Welcome to the first 2021 issue of our newsletter, featuring the stories that have appeared on our website over the past three months, as well as other resources that we thought might be of interest. We hope that you enjoy this edition. Take care and be well.

January 20th was Developmental Services Sector Worker Appreciation Day. This day is set aside to make it known that developmental service sector workers are dream makers, activity directors, community connectors, daily cheerleaders, creative masters, hard workers, mentors, guides & memory makers.

Making people’s lives richer, bigger, and moving in the direction of cherished dreams, support workers and staff behind the scenes in our sector are so appreciated here at Community Living Trent Highlands & beyond, every single day. Thank you for all that you do and all that you give!

A message from Teresa Jordan, Executive Director #communitylivinginaction #3doors1agency #ourstaffrock

Click on the image for more information about this job posting and whether you might be right for our team. We offer competitive salaries, attractive benefits packages and career development.

While many homes and people in all corners of Community Living Trent Highlands were doing wonderful activities for Christmas [in many different and creative ways to align with COVID restrictions], one home was in outbreak.

From December 23 to January 15 one of our community homes was deemed to be in COVID outbreak with both people who lived there, and staff, being affected. There are many challenges in outbreak; there is extra work, lots of worry, people recovering, people isolated and bored, many interactions with partners and great need for enhanced cleaning and personal protective equipment.

The team at this home rose to their challenge and it is to their credit that the outbreak ended, and that people continue to feel better. There are great challenges that must be faced and again I thank the core team, all the people who joined the team, the manager of the home and all staff that supported in big and small ways for all those weary days.

There is another side to a great challenge like outbreak, the love. The meals that were dropped off, the notes of encouragement sent, the activities and coffees shared, and the offers of help and hope. The CLTH community wrapped around the home, and the larger community, rallied to support in big and small ways. Peterborough Public Health, the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services and PRHC were tremendous partners in guiding and supporting our efforts. Huge thanks to everyone for proving that in the face of a great foe like COVID, there is light and there is care.

~ Teresa Jordan ~

Empowering Ability has published The Ultimate Guide to Independence, for parents and others supporting a loved one 18+ living with autism or developmental disability . Click here to access a PDF copy of The Ultimate Guide to Independence from our website.

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Here are Teresa's blog posts for November, December and January.