Zooming Around Toronto

Erik and his support worker, Kyle, had a blast on a recent trip to Toronto! They soared like birds at iFly Oakville, a thrilling indoor skydiving experience. They also explored the amazing exhibits at the Royal Ontario Museum and the Ontario Science Centre. And they didn't miss the chance to check out the Eaton Centre, one of the largest malls in Canada.

Event Cancellation

We regret to inform you that due to a limited number of RSVPs received for Ensemble's Caregiver Luncheon, we have had to make the difficult decision to cancel the event. Ensemble counts on active family participation to provide meaningful resources. Please feel free to reach out with any ideas that have the potential to connect families by emailing Marilyn: mgodard@ensembleunderstands.com. Together, we can find creative solutions!

A guiding principle for Ensemble is reflected in the words of Henry Ford:

Let’s continue to connect and work together!

Marilyn, Ensemble Family Consultant and the Advisory Committee

mgodard@ensembleunderstands.com or 519-776-6483, ext. 225

Career Compass: Milestones

Lisa has worked at Once Upon a Time Childcare for over six years! She is responsible for cleaning, disinfecting, food preparation and assisting the registered early childcare educator when needed. She loves her position, and she is a valued member of the team! Keep up the great work Lisa!

 

The Career Compass team is actively searching for employers who interested in hiring a person we provide support to.


Refer an employer and receive a get a gift card of your choice! Learn more below.

Career Compass Employer Referral Program

CLICK HERE TO REFER A BUSINESS

FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Across the River to Freedom Walking Tour

Learn More About Essex County’s Black History through an audio walking tour of the historical Sandwich area! Find out more about the Underground Railroad, the people who followed it, and the community that helped to make Windsor what it is today


The walking tour spans 2 km and will take approximately half an hour. Please refer to the PDF map below. If you want to listen to the audio tour as you go, you can access it here

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE WALKING TOUR

Windsor-Essex Black History Month Events

Every year, our region hosts a diverse range of events to commemorate Black History Month, and 2024 is no exception. Click below for Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island's Black History Month Guide and find a multitude of activities and programs to celebrate throughout the month .

CLICK HERE FOR THE CALENDAR

#5toSurvive Campaign

Community Living Ontario and developmental service agencies across the province remain strongly invested in urging the provincial government to boost the developmental service sector's base funding by 5%. Families and people with intellectual disabilities have been waiting patiently while their daily support services change or disappear altogether.

 

Sign this petition today, which will reach your local MPP, the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, and the Premier. We can help people with intellectual disabilities and their families get the services and support they deserve.


Together we are making a difference.

CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CAMPAIGN

An Update from New Day

New Day is happy to announce that meetings will be held at the Essex Centre once again.  The next New Day meeting will be Friday, February 16th at 10 am. Patty Neufeld, Manger of Quality Assurance for Community Living Essex County, will be there to discuss healthy relationships.


New Day is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year! Save the date for Saturday, April 20th for a BIG celebration!  More details will be shared soon. 

Nonprofit Appreciation Week

February 12-16, 2024

This week recognizes Ontario’s nonprofit sector and its nearly 850,000 employees. It’s a week to and celebrate the vital role nonprofits and employees play in creating and maintaining healthy, vibrant and inclusive communities in Ontario.


Did you know...? Ontario’s 58,000 nonprofits help to create healthy and thriving communities, and contribute $65 billion to the economy.

Join Us and Become an E-Bingo Volunteer!

Is one of your New Year's resolutions to volunteer in your community? Consider becoming an e-bingo volunteer! Community Living Essex County is looking for volunteers for our e-bingo volunteer shifts at Breakaway Gaming Centre in Windsor. The proceeds raised from e-bingo helps Community Living Essex County to purchase fuel and maintain vehicles for people with an intellectual disability that we support to get to and from work, volunteer opportunities and participate in leisure activities throughout Essex County. Check out our video to learn more and then email tony@communitylivingessex.org to sign up!

 

Volunteers receive a $25 gas card to cover transportation costs!

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.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT OUR ONLINE STORE

We Are Hiring and We Need Your Help!

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

February is National Inclusive Education Month in Canada

Did you know February is Inclusive Education Month in Canada?


The goals of Inclusive Education Month are:

  • To highlight inclusive education – to define what it is and how the development of inclusive schools and inclusive school practices helps provide quality education to an increasingly diverse student population, including students with an intellectual disability.
  • To provide educators, students and parents an opportunity to share ideas on strategies to enhance inclusion and successful school experiences for every child.
  • To acknowledge and recognize the commitment and effort of teachers, administrators, students, and families who contribute to successful inclusion of students in schools and classrooms throughout Canada.


Click the link below to find out more about National Inclusive Education Month and to learn how you can share your stories!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Family Day Fun!

Family Day is Monday, February 19

Chase away the mid-winter blahs with exciting activities sure to appeal to the entire family. Find ways new ways to laugh, have fun and create memories with the Windsor-Essex Family Day Guide!

CLICK HERE FOR THE FAMILY DAY FUN GUIDE

FREE Windsor Express Games

Free bowl tickets will be available from the WFCU Centre Box Office, in-person only, while they last on the following dates and times:


  • Saturday, February 17th: 9am – 2pm
  • Sunday, February 18th: 11am – 6pm
  • Monday, February 19th: 11am – 2pm

*Limit of 6 tickets per person


Tickets must be picked-up in person at 8787 McHugh Street in Windsor.

Contact the box office for more information and availability: 519-255-1161. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

FREE Outdoor Skating at Lanspeary Park

Head outside to the ice at Lanspeary Park's skating rink. FREE skating takes place from 1pm-3pm, on Saturday, February 17th at 1250 Langlois Ave. in Windsor.

Positive Thoughts

Must Read

Ignite: Unlock the Hidden Potential Within

Insightful, practical lessons on life, on and off the track, from an Olympic and world champion His gold medal victory in the 200-metre race at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics captivated Canadians witnessing a feat not accomplished by any other Canadian in close to a century.


In Ignite, De Grasse shares important lessons from his improbable journey to becoming an Olympic champion. As one of the fastest humans alive, De Grasse has demonstrated what it takes to perform at your best under enormous pressure and to continue to push the limit of what seems impossible. De Grasse shares inspirational stories and lessons about the determination, resilience and perseverance it takes to become the best.


Find this book at your local library or bookstore.

Joke of the Day

Recipe of the Week

Spinach Artichoke Dip Pasta

Spinach & artichoke dip pasta is a delightful dish that combines the flavors of warm spinach and artichoke dip with creamy pasta. If you’ve ever savored the comforting taste of spinach and artichoke dip, you’ll appreciate this easy-to-make dinner. 

CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

Weekly Poll Question

Why did you watch the Super Bowl?
For the game!
For the commercials.
For the game and the commercials!
I'm not interested in watching at all.
For Taylor Swift!

Poll Results

Do you think Valentine's Day is the perfect day to celebrate love?


No, it feels too forced. ~ 50%

Yes! ~ 35.3%

Only when I'm in a relationship. ~ 11.8%

I hate Valentine's Day! ~ 2.9%

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