Laurie and Andrea decided to treat themselves to a tasty meal following their Aquafit class. The Mandarin buffet provided the perfect setting for them to relax and enjoy a variety of delicious items. A great way refuel and unwind together.
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Earlier this month, Nick had a fantastic celebration for his 33rd birthday alongside his housemate Ryan and his favorite pickleball coaches. The festivities continued when he got home, where he was delighted to celebrate further with his other housemates. It was a special occasion marked by good company, delicious treats and memorable moments. |
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Karen was invited to speak with the Honorable Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance, on Friday, November 24th, in Windsor. She addressed some of the challenges the sector is facing and requested additional financial resources to be reflected in the 2024-25 budget for agencies, people, and families. The agency will also provide a more comprehensive written submission to the Minister of Finance in January.
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From left to right: moderator Scott Blodgett, MPP Windsor-Tecumseh Andrew Dowie, and the Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy. |
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Another successful FREE Ensemble Caregiver event was enjoyed by all! On Saturday, November 25th, unpaid caregivers of adults with intellectual disabilities were treated to another free creative recreational activity. With the expert guidance provided by Lisa, owner of Crafty Nest Studio, families created decorative door hangings.
While we worked alongside one another, we shared life experiences and gave one another coping tips. In this unique setting, removed from home responsibilities, we were free to communicate with others who live similar lives. Nothing was held back!
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Ensemble is planning our next free caregiver activity and will be announcing it in the coming weeks. If you haven’t participated in one of our events that reward caregivers for their amazing contributions to the lives of others, you are really missing a unique connecting opportunity. It’s hard to imagine NOT accessing such rewarding outings. If FREE interactive activities are given to caregivers and you don’t take advantage of them - who loses? Your adult family member with intellectual disabilities counts on you to help them achieve a life of possibilities. You owe it to them and to yourself to get out there and to CONNECT!
Ensemble looks forward to you CONNECTING with us to become part of our next Caregiver Appreciation event. Get in touch! Get connected!
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There are lots of holiday celebrations in Essex County for families like this one at John R Park Homestead. Click HERE for tickets. |
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Enjoy holiday offerings!🎉
Marilyn, Ensemble Family Consultant, and the Advisory Committee
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New Day is having a Christmas Party on December 15th, from 11 am - 1 pm at the Kingsville Lions Club. The cost is $5 to attend, and this includes pizza, water and cupcakes. We will also be collecting canned goods to donate to a local food bank. Wear your festive outfits and be ready to play some games and have some fun!
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Below is a must watch video from the Speaking Out Conference. This is an inspiring glimpse of what the Speaking Out Conference is all about and what it means to the people who attend. The funds raised by New Day contributed to sending individuals to this conference and other opportunities for self-advocacy. |
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On Sunday December 3rd, New Day will celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Keep an eye out on our Facebook page and other social media to view New Day's video which highlights people with disabilities living their best life.
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An Update from Career Compass |
Kirby creates beautiful handmade cards for all occasions. Her next event is a FREE event taking place on Sunday, December 3rd from 9 am - 4 pm at the Fogolar Furlan Club in Windsor. There will be over 80 vendors offering a multitude of holiday gifts. Come out and say hello and pick up some holiday cards!
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On Sale Now! Holly Jolly Jackpot Raffle! |
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Get ready for holiday magic with Community Living Essex County's Holly Jolly Jackpot Raffle! The proceeds will help Community Living Essex County provide accessible transportation to children, youth and adults to be active and engaged in their community! |
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Tickets are $25 each or 3 for $60. |
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Check out the
fabulous prizes!
- 2nd Prize: $2,000 in gift cards
- 3rd Prize: 70” Samsung TV
- Early Bird Prize: Apple AirPods
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There are ONLY 1,500 tickets available, so act fast! Tickets are now available to purchase in person at our office, located at 372 Talbot St. N. in Essex, at holiday events across Windsor-Essex County, or ordered online at www.communitylivingessex.org.
The early bird draw will take place Wednesday, December 13th, and the main raffle draw will be held on Friday, January 19th. Your ticket isn't just a chance to win big; it's a ticket to make a difference in the lives of others during this season of giving. Let the joyous countdown to the Holly Jolly Jackpot begin!
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Thank you to our sponsor! |
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For a limited time only – DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT!
Libro Credit Union is matching all donations up to $6000!
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Giving Tuesday is here! Make an impact in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities this holiday season with a donation that will be matched, dollar for dollar by Libro Credit Union (thank you Libro!).
100% of Giving Tuesday proceeds will go toward the purchase of technology, such as smartphones, tablets, apps, and wearables, to help people we support develop skills, take part in virtual supports, and stay connected with friends and family.
All donations made to Community Living Essex County until Sunday, December 31st will be matched up to a maximum of $6,000. This year our goal is $12,000 – help us beat it!
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Inadequate funding is threatening Developmental Services and the people who rely on them. Join us in calling on the Government of Ontario to provide an immediate 5% increase to base funding, including Passport and Special Services at Home! #5ToSurvive |
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You can also amplify our request by participating in the following ways. Community Living Ontario has created template letters to MPPs in both English and French that you can download and modify — we do ask that you keep the key messages intact, but feel free to add your local pressures to the letter, along with your signature. Click the links below to download. If possible, please connect with your MPP and attempt to get a meeting by the end of November. Tell them about how the lack of core funding is impacting you and/or the people you support. To date, Community Living Ontario's members have collectively reached out to over 50 MPPs (and counting). Let's keep going until every MPP in Ontario has heard the demands!
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Provide Feedback on Canada's Disability Benefit |
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The Government of Canada is aware that many Canadians with disabilities need the additional financial support the benefit will provide. The intent is to move forward as fast as possible with the regulatory development process, while also ensuring that all Canadians, especially Canadians with disabilities, have an opportunity to provide their feedback and input into the design of regulations for the benefit.
Share your views regarding eligibility criteria, the Benefit amount, applications and payments, and more by clicking the link below. You have until December 21, 2023 to provide your feedback.
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Discover the festive holiday light displays across Windsor-Essex County. Use the links provided below to learn more about the beautiful winter lighting displays and find details on how you can experience them firsthand. It's a great way to enjoy the holiday season and explore the creative displays in your community. |
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Sensory Santa at Devonshire Mall |
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Experience Sensory Santa at Devonshire Mall on Sunday, December 3rd, from 9 am to 10:30 am. This special event is designed to offer a sensory-friendly visit and take photos with Santa. While reservations are suggested, walk-ups are also accepted. Please use the Hakim Optical entrance for easy access to this inclusive and comfortable holiday experience.
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WindsorEats Holiday Night Market |
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This weekly holiday night market is happening every Thursday in November and December from 5 pm to 9 pm. The market will take place on the WindsorEats patio, creating a cozy atmosphere for guests to shop with warm drinks in hand. The market will feature both outdoor and indoor spaces, and entertainment. This festive weekly event is held at 400 Erie St. E., in Windsor. |
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Amherstburg Winter Market |
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Discover the perfect holiday gifts at the Amherstburg Winter Market on Saturday, December 2nd, from 10 am to 8 pm. Located in the parking lot behind Dan Gemus and Downtown Espresso Cafe, the market offers various food and product vendors and is FREE to attend. Enjoy the small-town festive atmosphere while you shop for the holiday season.
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55th Annual Windsor Santa Claus Parade
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Celebrate the holiday season in Windsor on December 2nd, with the 55th Annual Windsor Santa Claus Parade. The parade starts at 6 pm on Ouellette Avenue, stretching from Wyandotte to Riverside, and Riverside West to Caron Avenue. You can enjoy the parade commentary from the broadcast location on Riverside Drive.
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Light up your bike and join Winter Wheels Riders for a Holiday Glow Ride on December 8th, leaving from the Bike Kitchen located at 862 Walker Rd, in Windsor at 6 pm. This will be a slow ride about 10 kms, weather dependent, and no rider is left behind.
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Decorating Disney - Holiday Magic |
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This documentary, hosted and narrated by Whoopi Goldberg, explores the transformation of Disney into a festive wonderland during the holiday season. It reveals behind-the-scenes insights and secrets about the process of turning the most magical place on earth into the merriest place on earth. The documentary is now streaming on Disney+. |
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In Week Eight of Throwback Thursday, we're amplifying the excitement with a captivating snapshot featuring five wonderful people. Join us in reliving the stories and connections that make our history so vibrant. Keep a keen eye on your newsletter for a weekly dose of nostalgia and connection! |
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Four Eco-Friendly Bird Feeder Crafts |
These bird feeders are made entirely out of biodegradable materials, so even if it gets carried away by a pesky critter, you know that it won't hurt the environment. Click the link below to find out how to make one or all of these bird feeders. |
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Chocolate-Covered Cheese with Black Sea Salt |
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Quick and versatile, these appetizers are made by dipping cubes of aged cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese in melted bittersweet chocolate, then sprinkling them with black sea salt. |
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Laughter is the Best Medicine |
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When it comes to wintery weather:
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I absolutely love it, can't wait for the first big snowfall!
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I very much dislike the snow and winter!
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Do you shop for Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals?
Yes, in person. ~ 20%
Yes, but only online. ~ 47%
No way! ~ 33%
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