As we gather to give thanks this season, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all of you—our incredible employees, supporters, volunteers, and community members. Your unwavering commitment helps us empower individuals with disabilities to live their fullest lives. This Thanksgiving, let’s celebrate the unique strengths and talents of every person we serve, as together we create a more inclusive and compassionate world. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and meaningful Thanksgiving filled with warmth, love, and gratitude! | |
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month | |
NDEAM, or National Disability Employment Awareness Month, is an annual October celebration that recognizes the valuable contributions of people with disabilities to businesses and communities. The initiative aims to raise knowledge, awareness, and understanding of disability to dismantle barriers, stereotypes, and misconceptions. This year, Canadian landmarks and businesses will light up in purple and blue to commemorate this important cause, fostering inclusivity and support for individuals with disabilities across the nation. This month, Community Living Essex County and our Employment Services, Career Compass, are encouraging everyone to participate in their own way! You can wear purple and blue, decorate your house or workplace in purple and blue, bake purple and blue treats or display purple and blue balloons outside! Submit your photos using the link below and we will share them on our social media channels this month. | |
Max loves spending his time visiting farms and seeing different kinds of animals. This summer, he enjoyed visiting local dairy farms, a chicken farm, and a bunny farm. He also likes spending time at Colasanti's petting zoo and recently took a trip to the Toledo Zoo, where he even got to feed a giraffe. | |
Ben has recently enjoyed drawing with chalk outside, and he loves Disney and Pixar movies. Together with his support worker, he decided to combine both of those passions by creating balloons from Disney Pixar's movie "Up" to make it seem like Ben is flying away! Ben also loves all holidays, and with Halloween approaching, he picked out a scary mask to show his Halloween spirit. | |
The Miracle League's fall session is in full swing, and this past week marked the second-to-last game of the season. In an exciting twist, Sonic made an appearance, bringing fresh energy and enthusiasm to the field. As the season draws to a close, everyone is looking forward to the final game, promising a day filled with celebration and memorable moments. | |
Isaac and Dom had a great time on a recent beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon washing the van inside and out. They enjoyed the warm weather, sharing laughs as they scrubbed and rinsed, making the van sparkle. It was a fun way to spend the day and work together! | |
Jingle Bell Run, Walk, & Wheel - Registration Now Open! | |
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JOIN US SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10
AT KEN KNAPP FORD IN ESSEX!
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Join us on Sunday, November 10, at Ken Knapp Ford in Essex for the 30th anniversary of the Jingle Bell Run, Walk & Wheel! This festive event supports Community Living Essex County and offers a variety of options: a 2km or 5km walk/run, and a Little Elf Run for kids 6 and under.
Participants receive a commemorative medal and a 30th-anniversary sweatshirt. You can join individually or as part of a team, and festive attire is encouraged!
Entry Fees:
- Adults: $40
- Ages 7-13: $25
- Little Elf Run: FREE (starts at 9:45 am)
Registration Deadlines:
- Online: Until 4 pm on Nov. 5
- In-person: Until 4:30 pm on Nov. 5 at Ken Knapp Ford
- Race Day: 8 am to 9:30 am (No timed results for late entries)
Race Kit Pick-Up:
- November 8 & 9: 10 am to 4 pm
- Race Day: 8 am to 9:30 am
Support a great cause even if you can't participate—donate to Community Living Essex County! Prizes will be awarded for the highest pledge amounts. No pets allowed (only working service dogs). A special thank you to Ken Knapp Ford in Essex for their ongoing support of this inclusive community fundraising event!
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Click the link below to register for the Jingle Bell Run, Walk, & Wheel. | |
Prize awarded for top pledge amount! Click the link below to download the pledge form. | |
Click the link below to donate to Community Living Essex County. | |
RUBY - Personal Safety and Assault Prevention Workshop | |
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Community Living Essex County is offering a free virtual workshop designed for teens and young women with intellectual disabilities. This 4-session workshop will cover crucial topics such as personal boundaries, self-respect, healthy relationships, and recognizing different types of assault and violence. The workshop is open to women aged 16 and up. There are 8 spots available, so be sure to register early. Registration ends on October 31st. To sign up, click the flyer or the button below to register on My Community Hub.
Please contact Lisa Wallace at lisaw@communitylivingessex.org if you have any questions.
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The WEFN and the Enhancing Support for Education Committee have launched an Inclusive Educator Award, allowing students and their families to nominate educators at their schools for recognition as the Inclusive Educator of the Month. Nominations will be accepted until the 21st of each month, after which they will be anonymized for review by the Enhancing for Education Committee. The selected winner will receive a gift bag, along with a gift for the nominating student. WEFN encourages ongoing nominations throughout the year and invites agencies to donate items for the winners. Additionally, WEFN is promoting inclusivity through a fundraiser featuring a set of board books titled "Lovely as Can Be," created by an author with a physical disability. These books aim to spread awareness of diversity and inclusion in various community settings. Orders for the books can be placed through the WEFN website, and they make great holiday gifts for young families. | |
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New Day is thrilled to announce that Brianne Taggart has been elected to the Council of Community Living Ontario. Drawing on her valuable experience from serving on the New Day Executive, Brianne is turning her dream into reality.
The Council of Community Living Ontario is made up of 12 self-advocates from across the province. Together with Community Living Ontario’s Board of Directors, they collaborate to address crucial issues such as poverty, safe and affordable housing, human rights, and barriers to quality healthcare.
Congratulations, Brianne!
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New Day had a fantastic time at this year’s Ruthven Apple Festival! Their interactive booth focused on community engagement and featured fun games with opportunities to win gift cards. They also delighted festival-goers with delicious caramel apple suckers.
A special congratulations went to the contest winners: Michelle Chauvin, who came closest in the gumball jar contest, and Rylie, the coloring page winner. New Day extends their gratitude to everyone who participated!
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New Day, Leaders of Today are proud to be assisting with the upcoming Speaking Out Conference. This conference is for people with intellectual disabilities affiliated with Community Living organizations. The conference will host up to 180 self advocates who take the lead in facilitating workshops on a variety of topics. It gives people an opportunity to connect with many different people throughout Ontario.
Every year gifts of door prizes enhance the conference experience and New Day always attempts to collect enough door prizes for every participant. If you can contribute a door prize or know a business who would be interested in helping, please email New Day at newday@communitylivingessex.org.
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As New Day prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary, they have updated their logo to a more modern design. Along with the new logo comes new merchandise, including t-shirts now available for $20. Those interested in purchasing a t-shirt can email newday@communitylivingessex.org to arrange payment and pickup. | |
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We are now well on our way into the fall season. October is here and this weekend many Canadians will get together with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving.
Preparations will be made by everyone for dinners that include favourite dishes. Invitations will be extended to people we only see on special occasions.
For families that include individuals with intellectual disabilities there are additional considerations to be made. Being in different settings with people that are rarely seen requires advance planning to ensure everyone is as comfortable as possible.
An article which gives an overview of what to expect: for the individual with special needs, the host and the invited guests —will give you some possible scenarios and some ideas for advance planning.
Not everyone will want to participate in the festivities. Is this a bad thing? Of course not! As you know, each family plays their days one day at a time— sometimes—one hour at a time! There are many personalities, young and old, that need to be considered.
As we prepare to give THANKS for so many privileges in our lives, let’s not forget that life is not the same for everyone—each of us has unique circumstances. Let’s not let our realities interfere with the joys we may experience—even if they are different from those of others!
Special dates are full of memories- some good and some we’d like to forget. 😊This Thanksgiving we wish you a day of your choice— as elaborate as a sit down turkey dinner or as simple as pizza on a paper plate.
Wishing you and your family a delicious, stress free day of sunshine, laughter and thankfulness!
Happy happy day!
Marilyn
Ensemble Family Consultant and the Advisory Committee
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Career Compass Employer Referral Program | |
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! | |
Upcoming DSO Virtual Presentation | |
Developmental Services Ontario will be hosting a free virtual presentation about the eCLAIM process on Thursday, October 24th, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. This presentation will focus on how to use eCLAIM to submit invoices and receipts and receive reimbursements quickly. There will also be a question period where participants can get answers in real-time about any part of the eCLAIM process. Click the button below to register. | |
P4P Webcast: Microboards - Sustaining Your Future | |
Join P4P Planning Network for an informative, free webcast about Microboards taking place on October 16th, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Microboards offer a unique approach to empowering people with disabilities by harnessing the collective support of family and friends. Through Microboards, people with disabilities actively direct their lives, making crucial decisions with the backing of a dedicated team. Karen Bell of Microboards Ontario will shed light on this empowering model in an upcoming webcast, inviting families to explore its suitability for their needs, followed by a live Q&A session. | |
Family Support Network Workshop: Trauma Informed Care | |
The Family Support Network is hosting a free 2-week, in-person workshop for caregivers on the topic of Trauma Informed Care. This workshop will teach caregivers the importance of recognizing signs and symptoms of trauma and the effect trauma has on mental health. Attendees will learn how to promote healing, resiliency, and coping skills in those they provide care for. Registration is required by October 21st. Snacks and beverages will be provided. If you are interested, please call 519-352-1147 ext. 250 or email njansen@clc-k.ca to register. | |
Join in for the last session of Coco’s FREE 4-part Outdoor Yoga Series! Led by the talented and experienced instructor, Coco, these inclusive sessions cater to all. Stretch, strengthen, and find zen amidst nature at Optimist Park. No registration required; Just bring your yoga mat. Namaste! | |
Download the Tourism Windsor-Essex & Pelee Island Fall Event Guide to discover the most exciting and enjoyable fall events in Windsor Essex this season. Use it as your checklist to explore attractions and activities that capture the essence of fall before the holiday season arrives! Click the link below to view the guide and start enjoying all that the #YQG has to offer! | |
Thanksgiving Dinner Guide | |
This Thanksgiving, families and friends can gather without the hassle of cooking, thanks to this comprehensive Thanksgiving Dinner Guide. This guide features a curated list of local businesses offering delicious, ready-to-enjoy meals. From traditional turkey feasts to delightful side dishes and mouthwatering desserts, it provides everything needed for a memorable holiday. The guide makes it easy to discover the perfect Thanksgiving dinner options to suit every taste and budget—allowing everyone to celebrate the season of gratitude without stepping into the kitchen! | |
Get ready for a thrilling Halloween season in Windsor Essex! The Halloween Guide is the ultimate resource for finding the best haunted attractions, eerie events, and family-friendly activities throughout the region. Explore all the must-see sights and spine-tingling experiences this Halloween! Click the button below to access the Halloween Event Guide. | |
Downtown Windsor Farmers Market: Harvest Fest | |
The Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market Harvest Fest will take place on Saturday, October 12, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Pelissier Street (between Wyandotte and Park Streets). This fall-themed celebration offers a fantastic opportunity for vendors, artists, crafters, artisans, and community groups to showcase their unique fall-inspired products and activities. | |
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Pucks and Paws Night:
Windsor Spitfires Vs. Oshawa Generals
| The Pucks and Paws event invites dog owners to bring their furry friends to watch the Spitfires take on the Generals while supporting the Windsor/Essex Humane Society. Attendees can enjoy a tail-wagging good time cheering on the Spits, and the first 100 dogs will receive a branded gift from the Windsor Spitfires. Click the link below to purchase tickets. | Leamington Raceway Thanksgiving Race Day | On Sunday, October 13, Leamington Raceway invites families and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving with a special day of harness racing and holiday festivities. Attendees can enjoy live races set against a backdrop of autumn colors while indulging in seasonal treats and participating in Thanksgiving-themed activities for all ages. With a full schedule of races and family-friendly contests, this event offers a unique way to spend the holiday, fostering community spirit and excitement. Mark your calendars for a memorable Thanksgiving filled with fun, tradition, and racing at the Leamington fairgrounds, starting at 1:00 PM. Click the link below to visit the event website. | Kingsville Migration Festival | The 55th annual Migration Festival will take place from Thursday, October 17th to Sunday, October 20th in Kingsville, celebrating migration, heritage, nature conservation, and the legacy of Jack Miner. The Jack Miner Migratory Bird Sanctuary will host various activities throughout the weekend, inviting the community to participate in the festivities. Additionally, free transportation to Migration Festival events is available for those with mobility challenges, courtesy of Patterson Medical Transportation; rides can be booked by emailing info@pattersontaxi.com or calling (226) 777-9105. Click the link below to visit the event website. | |
Stretching at the Stables Fundraiser | |
Join the community for the Stretching at the Stables Yoga Fundraiser, taking place at the Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association on Friday, October 25th, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. This inclusive event, open to everyone, costs $15 and features adaptive and modified yoga accessible to all. Please bring your own yoga mat if you plan to practice on the ground. Tickets will be available at the door. Cash payments only. Receipts can be provided. The event will go on rain or shine. | |
Pork Chops with Brown Butter-Pumpkin Sauce | |
This recipe is sure to help you reimagine the possibilities of pumpkin, promising to become a favorite fall dinner. Boneless pork chops are bathed in warm spices, seared, and then simmered in an ultra-savory pumpkin and brown butter sauce. It’s one of the coziest meals anyone will enjoy all season. | |
Create charming Pilgrim Napkin Rings to add a festive touch to your Thanksgiving table! This DIY craft features simple materials that transform into delightful napkin holders, shaped like traditional Pilgrim hats. Perfect for all ages, these napkin rings not only serve a practical purpose but also spark conversation and enhance the holiday spirit. Gather your supplies and get ready to craft a memorable centerpiece that celebrates the spirit of gratitude and togetherness! | |
| Which of these side dishes would make or break Thanksgiving dinner? | | | |
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What’s your favorite fall tradition?
Thanksgiving dinner with family and/or friends - 42.6%
Apple picking - 14.8%
Baking traditional fall treats - 11.5%
I don't really have a fall tradition - 11.5%
Hosting/attending a costume party - 8.2%
Halloween decorating - 6.6%
Visiting a pumpkin patch - 4.9%
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