Pat and Dani had a fantastic time at the Tecumseh Corn Fest. There were lots of fun activities and tasty food, making it a day to remember. They even got to take a photo with Miss Tecumseh 2024, which made their day even more special! | |
Fall Festivities at Colasanti’s | |
The children at Maplewood Respite had a wonderful time exploring the new fall decorations at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens. The vibrant autumn displays made their visit both special and enjoyable, setting the perfect mood and helping everyone get excited for the fall season. | |
Brianna rang in her 26th birthday surrounded by her housemates, who made the occasion extra special with a thoughtful gift. She was delighted to unwrap a stunning poster of her favorite Full House family, perfect for brightening up her bedroom and adding a touch of nostalgia to her living space. | |
2024 MCSS Compliance Results | |
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We are pleased to share that our 2024 MCCSS compliance inspection has concluded, following a 2-week period of review of the Agency’s performance against 281 Legislative and Regulatory Quality Assurance Measures (QAM).
This fulsome review included inspection of the following:
- 73 individual records of people we support were reviewed
- 42 staff files
- 19 support locations
- 11 board member files
- Two 3rd Party contracts
- ISS/Supported Independent Living Services
- Respite Supports
We are incredibly proud to share that the Agency was found to be compliant with 277 of the 281 Quality Assurance Measures (98.5%). Congratulations to everyone!
The areas of non-compliance were relatively minor, with little impact as it relates to the outstanding support provided to the people we serve.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to everyone for their outstanding contribution, leading to exceptional organizational performance in this review!
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Apple Festival Sign Squad | |
Tom and Ron are busy placing signs throughout the county in preparation for the upcoming Ruthven Apple Festival. Their hard work is helping to make sure that Essex County is buzzing with excitement and ready for the big event. | |
Ruthven Apple Festival Volunteer Positions Available Now! | |
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We have a variety of fun volunteer positions available, guaranteed to get you in the fall spirit! Click the button below to let us know which area you prefer to volunteer in, along with your availability! Someone from our organization will reach out to you to confirm your volunteer shift(s).
Farmers Market
Dates: Saturday, September 28 and Sunday, September 29
Times: Varity of timeslots between 8 AM to 6 PM
Duties Include:
- Set-up & clean-up
- Loading apples and other produce
- Bagging & selling produce
- Accept cash, debit and credit payments
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Donation Tent
Dates: Saturday, September 28 and Sunday, September 29
Times: Variety of timeslots between 8 AM to 6 PM
Duties Include:
- Set-up & clean-up
- Assist with the sale of raffle tickets for a variety of prize baskets
- Accept cash, debit and credit payments
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Apple Festival Merchandise & Coffee Tent
Dates: Saturday, September 28 and Sunday, September 29
Times: Variety of timeslots between 8 AM to 6 PM
Duties Include:
- Set-up & clean-up
- Assist with the sale of Ruthven Apple Festival clothing & coffee
- Accept cash, debit and credit payments
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Festival Entrance & Admission
Dates: Saturday, September 28 and Sunday, September 29
Times: Variety of timeslots between 8 AM to 6 PM
Duties Include:
- Set-up & clean-up
- Help to guide attendees to entrance points
- Provide information about Community Living Essex County and answer questions about the festival
- Accept cash, debit and credit donations from attendees
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Classic Car Show
Dates: Sunday, September 29
Times: between 8AM to 4PM
Duties Include:
- Set-up & clean-up, including garbage clean-up
- Assist with vehicle registration
- Help guide cars to parking areas
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Did you know? Proceeds from this fundraiser help Community Living Essex County maintain and purchase accessible vehicles. | |
Apple Festival Merchandise Available Now! | |
Get ready for the Ruthven Apple Festival with exclusive merchandise available on the Apple Festival website! Choose from a range of festive apparel for all ages and limited-edition collectibles that capture the spirit of the event. All online orders can be picked up at the Community Living Essex County office, and you’ll receive an email when your order is ready. Merchandise will also be available for purchase at the Ruthven Apple Festival on September 28 and 29, while supplies last! Click the link below to explore and celebrate in style! | |
New Day - Speaking Out Conference | |
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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 you navigate the new season with preparations for school, gardens, community outreach, volunteer opportunities, approaching fun celebrations and holiday planning; you will quickly learn that planning is essential. As you restart and introduce your old and new routines, you will be pulled in many directions.
Family dynamics demand that we multitask. Don’t take on too much too soon! Your child or young adult will quickly let you know if too much is being thrown at them. Wondering why mornings are stressful?
Maybe resisting waking up is a sign that they are overtired? Or maybe they’re dreading participating in another end of day activity that YOU selected for them?
In today’s fast paced, electronically over connected world we all need “downtime”. Why not let your kids return home and just “chill”? Give them time to connect with themselves and their surroundings. Slowing down allows them to explore options that they can find right in their own home space. Let them learn to use their imaginations.
We all need to become self motivated and self sufficient.
As the week progresses at a slower, more thoughtful pace, the weekend’s unstructured time can be a reward opportunity. Get out and take advantage of activities that are fun, taking place in your community!
The Windsor Family Network is pleased to invite you and your family to some upcoming events. They are another community resource for families of kids young and old who have intellectual disabilities. Why not widen your family support network?
The rewards you receive for being aware of your family’s dynamics will make multitasking a piece of cake!
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Outdoor Accessibility Fest-For-All | |
We're excited to be an exhibitor at Friday's Outdoor Accessibility Fest-For-All event! This festival in Colchester will highlight accessibility-focused activities and exhibits from local organizations, municipalities, and businesses in Essex County and Windsor. Highlights include adaptive rowing, fitness classes, basketball, and a workout session with SueSanity Pound Fitness. The event is free and features a raffle. Attendees should bring a water bottle for the filling station provided and can use the quiet space and charging stations available. For more details, click the link provided. | |
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 Presentations | |
Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) is hosting a free virtual presentation with representatives from the Canada Revenue Agency on taxes and benefits. The presentation will take place on on Friday, September 20th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The topics covered will include the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), benefits, credits, deductions, and programs that are dependent on a valid DTC certificate, the Canada Caregiver Credit, the Ontario Trillium Benefit, and ways to do your taxes. If you’re interested, you can register by clicking the button below. | |
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 7th. 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. | |
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! | |
You may have noticed that days are getting a bit shorter and nights cooler but the weather is just perfect to head into the nearest orchard or field and pick your favourite local produce. With the arrival of Fall comes a variety of local produce to choose from and apples are one of our favourites! Apple picking is an annual ritual for many families in Windsor Essex so make sure to check out the 2024 Pick Your Own Guide. Whether you pick your own or purchase them from the fruit stand, you certainly won’t be disappointed in the bounty from Essex County. | |
Nature in Motion: Monarch Migration Hike | |
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As thousands of monarch butterflies embark on their epic journey to Mexico, Parks Canada invites participants to be a part of the adventure! The hike will begin with a shuttle ride to the southernmost point, followed by a 1km hike, in hopes of witnessing the incredible spectacle of monarchs as they gather at this final Canadian stop before heading south.
During the hike, insights into the monarchs' migration patterns, lifecycle, and the significance of the region in their journey will be shared. Participants will also count monarchs, contributing valuable data to conservation efforts aimed at protecting this magnificent species. This is an opportunity to join in witnessing the beauty of nature in motion!
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The Caboto Club Grape Fest is making a grand return from September 13th to 15th, at the Caboto Club. This three-day festival will offer a variety of activities including live music, delicious food, local wines, and traditional contests like Grape Stomping and Spaghetti Eating. Friday and Saturday evenings are for adults, featuring a lively atmosphere with entertainment and a Fun Zone, while Sunday will be a family-friendly event with free admission for children under 12 and activities tailored for all ages. Click the link below to purchase tickets. | |
Each fall, bird watchers and nature enthusiasts from around the world gather at Holiday Beach Conservation Area, a top-ranked hawk-watching location in North America according to Audubon Magazine, to witness the breathtaking migration of tens of thousands of hawks and raptors. The Festival of Hawks, held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on September 14th & 15th, offers a range of free educational activities and nature-themed programming with admission. Attendees can enjoy raptor and hummingbird banding, adoptions, and live hawk displays conducted by experts from the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory, who support crucial species and population monitoring efforts. Click the link below to purchase tickets. | |
The 29th Annual Children’s Fest is one of the largest annual events of its kind in Essex County. Since its inception in 1995 as a project of the Rotary Club of Windsor, the event has attracted over 90,000 visitors from across the region, coming together to enjoy a weekend of activities and family fun. This year’s festival is set to be the biggest and best yet, and organizers hope for broad participation to ensure its success. All proceeds from the event will support the charitable projects of the Rotary Club of Windsor. Click the link below to visit the event website. | |
McGregor Columbian Club Dance Schedule | Get ready to hit the dance floor and enjoy an evening filled with music, fun, and great company. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just looking to have a good time, these monthly dances offer something for everyone. Come for the beats, stay for the fun, and bring your friends along! Mark your calendar and don’t miss out on the rhythm and joy. Dances will be held at the Columbian Club in McGregor from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the dates posted in the flyer above. | |
The Squires and Squirettes will host a Sunday Social at the Columbian Club in McGregor on Sunday, September 29th. Admission is free, and complimentary coffee and tea will be available as attendees enjoy games and the opportunity to meet new friends. All ages are welcome. For more information, email mcgregorsquirettes@gmail.com. | |
SlowCooker White Chicken Chili | |
It can't get any easier than a recipe that requires simply tossing everything into a slow cooker and letting it do the work. This satisfying chicken chili, made with broth and white beans instead of a tomato base, is no exception. This easy and delicious meal is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, offering a hearty and flavorful dish with minimal effort. | |
If you want to bring a touch of autumn into your home, this craft is perfect for you. This easy DIY project lets you create a beautiful fall leaf bowl in under 30 minutes. It's a fun way to infuse your space with the vibrant colors of the season. | |
| What’s your favorite way to enjoy Canadian maple syrup? | | | |
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What’s your favorite way to spend a day off?
Going on an adventure or excursion - 25.5%
Relaxing at home with a good book or movie - 25.5%
Spending time with family and friends - 19.1%
Working on a personal project or hobby - 12.8%
Spending the day shopping - 8.5%
Completing maintenance tasks around the house - 4.3%
Catching up on sleep - 4.3%
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