Welcome Corey, Our New Executive Director | |
We are excited to officially welcome Corey Dalgleish as the new Executive Director of Community Living Essex County. Corey brings a wealth of leadership experience, a strong commitment to person-centred services, and a passion for supporting people with intellectual disabilities to live meaningful lives in their communities.
Corey’s collaborative approach, innovative thinking, and dedication to our mission make him a great fit to lead us into the future. Please join us in extending a warm welcome and best wishes as he begins this important role.
| Mick participated in the Hogs for Hospice event held in Leamington earlier this month. As the club ambassador, he rode with his motorcycle club "On a Mission for a Mission", which raises donations for organizations in the community. Mick looks forward to attending the Hogs for Hospice event annually and contributing his time to volunteer. | | Last week, Cody and Jerry spent the afternoon exploring the John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area. They walked the grounds, took in views of Lake Erie, and visited the restored 19th-century buildings that make up the historic homestead. Along the way, they took their time to enjoy the quiet of the surrounding trails and gardens. It was a relaxing and informative visit, offering a chance to experience a piece of local history in a beautiful lakeside setting. | | Kevin, Paul, and Jeff spent an unforgettable day fishing with Simpers Fishing Charter this past weekend. Under clear skies and on a lively lake, the thrill of each catch added to the excitement of the adventure. The fish were biting, the laughs were plenty, and memories were made that will last a lifetime. One thing’s for sure—they’ll be back for another round! | |
Jurassic Joy at Lakeshore | Janine, a huge fan of the Jurassic Park series, was thrilled to see the latest installment at Lakeshore Theaters in Tecumseh last week. Her excitement was contagious as she fully immersed herself in the movie, enjoying every moment that the dinosaurs appeared on screen. For Janine, this wasn’t just another film—it was an experience she thoroughly enjoyed. | | Hot Wheels, Sun, and Weekend Fun | | Last weekend, during their stay at Maplewood Respite, Ryan and Colin had a great time exploring the Belle River Car Show. They enjoyed checking out the wide variety of vehicles on display and spending time together at the community event. It was a fun and memorable part of their weekend visit. | | An Update from Career Compass | | Brianna is marking her first year at Tim Hortons — congratulations on reaching this milestone! Career Compass is so proud to have her as part of the team and look forward to many more successful years ahead. Here’s to continued growth, great coffee, and plenty of smiles! | | |
-CHANGE IS A COMIN'-
As the dog days of summer wind down, many families are anticipating the return to school:
– elementary school, secondary school, or college.
For those with intellectual disabilities, there is usually added anxiety:
– who will the teachers be, will there be support staff, will I know anyone...? And on and on and on!
A big part of a successful school experience revolves around classmates. As parents, we strive to help our kids find "friends" that will enhance their days away from home. Their happiness is our happiness. 😍
Meeting teachers and support staff early in the school year will help ease everyone's transition. Teachers will get a firsthand look into your student's unique abilities. It will help them put their best foot forward to assist your child in achieving maximum success. It will reassure the teaching staff that, as a parent, you are there for them whenever they may need clarification and support. When teachers see parents as "team players," everyone benefits. This is the start of open, honest communication. You both need each other, and it is not a sign of weakness to admit this.
You've now opened the door to your child's educators and let them know you trust them and that they are valued. What about your ID family member? Time to prepare them for an exciting and rewarding school year—no matter what age they are! Fitting in is difficult for everyone, no matter their ability. Making trustworthy friends is a first step that has the potential to assist with school success and, for sure, will bring about contentment.
Two very useful charts that you can use over the next couple of weeks will ease the fear of finding new friends. The charts are in plain language for those who can read and in picture form for non-readers. As I reviewed them, I thought to myself, "This information could be used by everyone! 🤗" It's a wake-up call for each of us!
How to select a potential friend...
| | And then how to interact in a positive way...
| |
Unknowns are such a huge part of our lives! As family caregivers, we know how unnerving anticipating change can be. For those with intellectual disabilities (ID), routines make coping manageable. Change in the form of new circumstances and new routines, that include new acquaintances, is often overwhelming.
The new school year possesses all of the components of change. Why not help ease the fear of finding, making, and keeping friends—an "anticipated change" that can be a source of great happiness? You have 2 useful charts to share with your child/teenager/young adult. Take 5 minutes each day to chat about the charts—and when you go to meet the support staff and teachers—do them a favour and take copies of the charts. I know, as an educator, they'll give you 2 GOLD ⭐️⭐️ stars!
Have fun doing your homework!!
Happy days! 🤩
Marilyn,
Ensemble Family Consultant and the Advisory Committee
| | |
Cycling for Change: Lucas De Sousa’s
Mission in Motion
| | This August, dedicated Community Living volunteer and recent university graduate, Lucas De Sousa will complete his 7,300 km cycling journey across Canada, arriving at Cape Spear, Newfoundland. Lucas embarked on this self-funded, summer-long adventure to raise awareness about the rights of people with intellectual disabilities and to support Community Living London, Mississauga, and Ontario. “I knew I couldn’t stop volunteering, so I took [the cause] on the road,” says Lucas, who begins studies at Osgoode Law School this September. You can help him make an even greater impact—no pedalling required—by donating to support his inspiring mission and the communities it benefits. | | Disability Tax Credit Assistance | | |
Get Free Assistance With Disability Tax Credit
and Canada Disability Benefit Applications
Community Living Ontario is reaching out to let you know about a resource you may be interested in.
Plan Institute is a national non-profit organization dedicated to empowering people with disabilities to lead a good life. They help people with disabilities and their families make informed decisions about future and financial planning through their webinars, resources, community-based programming, and advocacy.
Plan Institute also offers one-on-one support through their free Canada-wide Disability Planning Helpline. Their key areas of focus include the Disability Tax Credit, the Registered Disability Savings Plan, and the Canada Disability Benefit.
| | Join DSO Housing Navigators on Tuesday, September 9th, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. for a free virtual lunchtime session featuring the brand-new Technology for Independence: Home, Community Safety, and Personal Health e-learning module. This interactive event is open to people with developmental disabilities, their families and support networks, as well as developmental services professionals across Ontario. Discover how technology can support greater independence at home and in the community—all from the comfort of your own space. Click the button below to register. | | 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! | | 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! | |
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. | | Point Pelee Dark Sky Nights | Explore the park after dark and experience the dark skies of Point Pelee National Park. From Tuesday, August 12th to Thursday, August 14th (peak of the Perseid meteor shower), 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. | | On Thursday, August 14th, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Kingsville will host Live at the Lighthouse at Mettawas Park featuring a performance by Saints Down. As part of the town’s free summer concert series showcasing local talent from across Windsor-Essex County, this all-ages event offers a great opportunity to enjoy live music in a beautiful lakeside setting. Bring a chair or blanket and join the community for an evening of acoustic tunes at the gazebo. Click the button below to visit the event website. | | 2025 Windsor International Diaspora African Festival | | From Friday, August 15th to Sunday, August 17th, Lanspeary Park in Windsor will come alive with the vibrant sights and sounds of the Windsor International Diaspora African Festival (WIDAFEST). Returning for its second year, this free, family-friendly celebration honors African and Caribbean culture through live music and traditional dance, delicious cuisine, a cultural parade along Ottawa Street, and a lively vendor village showcasing art, fashion, and crafts. With workshops, storytelling, youth activities, and panel discussions, WIDAFEST invites everyone to experience the rich heritage and community spirit of the African diaspora in Windsor. Don’t miss this immersive weekend of rhythm, culture, and connection! Click the button below to learn more. | |
Dropped on Drouillard Festival | On Saturday, August 16th, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Drouillard Road in Ford City will transform into Windsor’s vibrant all-day urban street and culture festival, Dropped On Drouillard. With the street closed between Trenton and Richmond Streets, plus parts of Whelpton Street, attendees can enjoy live art, delicious food and drinks, live music, a car show, skateboarding, and a variety of local vendors. This all-ages event celebrates the creative spirit and community of one of Windsor’s most iconic neighborhoods, offering something for everyone to experience and enjoy throughout the day. Click the button below to visit the event website. | On Saturday, August 16th, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Ernest Atkinson Park will host the Windsor Hip Hop Festival, a dynamic celebration of music, culture, and community. This all-ages outdoor event showcases emcees, DJs, dancers, visual artists, and local creatives with powerful performances spanning gospel hip hop to high-energy sets by regional talent. Attendees can enjoy live art, food vendors, a vibrant marketplace, and special guest appearances—all designed to empower youth, support independent artists, and celebrate Windsor’s rich hip hop heritage. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the culture, this festival promises a day full of energy, connection, and great music. Click the button below to learn more. | On Saturday, August 16th, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Talbot Street in downtown Essex will come alive with the vibrant Essex Centre StreetFest. This lively community event brings together local businesses, artisans, food vendors, and entertainers for an evening full of live music, street performances, artisan markets, and family-friendly activities. StreetFest is the perfect way to celebrate and support small businesses while enjoying a fun, engaging atmosphere with friends and family. Don’t miss this chance to experience the heart of Essex in a festive setting! Click the button below to visit the event website. | | Fort Malden: Murder Mystery Event | On Saturday, August 16th, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Fort Malden National Historic Site invites you to put your detective skills to the test at a thrilling Murder Mystery event. Explore the historic grounds to gather clues and interview suspects in this classic “whodunnit” with an exciting historical twist. Prizes will be awarded, and fun is guaranteed for all participants. Please note the event is weather dependent, with cancellations posted on Facebook. Tickets are $20.25—get ready for an evening of mystery and suspense! Click the button below to visit the event website and learn more. | | Chicken Souvlaki Rice Pilaf | This Chicken Souvlaki Rice Pilaf brings bold, fresh flavors to your dinner table in under an hour. Think juicy, herb-marinated chicken skewers with garlic, lemon, and spices, served bowl-style with buttery rice pilaf, charred zucchini and peppers, cherry tomatoes, and a generous spoonful of creamy, feta-topped tzatziki. It’s a colorful, satisfying dish that channels the best of Greek street food—simple, vibrant, and perfect for those warm summer evenings when dinner rolls around a little later than usual. Don’t forget the warm pita on the side—it’s a must! Click the button below to see the recipe. | | Sunny Side Up Series: August Wellness Tips | | Summer days can be busy, but don’t forget to give yourself permission to rest. Whether it’s a midday nap, a quiet moment with a book, or simply sitting outside and breathing deeply, rest is key to staying balanced and joyful. It's easy to get caught up in the pace of the season—but slowing down, even just for a few minutes, can make all the difference. Prioritize recharging your energy so you can keep showing up fully, feeling grounded, and shining bright. You deserve it. | | This creative and budget-friendly paper flower wreath is made entirely from recycled toilet paper rolls! Using around 16–20 empty rolls, a glue gun, and a touch of spray paint to cover printed cardboard, the project comes together in under an hour. It’s a quick, easy, and eco-friendly way to transform everyday household items into beautiful home décor. Click the button below to check out the full tutorial and try it for yourself! | |
| What’s your favorite type of hobby? | | | | |
Last week's poll results:
When it comes to personal organization, what’s your style?
A mix of digital and paper - 46.9%
Good old-fashioned paper planner - 24.5%
Digital planner or apps all the way - 10.2%
Organized chaos — I know where everything is! - 6.1%
I keep everything in my head - 4.1%
Lists and to-do’s on my phone - 4.1%
Sticky notes and reminders everywhere - 4.1%
| | | | |
