​​The Greater Essex County District School Board and Assisted Living of Southwestern Ontario (A.L.S.O.) have created a community hub at Belle River District High School.

A.L.S.O. will be operating a Neighbourhood of Care office from the former high school classroom, supporting their clients in the Belle River area. The 690 square foot space includes office areas, a kitchenette and an accessible washroom. As well, there is an accessible entry to the building​ through a private, exterior door. The renovations were funded through the Ministry of Education's Community Hubs Capital Funding program. 

"Our Strategic Plan mandates us, as a Board, to operate with and within engaged communities," said Director of Education, Erin Kelly (pictured, left). "That dynamic works 2 ways, with individuals and organizations supporting us and the Board reciprocating, doing what we can, as part of a broader perspective, to help those who provide services throughout the region. Rarely do we find opportunities to meet both those conditions with a single agreement, but in this case, we have."​

A.L.S.O. provides in-home support for adults with physical disabilities and seniors and with their Neighbourhood of Care location in Belle River they can improve the quality of service to their clients in the area. 

Vice-chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Julia Burgess says, "Students will also benefit, with opportunities to build confidence not only as good citizens in their communities, but as learners, through the immediate contact I am certain will develop in the form of earning community service hours to possible credit co-op placements."

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