By: Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Essex Free Press

Nearly six-years-ago, LA Shepley brought her dream of running her own business – dedicated to providing therapeutic, culinary, and social opportunities to adults with intellectual disabilities – to fruition.

Today, Learning in Friendship and Equality (LIFE) Day Respite program is co-owned by Sherri Currie, and serves nearly 20 members.

With the program doing so much good for so many, learning its 100 Fairview Avenue location – the former Kinsmen Fieldhouse – was broken into during the early morning of Friday, May 22 was a real upset.

The OPP is noting that at around 2:40pm that day, members of the Essex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were dispatched to the business.

The Closed-Circuit Television showed the building was entered by damaging the front door around 3 am by five individuals dressed in black clothing and wearing masks.

The OPP is estimating that around $1000 in items were taken.

“Sherri and I both feel so violated,” Shepley said of the break-in. “Really, it is overwhelming. It is so emotional. It is a little rollercoaster you go on to deal with your feelings. I went from really, really upset – almost like an angry upset – to how come this happens in our small town,” Shepley said.

The types of citizens who do this type of thing “need to find a better hobby,” she said. “They need to be more active positively in the community, or they need to find a new place to go. This is our town.

“We are going to get through this.”

There were a lot of tears over the weekend after the break-in, Shepley noted. But, “we are going to power on.”

The community response to the incident has been “unbelievable.”

The support is appreciated and not surprising. From when she first started the program nearly six-year-ago, the community has stepped up to help her achieve her goals with the program. And that has continued right through, including in responding to their needs currently.

Tim Stanley, the Assistant Manager of Facilities and Events for the Town of Essex, started an online fundraiser on his personal time to help rally support for LIFE in its time of need.

On the online fundraiser, Stanley noted LIFE is “a place that was built with hard work, trust, and love,” and it “was violated by people who chose selfishness over compassion. What was stolen was more than money or property — it was a piece of security and peace for people who dedicate themselves to helping others.

“But if there is one thing stronger than crime, it is community.”

So far, over $5,500 has been raised of its $6,000 goal.

Those wishing to donate can do so at www.gofundme.com/f/thieves-break-into-life-building.

“People are just unbelievable, how they just reach out,” Shepley said.

In addition, she said Josh’s No Frills provided gift cards so LIFE could replace meats that were stolen.

Shepley noted it appears electronic devices, games, food, and even the laundry soap were taken.

Some of the items were devices that help members learn every day.

They were still working on a list of missing items a few days after the break-in.

“As much as this sucks, they could have ripped our place right a part, they could have torn up our Smart Board.”

They are grateful for that.

The OPP is asking anyone with relevant information to contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122. (Reference Case #E260700208). Those who would like to remain anonymous, can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or leave an anonymous online tip at www.catchcrooks.com, where they may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.