Cruisin' at Sunsplash

Scott enjoyed walking around and getting a close-up look at all his favorite cars at the annual car show during Belle River's Sunsplash Festival weekend.

Discovering St. Jacobs Market

Tim and Janice had a great time shopping at the St. Jacob’s Market this past weekend! St. Jacob's Market is a vibrant hub for locals and tourists alike, known for its wide variety of fresh produce, artisanal goods, crafts, and unique shopping experiences.

Friends, Food, and Fun

Kevin, Stephen, Larry, and Ray recently enjoyed a delicious backyard barbecue lunch. They had a wonderful time with good friends on this beautiful day and look forward to doing it again soon.

Riverside Retreat

Bryan and Nick enjoying a nice walk by the river at Reaume Park in Windsor. Reaume Park was designed for relaxation, recreation and as a place of civic pride.

A Heartfelt Tribute

Crystal spent several years growing her hair out to donate to cancer patients in honor of her loving mother. She donated her hair to local organization, Transition to Betterness.

Career Compass: A Random Act of Kindness

MD Motivator, a popular social media influencer in Windsor, recently posted a video featuring an employer (Macro Foods) who works with Career Compass. The video also includes Ben, an employee of Macro Foods in Windsor. Ben has been connected to Career Compass for years and is a past recipient of the Jeremy Hart Bursary Award.

Anthony Leardi's Visit

Last week, we welcomed Essex MPP Anthony Leardi to Community Living Essex County for a tour of three of our 24-hour support locations. The tour focused on supported housing locations for people with intellectual disabilities, highlighting three 24-hour supported living homes. Pictured above is Rick, along with Anthony Leardi and Karen Bolger.


The home featured in this photo was designed for three people with intellectual disabilities. It features wide hallways, rounded corners, a wheelchair-accessible washroom with a roll-in shower, and grade-level entrances. We also discussed the growing need for affordable, accessible housing for people receiving Supported Independent Living Supports. The current lack of affordable housing poses a significant barrier for people with intellectual disabilities, preventing them from securing stable, supportive housing, leading fulfilling lives, and contributing to their community.


We are so fortunate to have amazing employees who provide continuous, personalized supports aligned with each person’s choices. Support is tailored to meet the person's needs and preferences, promoting empowerment and quality of life.

New Day - Speaking Out Conference

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.

As you can see from the highlighted, printable pages below; Ensemble - Essex County - is not the only family driven resource group. Families everywhere with intellectually disabled young adults all deal with the same need to actively connect and plan.


The tip sheets below are a resource provided by Parents Helping Parents (PHP). This very well established American family support network looks at available resources within California.


I find it is always a bonus to see what resources are highlighted in other parts of the world. Although they may be region specific they can be a starting point as you search for similar supports within our area. Simple adjustments to the charts will make it Ontario focused.


I highly recommend Parents Helping Parents, www.PHP.com as a valuable source of resources. Check out their website. Their virtual and in person offerings, educational resources and recreational activities may get you inspired to create something similar in our area.


Ensemble is always receptive to considering what families would like to see. Why not explore what’s happening in California and then let us know how we could collaboratively help create something that would meet Essex County families’ needs?


Working together families can plan and create futures of possibilities for their children young and adult!


Happy reading! Keep in touch!


www.ensembleunderstands.com

Marilyn- Ensemble Family Consultant and the Advisory Committee 

CLICK FOR PRINTABLE VERSION

In-Person Workshop: Building Brighter Futures

Join us on Monday, August 19th 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. for a FREE youth workshop hosted by Re:Action4inclusion, Community Living Windsor, and Community Living Essex County. During this event, there will be three educational workshops for youth focusing on: Mindfulness, Inclusive Education, and Mental Health in the Workplace. Through several interactive activities and discussions with passionate guest speakers, youth will discover strategies for taking care of their mental health at home, school, and in the workplace. They will also discuss the meaning of inclusive education and learn how they can help foster more inclusive schools and communities. This event is for youth between the ages of 13-29 of all abilities. We are also extending the invitation to family members of youth who are attending the event. If you have any questions, please contact Leshona Lennard, Youth and Community Engagement Coordinator with Community Living Ontario, at llennard@communitylivingontario.ca.

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Career Compass Employer Referral Program

CLICK HERE TO REFER A BUSINESS

Order Your CLEC Merchandise Today!

Only a few days left for the Employee Appreciation Flash Sale. Receive 25% off by entering the discount code "EMPLOYEEAPPRECIATION" at checkout. Sale ends on July 28th.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER ONLINE
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A REFERRAL FOR A CHANCE TO WIN $150!

Kingsville Pro Rodeo

Get ready for the ultimate rodeo experience! The Kingsville Pro Rodeo event promises a weekend packed with exciting performances, unforgettable moments, and engaging activities for all ages. Enjoy nail-biting action that will keep you on the edge of your seat all weekend long. Don't miss out on the excitement! Click the button below to purchase your tickets.

CLICK TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Tecumseh Twilight

Team Goran RE/MAX Care Realty presents TECUMSEH TWILIGHT at McAuliffe Park on July 26th, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Enjoy a Classic Car Show sponsored by Steven Wilder Law, food trucks, kids' activities like face painting and lawn games, and live music by Carson Janik. Wrap up the evening with a screening of "Monsters Inc." at sunset. Feel free to bring your lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the outdoor movie. Parking will be limited; consider using the free bike valet by Bike Windsor-Essex. Click the button below to visit the event website and learn more.

CLICK TO VISIT EVENT WEBSITE

Game Night

Are you looking for something to do this summer? Come join us for a Game Night on our patio on Friday, July 26th! Grab a group of friends and enjoy all that we have to offer, including a movie at dusk. This is a free admission event and everyone is welcome to join! Click the link below to the event website.

CLICK TO VISIT EVENT WEBSITE

Disco Inferno

Hustle over to the Disco Inferno on July 26th for a groovy night celebrating their One Year Anniversary! Step into the 70s, 80s, and 90s with electrifying disco and retro anthems, a champagne toast, and complimentary appetizers from 9 p.m. - 11 p.m. Dress in your finest disco outfits and make it a night to remember! Click the button below to purchase tickets.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Windsor Symphony Orchestra: Free Summer Concerts

Join the Windsor Symphony Orchestra for a free summer concert at a park near you! This week, the concert will take place at the Sunset Amphitheater, located at Seacliff Park in Leamington. on Saturday, July 27th from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Bring your own lawn chair, blanket, and picnic basket, and enjoy some great music in the outdoors. Click the button below to visit the event website.

CLICK TO VISIT EVENT WEBSITE

Music Moves Kids Presents: Matilda the Musical Mini

Join Music Moves Kids for the Theatre Camps performance of "Matilda the Musical Mini" on Saturday, July 27th, starting at 7:00 p.m. at UMEI High School in Leamington. Experience lively music, fun dance moves, and the antics of revolting children in this entertaining musical presented by a talented group of kids. Tickets will be available at the door: $10 for adults and $5 for children.

Inspirational Words

Recipe of the Week:

Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese

Say hello to an epic mash-up: sloppy Joes and grilled cheese combined into one! Savory ground meat cooked with garlic and onion, sandwiched between toasted bread slices, slathered with cheese, and grilled to perfection. Click the button below for the recipe.

CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE

Meme of the Week

DIY Craft

Painted Pebble Cacti

Make your own indoor garden without the mess of leaves and potting soil by creating your own faux cactus. These painted cacti are super adorable and super easy to make. You'll wonder why you didn't think of doing this before.

CLICK TO VIEW TUTORIAL

Weekly Poll Question

What does your ideal breakfast consist of?
Just coffee/tea
Eggs, bacon, sausages, hash browns, toast
Pancakes/waffles & syrup, fruit
A bowl of cereal
I don't do breakfast

Last Week's Poll Results

If you were in charge of planning a night out with your friends, what are you choosing?

 

A rock concert - 14.7%

A night at the casino - 5.9%

Bar hopping - 4.4%

Having a nice dinner at your favorite restaurant - 25%

A backyard bonfire - 36.8%

A comedy club - 13.2%


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