64th Annual Meeting of Members | | |
We’re excited to announce that our 64th Annual Meeting of Members will be held on Tuesday, June 17th at 6:30 p.m. at the Ciociaro Club.
You might know this gathering as the AGM — and it’s still the same important event! The name has simply changed to the Annual Meeting of Members to reflect updated requirements under the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA).
Along with the official business items, the evening will feature plenty of celebrations. We'll be showcasing the Year in Review video, the Employee E-Yearbook highlighting all milestone recipients, and presenting several exciting awards.
If you plan to attend, please make sure to register by June 2nd.
Please note: All voting members must hold an eligible membership current as of May 27th.
We hope you’ll be able to join us!
| | May is Community Living Month! | | With #CLMonth2025 coming to a close, we’d like to take this opportunity to thank support workers of all kinds for their dedication to our community. If you’re a support worker, use the hashtag #SupportWorkersForInclusion to share how you incorporate inclusion into your work! | | National AccessAbility Week | | National AccessAbility Week is underway, running from May 25th to 31st.This week celebrates the valuable contributions and leadership of persons with disabilities in Canada, as well as the work of communities, allies, and organizations breaking down barriers to inclusion. Guided by the theme “Breaking barriers together: Paving the way for an inclusive future,” the week emphasizes the importance of collaboration in building a more accessible and equitable society. By working together, we can help create a Canada where everyone has the opportunity to fully participate and thrive. Click the button below to learn more about this important national initiative, and how you can support accessibility and inclusion in your community. | | |
Tuesday was Community Living Day
at the Legislature!
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We’re proud to have had representatives from our organization at Queen's Park in Toronto, standing alongside advocates, families, and other organizations from across Ontario to champion inclusion, accessibility, and the rights of people with intellectual disabilities.
Together, we’re helping to build a more inclusive future—where everyone belongs.
| | Dominic marked a special milestone last week by attending his high school prom at the Ciociaro Club. With graduation coming up, it was a meaningful way to celebrate the end of the school year. Making the evening even more memorable, Dominic was joined by his brother Darius, who attended prom with him. It was a proud and joyful moment for both of them. | | Whisking Up Something Special | | Robert has recently taken an interest in baking and has been spending more time in the kitchen trying out different recipes. He has been practicing his skills and learning how to follow baking instructions. For his mom’s upcoming birthday, Robert is planning to bake a batch of cupcakes as a way to share something he’s made himself. | | |
For his birthday, Kyle set a goal to bake cupcakes for his friends—and he did it with determination, creativity, and heart. He was proud of what he made, and rightfully so. These cupcakes weren’t just a treat—they were a symbol of hard work, independence, and the joy of reaching a personal goal.
Way to go, Kyle—and happy birthday! 🎉🧁
| | Sunshine and Good Company | | Cathy, Ron, and Kent spent this past Sunday enjoying the beautiful, sunny weather together. They took advantage of the warm day to get outside, enjoy each other’s company, and make the most of the clear skies. It was a simple and relaxing way to connect and share time outdoors. | | An Update from Career Compass | | Ashley has been skillfully prepping dough at Little Caesars in Kingsville for an incredible 10 years. Her consistency, dedication, and hard work behind the scenes help keep things running smoothly every day. Congratulations, Ashley, on this impressive milestone! | | Important Update: Canada Dental Care Plan Clients Must Reapply by June 1, 2025 | | We’ve recently learned that anyone currently enrolled in the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) will be required to reapply to maintain their coverage. Reapplications opened in March 2025, and must be submitted by June 1, 2025 to avoid losing coverage at the end of June. If you're already enrolled, the renewal process should be straightforward—especially if your account is already set up. You’ll need to confirm your details and enter your membership number found on your CDCP card. Please share this information with anyone who may be affected. Help is available through online, phone, and in-person options. | | We're Member Strong! Join Us! | | A strong, thriving membership is essential to our agency. Membership includes a variety of engagement options and is a great way to show support for the work of Community Living Essex County. Members help guide the direction and work of the organization, attending events and taking a strong interest in building inclusive communities for people supported. Join us and together we can be Member Strong! Click the link below to renew your membership or join for just $10 and receive membership perks! | | |
On Monday, May 26, CLEC representatives travelled to Toronto to celebrate Community Living Month in Ontario.
Opportunities to interact with other organizations, who provide supports to families of individuals with intellectual disabilities, gave Ensemble (Marilyn) chances to share our successes and the possibility of continued contact.
Private meetings with MPPs Antony Leardi and Andrew Dowie allowed CLEC representatives: self-advocate Scott, support worker Leena, parent Marilyn, Karen Bolger, and Corey Dalgleish, the opportunity to celebrate and share achievements made to date.
During our meetings, we expressed the critical need for increased, available funding if individuals with intellectual disabilities are able to live above the poverty level with the required supports and available housing. The need for government to reach out to families to form partnerships was stressed. This is the only way creative, meaningful solutions will be found. Over and over again, we, as Ontario families and advocates, stressed the need for government to provide us with REAL plans in order for us to plan for today, tomorrow, and for the future—BEFORE we are in crisis.
With each passing year, unpaid family caregivers continue to age and supported family members move closer to losing their family supports.
NOW is the time for the government to realize that concrete plans, with safety nets, must be developed and offered to families BEFORE our province and its most vulnerable citizens are faced with unacceptable future living circumstances.
Continued contact with our community leaders will move us closer to guaranteeing lives of possibility for our family members.
Reaching out with respectful, positive messages will go a long way toward achieving ongoing financial support from our government. We "live the life" and if we do not educate those who make impactful decisions, how will they understand our needs? Your voice is the key that can unlock access to increased funding! Make a call NOW!
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Marilyn
Ensemble Family Consultant and the Advisory Committee
| | New Day is hosting a meeting on Friday, May 30th to celebrate Community Living Month. Come join us wearing blue and green to show your support! We’ll be discussing important topics such as ODSP, Passport Funding, and how to effectively advocate to your local government officials. With other exciting events this month—including the Mayors' Luncheon and a Day at the Legislature—May is a meaningful and action-packed time for New Day and our community. | | Libro Credit Union FREE RDSP Presentation | | Libro Credit Union will be hosting an informative presentation for families on the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) at Community Living Essex County's Essex Centre, located at 372 Talbot St. N. in Essex. Attendees can register for the in-person session taking place on Wednesday, June 11th at 6:00 p.m., or the virtual session happening on Thursday, June 12th at 3:30 p.m. This is a valuable opportunity to learn how the RDSP can support individuals with disabilities and their families in planning and saving for the future. Click the button below to register and secure your spot. | | Get Your Tickets for the 4th Annual Sip 'N Shop! | | Do not miss your chance to attend the 4th annual Sip ’N Shop Mixer that kicks off the annual Essex Fun Fest on Thursday, July 3rd at 7pm at the Essex Arena Fairgrounds. Join us for a fun night of music, food, wine, and raffles with $10 from every ticket to benefit Community Living Essex County. A limited number of tickets are available now at $35 each at the front desk at the Essex Centre, located at 372 Talbot St. N. in Essex. The ticket price includes admission to event, souvenir wine tumbler, Essex BIA tote bag, three wine samples, one glass of wine, one individual charcuterie bowl, live entertainment, and chances to win numerous great door prizes! Click the button below for more information. | | 2025 Charity Golf Classic Registration Now Open! | | Registration is open for the 33rd Annual Charity Golf Classic, happening on Thursday, July 10th, in support of Community Living Essex County. This popular event brings together golfers, sponsors, and supporters for a day of friendly competition and fundraising to benefit individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. The tournament kicks off with a shotgun start at 11:00 AM, with check-in beginning at 9:30 AM. Enjoy a full day of golf, contests, prizes, meals, and networking at one of the region’s top courses. Spots fill fast—register early to be part of this impactful event! | | |
Community Living Ontario Launches
Community Action Projects Grant!
| | Community Living Ontario is offering Community Action Projects Grants of up to $2,500 to youth groups (ages 14–29) to support projects that promote the authentic inclusion of youth with intellectual disabilities in their communities. Eligible groups must include at least five youth—two with intellectual disabilities—be connected to a school or youth-serving organization in Ontario, have an adult ally, and designate one youth as the Project Lead. Applications are due by June 13th, at 11:59 p.m. Click the buttons below to learn more and apply. | | |
Community Living Essex County Presents:
Yoga with Cocoyoga
| | Yoga with Cocoyoga is offering a FREE 4-part Outdoor Yoga Series for all levels, with no registration required! Whether you’re a beginner or an enthusiast, Coco, an experienced and adaptable instructor, will guide you through each session, offering modifications and adaptive methods to suit everyone. Join us as we stretch, relax, and work toward a more active, flexible, and Zen lifestyle! The sessions will take place on May 27th, June 3rd, June 10th, and June 17th, from 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at Optimist Park in Windsor. Come out and enjoy the peaceful outdoor setting while improving your mind-body connection! | | |
Sign Up Today
Friends of Tecumseh Thunder Baseball Fun Camp
| Sign up today for the 13th Annual Friends of Tecumseh Thunder Baseball Fun Camp, happening Tuesday, July 22nd, at Lacasse Park in Tecumseh (rain date: July 23rd). The event will feature baseball skills stations, an exciting all-star game, and a hot dog lunch. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., with activities starting at 10:00 a.m. Don’t miss this fun-filled day of baseball and community spirit! Email Melissa Overkamp at moverkamp@communitylivingessex.org to sign up! | | Order Your CLEC Merchandise Today! | | Check out the latest offerings in our Community Living Essex County store! CLEC employees have the option of paying for items via Employee Payroll Deduction. Simply use the code EMPLOYEE and include your employee number when placing your order. We've recently restocked many items that were previously sold out! | | P4P Webcast: Alternatives to Guardianship | The Partners 4 Planning Network is hosting a free webcast on Alternatives to Guardianship for families, caregivers, and professionals of adults with developmental disabilities. Scheduled for June 3rd at 7:00 p.m., this informative session will help clarify when guardianship may be necessary and when other decision-making options are more appropriate. The webcast will explore various alternatives available in Ontario, discuss the drawbacks of guardianship, and highlight ways to support a person’s right and ability to make their own choices. A live Q&A session will follow the presentation. Click the button below to register. | | |
Bryerswood Youth Camp:
Summer Camp Programs 2025
| | Looking for an unforgettable summer experience? Bryerswood Youth Camp in Amherstburg, Ontario, offers exciting programs for youth ages 4 to 18. Nestled on 25 acres of beautiful outdoor space, including open fields, a pond, and a bush lot, campers will have the opportunity to develop leadership skills, build confidence, and connect with nature. From fun activities to lifelong memories, Bryerswood provides a safe and inspiring environment for youth to thrive. Don’t miss out—click the links below for more details and to register today! | |
Tourism Windsor Essex County Pelee Island
Summer Event Guide
| | The Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island Summer Event Guide is here! Discover the top events happening across Windsor, Essex County, and Pelee Island through to September 30. Whether you're planning a road trip or exploring your own backyard, this guide is your go-to list for summer fun. Click the button below to see the guide or pick up a print version at the Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island office or the Caesars Windsor Visitor Information Kiosk. | | |
Windsor Essex Community Arts Project Presents:
Matilda Jr.
| | From May 30th to June 1st, the Windsor Essex Community Arts Project (WECAP) presents Matilda Jr. at the École l’Essor Auditorium in Windsor. This high-energy musical brings the beloved story of a courageous and clever young girl to life with unforgettable songs, magical moments, and performances that will delight audiences of all ages. Showtimes include Friday, at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets start at just $15. Click the button below to purchase tickets. Don’t miss this family-friendly theatrical adventure! | | Amherstburg Open Air Weekends | From Friday, May 30th to Sunday, June 1st, Amherstburg’s Open Air Weekends kick off the 2025 season with a vibrant mix of food, shopping, and entertainment in the heart of downtown. Running from Fridays at 3 p.m. to Sundays at 8 p.m., the streets come alive with local treats like craft beer, gelato, popcorn, and baked goods, plus unique finds from local shops offering clothing, home décor, books, and more. This year features themed weekends and the return of Night Markets on Fridays—complete with live music and a festive atmosphere. Whether you're a local or visiting, it's a fun-filled weekend for all ages. Click the button below to learn more. | | 2nd Annual Windsor Essex Leamington Jerk Fest | Get ready for a weekend packed with spice, rhythm, and island vibes at the 2nd Annual Windsor Essex Leamington Jerk Festival, happening Friday, May 30th and Saturday, May 31st! The festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. on Friday at Turbo Entertainment Complex, followed by the main event at Charles Clark Square on Saturday. Enjoy mouthwatering jerk cuisine, live performances from Caribbean artists including Luciano The Messenger and Fimba, and an unforgettable celebration of Caribbean culture. Admission is $22, and kids 13 and under get in free. Don’t miss this flavourful, fun-filled cultural experience! Click the button below to purchase tickets. | | Point Pelee Dark Sky Nights | | Explore the park after dark and experience the dark skies of Point Pelee National Park. On Saturday, May 31st, you will have the opportunity to stay late and experience the park at night until 12:00 a.m. Visitors can pick up a seasonal star chart at the front gate upon arrival. The park is open until midnight, unless otherwise stated. Click the button below to visit the event website. | | Get ready for two days of tail wagging fun at the Woofa Roo Pet Festival, happening Saturday, May 31st to Sunday, June 1st at the Libro Centre in Amherstburg! This pet and family friendly event features exciting live demonstrations like dock diving, dog agility, lure coursing, Windsor Police K9 demos, and performances by the Border City Barkers. Browse specialty vendors, meet horses, cheer on dog races, and enjoy activities for all ages. Click the button below for more information. | | Join the Canadian Transportation Museum and Heritage Village on Saturday, May 31st from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for a special Mural Reveal Ceremony, showcasing two powerful murals created by artists from Walpole Island First Nation and Caldwell First Nation for the Gordie Howe International Bridge project. Originally displayed at the bridge construction site, the murals have now found a permanent home at the museum. The event will feature a traditional smudging ceremony and Pow Wow circle, led by members of Walpole Island First Nation (Bkejwanong Territory). This is a free public event—everyone is welcome. Restoration and installation were made possible through the support of the WindsorEssex Community Foundation. | | Slow Cooker Texas Style Chili | Warm up your week with a bowl of Slow Cooker Texas-Style Chili, a rich and hearty shredded beef chili made with just 8 simple ingredients. This no-bean, no-fuss recipe is all about tender, saucy chunks of beef that fall apart with the touch of a fork. It’s the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings, especially when topped with sour cream, cheese, and a side of cornbread. Easy to prep and deeply satisfying, it’s a must-try for anyone craving bold, savory flavor. Click below to get the recipe! | | Spring Cleaning Tip of the Week | | Even though they only filter water, your coffee maker and tea kettle still need regular cleaning to keep your drinks tasting fresh. For your coffee maker, run a cycle with equal parts white vinegar and water, followed by two cycles with just water to rinse. To freshen up your tea kettle, boil a mix of equal parts white vinegar and water, let it sit for twenty minutes, then rinse thoroughly. A quick clean makes a big difference in every sip! | | Upcycled Mushroom Lantern | | This week’s DIY craft is the Upcycled Mushroom Lantern—a playful and eye-catching project that turns an ordinary drink bottle into a glowing piece of whimsical decor. With just a few basic materials like paint, paper, and LED tea lights, this beginner-friendly craft is a fun way to transform recyclables into something magical. The finished lantern gives off a warm, cozy glow and looks right at home on a shelf, as a centerpiece, or tucked into a reading nook. Whether you're adding a handmade touch to your home or creating a one-of-a-kind gift, this eco-conscious project brings creativity and charm to any space. Click the button below to begin crafting! | |
| If there were a county-wide talent show, what talent would you bring to the stage? | | | | |
UPDATE Last week's poll results:
If your life had a background soundtrack, what genre would it be?
Funky 70s disco - 21.9%
Acoustic folk - 18.8%
Broadway showtunes - 12.5%
Epic movie score - 12.5
Classical - 9.4%
Lo-fi chill beats - 9.4%
Indie rock - 9.4%
Jazz lounge - 6.3%
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