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MESSAGE FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, TERRI GRAY
As the air turns crisp and the leaves transform into a vibrant mosaic of gold and crimson, we are reminded that fall is a season of reflection, gratitude, and new beginnings. Much like the changing seasons, our work in developmental services is marked by growth, transition, and the beauty of community coming together.
This past year has shown us the strength and resilience of the people we support, their families, and our dedicated staff and volunteers. Together, we have continued to create opportunities where everyone belongs, contributes, and thrives. Just as no two leaves are alike, each person we serve brings their own unique gifts that enrich our community in countless ways.
Fall also signals a time of gathering. Whether it’s reconnecting with friends, celebrating holidays, or enjoying harvest traditions, these moments remind us of the importance of inclusion and shared experiences. As we move into this season, let us carry forward the warmth of belonging and the commitment to ensuring that every person with a developmental disability has a place where they feel valued and supported.
On behalf of CLOC's team, I want to thank you for being an important part of our community. Your continued support, partnership, and advocacy make all the difference. Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive Ontario.
Wishing you a season filled with warmth, gratitude, and connection.
Sincerely,
Terri Gray
Executive Director
| | CLOC's 72nd Annual Members Meeting | | |
On September 23rd, Community Living Oshawa/Clarington (CLOC) proudly hosted its 72nd Annual Members Meeting (AMM) at the Clarington Project hub. The evening, guided by MC Dan Walters, brought together staff, people supported, families, and community partners to celebrate achievements, partnerships, and the people who make CLOC’s mission possible.
The night opened with an inspiring presentation from the Phoenix Group, who shared highlights of their ongoing advocacy work and their vision for the future. Their dedication to advancing rights and opportunities set a powerful tone for the evening.
Following the business portion of the AMM, the room shifted into celebration with the Summer Spirit Days Awards. These awards recognize locations that embraced themed summer activities with energy and creativity. Congratulations to Old Scugog Up (3rd place), My Day, My Way (2nd place), and first-place winners, Holcan! Each winning location received a gift basket designed for the perfect movie night.
The President’s Award, given annually to a team demonstrating excellence and innovation, went to the team at 425 Adelaide, recognized for their outstanding contributions. They were nominated alongside the dedicated team from Bessborough.
One of the evening’s most meaningful moments was the presentation of the Mark Forgette Award—CLOC’s Employee of the Year Award, honouring an individual who goes above and beyond to enrich the lives of the people we support. This year, the field of nominees was remarkable, with eleven dedicated staff members recognized. Congratulations to Madison Hoffe, this year’s recipient, for her extraordinary commitment and impact.
CLOC also celebrated the generosity and partnership of the wider community. The Community Partner Award was presented to the Clarington Station 4 Volunteer Firefighters, long-time champions of CLOC and recent fundraisers for The Clarington Project through their summer car wash event.
A second Community Partner Award highlighted the incredible difference made by First Choice Haircutters (Ritson Road, by Costco). Stylist Dave and Manager Karli have created a welcoming and supportive experience for Cathy, a woman supported by CLOC, transforming her haircut appointments into something she now looks forward to with pride and joy.
The evening concluded with the induction of CLOC’s 2025/26 Board of Directors. We offered a heartfelt thank you to outgoing Board Chair Wayne Klinowski for his leadership, as he transitions into the role of Immediate Past Chair, and warmly welcomed our new Board Chair, Dr. Julia Fineczko.
CLOC’s 72nd AMM was a night of recognition, connection, and gratitude. Thank you to everyone who attended, presented, and supported this special event. We look forward to another year of growth, advocacy, and community.
Enjoy some photos of the evening below!
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PHOTOS
#1 - Phoenix Group of Advocates representatives Michael & Darlene
#2 - Clarington Station 4 Volunteer Firefighters accepting a Community Partner Award created by Frank
#3 - Community Partner Award presented to Dave & Karli from First Choice Haircutters (centre) by Stacey (left) and ED Terri Gray (right)
#4 - Mark Forgette Award presented to Madison Hoffe (right) by Ginny Forgette
#5 - Ginney Forgette acknowledging the nominees for the Mark Forgette Award
#6 - Holcan, winners of CLOC's Summer Spirit Days competition
#7 - Phoenix Group Advocate Darlene, with our host-with-the-most, MC Dan Walters
#8 - Incoming Board Chair, Dr. Julia Fineczko
#9 - The amazing awards handed out during the evening
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#10 - ED Terri Gray presenting a token of thanks to outgoing Board Chair, Wayne Klinowski
#11 - ED Terri Gray (left) and organizer Katherine Melnechenko (right) presenting a CLOC Summer Spirit Days award to Petrina Peyton (centre), representing the My Day, My Way program
#12 - President's Award Winners, 425 Adelaide
#13 - Executive Director, Terri Gray
#14 - MC Dan Walters
#15 - Outgoing Board Chair, Wayne Klinowski
#16 - Janet, Tiffany & Angela
#17 - Stacey presenting the Community Partner Award to First Choice Haircutters
#18 - Incoming Board Chair, Dr. Julie Fineczko hugging outgoing Chair, Wayne Klinowski
#19 - Board Treasurer, Paul Beauvais
#20 - CLOC's Board of Directors being sworn in for 2025/26. From left to right: Ryan Beacock (self-advocate), Wayne Klinowski (Immediate Past President), Shauna Nolan, Andrew Marsden, Pauline Matchett (Secretary), Paul Beauvais (Treasurer), Dr. Julia Fineczko (Chair) and Louis-Eric Joubert. Missing from the photo are: Vidu Mishra and Catherine Garacci.
| | Along with our AMM came the launch of CLOC's 2024/25 Annual Report. Click the front page (below) to check it out. | | Save the Date for CLOC's Halloween Dance | | Canada Disability Benefit | | |
Applications are now open for the Canada Disability Benefit. For those who qualify, the Canada Disability Benefit will provide direct financial support to people with disabilities who are between 18 and 64 years old. The program is administered by Service Canada. You can submit your application, or an application for a person you support, via the online application portal, by phone, by mail, or in person at a Service Canada Centre.
HOW TO APPLY
Application Portal: https://ow.ly/QaEi50WhUku
By Phone: Service Canada 1-833-486-3007 (8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday)
In Person at a Service Canada location: 2730 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa
By Printed form: Form can be printed (see below), completed and dropped off at any Service Canada location, or mailed to: Service Canada Centre - CDB Processing Centre P.O. Box 60 Boucherville, QC J4B 5E6
| | Memories from CLOC's 26th Annual Family Picnic - August 9, 2025 | | CLOC's Annual Family Picnic, hosted for 26 years by the Oshawa West Lions Club, was a big hit this summer with a huge number of attendees, tons of fun, camraderie and prizes. Thank you to our friends at the Lions Club, and the volunteers who helped at the picnic. Everyone is looking forward to next year! | | Clarington Mayor's Golf Classic | | |
We are pleased to share that CLOC was selected as this year’s beneficiary of the Clarington Mayor’s Golf Classic—a truly unforgettable day on the greens!
With over 150 golfers, countless sponsors, and a dedicated team of volunteers, the event was a resounding success. The day offered CLOC a fantastic platform to connect with the community, showcase the important services we provide, and share our mission with new supporters.
We also brought some fun to the fairway! CLOC's team hosted the putting contest, which saw plenty of friendly competition and big smiles. Shout out to ED Terri Gray, Board Chair Wayne Klinowski, Board Advocate Ryan Beacock and Darlene Day for spending the day speaking with attendees about CLOC. A heartfelt thank-you goes out to our friends at RBC, who generously volunteered their time to run the fan-favourite Plinko game. Their energy, enthusiasm, and good humour added so much to the day.
Thank you to everyone who made this event possible. Your support helps us continue empowering the individuals and families we serve.
| | The Pearl Gala - 30th Annual Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards | | On October 1st, CLOC's Board Chair, Dr. Julia Fineczko (left) and Director of Engagement, Marisa Fortune Hall (centre) attended the 30th Annual Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards, The Pearl Gala. They ran into a familiar face, CLOC's former Manager of Resource Development & Public Relations, Julie VanHartingsveldt (Neely). | | | | |
Do you have an interest in empowering people with developmental disabilities to have inclusive lives in their communities?
Working for CLOC might be the right fit for you!
CLOC has many job opportunities available.
| | CLOC is seeking applicants for it's Board of Directors, Board Committees and Fundraising Cabinet. | | Community Living Ontario (CLO) Conference | | Mid way through September, delegates from CLOC attended the annual CLO Conference. The event brought together executive directors, board members, senior managers, support staff, parents, and people with lived experience from across North America for three unforgettable days of learning, networking, and celebration, inspiring possibilities for all! | | |
Islamic History Month
Autism Awareness Month
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
SEPTEMBER 22 - First Day of Fall
SEPTEMBER 30 - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
SEPTEMBER 30 - Orange Shirt Day
OCTOBER 1 - (at sundown) Yom Kippur
OCTOBER 10 - World Mental Health Day
OCTOBER 13 - Thanksgiving Day
OCTOBER 13 - International Plain Language Day
OCTOBER 19 to 25 - Canadian Down Syndrome Week
OCTOBER 20 - Diwali
OCTOBER 31 - Halloween
NOVEMBER 2- Daylight Savings begins
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Did you know that you can donate to CLOC at any time of year?
CLOC needs your support now, more than ever, to continue our mission to provide opportunities for meaningful citizenship for people with developmental disabilities in the community.
Your donations help to fund:
Quality of Life: focuses on community involvement, health, safety, respite care, augmented communication, experiences, and providing further personalized opportunities for inclusion within the community.
Bricks & Mortar: focuses on ensuring that people live in safe homes that are adapted to their needs, including repairs and maintenance, accessibility features such as lifts and ramps, retrofitting and fire & safety.
Did You Know? You can designate your donation to be used at a particular CLOC location or program, or to be used toward specific items (such as art supplies, music therapy, animal therapy, etc). Leave us a note when you donate, and we will do the rest!
HOW TO DONATE
Donating is easy!
By Phone: 905-576-3011 - ask to speak with the Finance Department
By Mail: Sent your donation to: Community Living Oshawa/Clarington
39 Wellington Avenue East Oshawa, Ontario L1H3Y1
By eTransfer: Send via Craig Nighbor (cnighbor@communitylivingoc.ca). In the notes, please indicate 'General Donation'. If you would like a receipt, or to designate your donation to a particular location or program, you will need to email Craig with your full name, address and phone number, along with the designation.
CanadaHelps: Visit CLOC's CanadaHelps page by clicking HERE . Your receipt will be issued immediately via email.
Monthly Giving: Monthly Giving can be set up through contacting CLOC's Finance Department at the number above, or through the CanadaHelps website.
Donate In Tribute: Mark a special occasion, holiday or simply to say thanks. Tributes are also a meaningful way to commemorate the life of a loved one. When you make a gift in honour of a friend or loved one we will send an acknowledgement card to the recipient. Tribute donations can also be arranged when making funeral arrangements.
Legacy Gifts: Leaving a gift to Community Living Oshawa/Clarington in your will is a simple, thoughtful way of providing a secure future for people with a developmental disability. You will want to discuss the considerations of a planned gift with your lawyer or financial planner.
Thank you for your generous support!
| | This Newsletter is for Sharing! | | If you, or someone you know, would like to receive CLOC's Quarterly Newsletter Around the CLOC, directly to your inbox, please send your name and email address to Marnie Salonius at msalonius@communitylivingoc.ca, with the subject 'Newsletter List'. | | Connect and get the latest in news from CLOC by checking out our Social Media pages. Click below to transport to CLOC's Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube profiles, along with CLOC's website. | |
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