spent putting out fires—dealing with administrative duties, staffing issues. I wasn’t connecting with people like I used to. And I wasn’t enjoying it anymore.”
It was a turning point. McDonald made the difficult decision to leave her position and step into the unknown. “I didn’t have a plan at first. I just knew I needed to get back to the heart of what I loved—working with people.”
That’s when the phone rang.
It was a call, asking if she’d be interested in running a program for individuals with disabilities in Arkona. She declined the offer—but the idea planted a seed. It stirred something in her.
“I couldn’t stop thinking about it,” she says. “The idea of starting something new, something built around what people actually need and want—it just stuck with me.”
In August 2024, that idea became a reality. McDonald launched The Community Recreation and Wellness (CREW) Guild Inc., a Sarnia-based organization that provides support and recreation programs for adults (18+) with developmental disabilities.
The philosophy behind the CREW Guild is simple, yet radical in its empathy: everyone has value, and everyone deserves the opportunity to participate, to grow, and to belong. “We don’t give people the credit they deserve,” McDonald says. “There’s so much untapped potential that we ignore because of preconceived notions about what people with disabilities can or can’t do. But when you meet someone where they’re at and give them the space to explore their own interests, you see just how much they’re capable of.”
CREW offers a wide range of programming—day support services, 1-on-1 respite through Passport funding, workshops, life skills training—all tailored to the interests and goals of the participants. It’s not about fitting people into a system; it’s about building a system that fits around them.
The programs are supported by funding from Developmental Services Ontario (DSO), which assesses individuals through a tool called the Support Intensity Scale (SIS). Once an adult (18+) has completed this free assessment, they become eligible for supports that are customized to their unique needs.
One of the most popular offerings is the Life Hacks program, a life skills series designed to empower individuals to navigate the world more confidently. Two standout examples include the Nurse Skills workshop and the Knitting Club, both of which combine practical instruction with social engagement. But it’s the Cooking Class that’s become a favourite among participants—equal parts hands-on experience, creative expression, and shared meal enjoyment.
CREW has also introduced culturally enriching experiences, like an Indigenous Food Workshop, which included traditional dishes, a deer skin drum, and Indigenous artwork. “The idea is to bring people together through shared experiences,” McDonald explains. “Food, art, storytelling—they help us build bridges.”
It hasn’t all been easy, though. Patty acknowledges the lingering effects of the pandemic on many of the individuals she works with.
“I’ve noticed that the pandemic really put a damper on people’s social confidence,” she says. “They got used to being home and not engaging as much. So, we’re not just helping them learn new skills—we’re helping them rebuild their confidence, reconnect with others, and feel part of something again.”
At its heart, CREW is about connection—something Patty has spent her entire career chasing and nurturing.
“When you take the time to listen, to really see someone,” she says, “you realize how much they have to offer. That’s what CREW is all about. Giving people the space to be seen, to be valued, and to thrive.”
To learn more about The CREW Guild and the services it offers, visit [www.thecrewguild.org](https://www.thecrewguild.org/). You might just discover a program—or a perspective—you didn’t know you needed.
"Humans of Sarnia" founder Art Connolly is a man fuelled by curiosity and a passion for connecting with people in Sarnia. Inspired by the renowned “Humans of New York” series, with a camera in hand, he captures the very essence of the individuals he encounters, preserving their stories through his lens. Follow his series on Instagram and Facebook.