Community Living Day at the Legislature
CLEC representatives in front of Ontario's Legislative Building at Queen's Park
On May 10th, representatives from Community Living Essex County, New Day and Ensemble, along with many other Community Living organizations from across the province, visited Queen's Park for Community Living Day at the Legislature. For over 20 years, Community Living Day has been a day dedicated to discussing initiatives that help to enhance and support Ontario's strategy for the Developmental Services sector. We were able to meet with many provincial representatives, including the new minister of Community, Children and Social Services, Minister Parsa.
CLEC Representatives with Essex MPP Anthony Leardi
CLEC representatives with the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services,
Hon. Michael Parsa
The Month of May
As we continue to enjoy the long-awaited arrival of Spring, let’s contemplate the month of May. There are several key dates: Mother’s Day, May 14th and Victoria Day, May 22nd, combined with other featured celebrations throughout Essex County.
The month of May has other significance too. It features a province-wide awareness campaign to recognize all of the accomplishments of the Community Living movement. The description of “community living”:…”having a place to live and to work in the community; having skills to manage a living environment…and skills to ensure self-care, safety and personal health." This accurately reflects the dreams of families seeking inclusion.
Our family members with intellectual disabilities and their families continue to benefit from available resources that will assist them to achieve their best, possible, meaningful life outcomes, while actively living within their communities.
Beginning in 1953, we as families have continued to show to others the ongoing need to create, sustain and celebrate communities that include everyone. No matter the ability. Please check out all that Community Living Ontario is showcasing throughout the month of May by visiting the Community Living Ontario website by clicking the link in blue.
May 14th is our opportunity to celebrate ALL of the mothers and grandmothers in our lives.

🌼HAPPY MOTHERS DAY🌼

Marilyn, Ensemble Family Consultant and the Advisory Committee
mgodard@ensembleunderstands.com or 519-776-6483, ext. 225
Join Us! Become a Member Today!
A strong Community Living Essex County membership consists of people who believe in our philosophy, values, vision, and mission - people who care about the work we do, outcomes for people we support, and the future direction of our organization. Members can make a difference, influence the services we offer people in Essex County, and be champions of inclusive practices and communities. 
 
Passionate about people with intellectual disabilities having opportunities to live a life of their choosing, to receive real pay for real work, to be active members of their community, to achieve their goals and dreams, and to experience full inclusion? Help us become MEMBER STRONG. Submit your membership application today!
 
In addition to voting rights, members-only publications, and events, we’re offering some new elements this year to members including discounted registration to our major events, discounts on Community Living Essex County branded clothing, and a new discount program at various Essex County businesses. We’ve even added some new benefits for Corporate Members.
 
Join the Member Strong movement! We’ve got welcome packages ready to send your way.
 
For more information, visit our website today or download your membership application using the links below. 
You're Invited to the 62nd Annual General Meeting!
Our 62nd Annual General Meeting is taking place virtually on June 21st. In addition to the business portion of the meeting, we'll be recognizing National Aboriginal Day, acknowledging award recipients and enjoying a slideshow looking back at the past year!

Visit the link below to register and check out the flyer for more details.
Planning for Success
Prepare for your future now. What do you want to do after high school? Are you looking for employment or to further your education? Join this in-person information night on May 17th from 6:00 - 8:00 pm, at St. Joseph's Catholic High School, located at 2425 Clover Avenue in Windsor. Presenters include Community Living Windsor, Community Living Essex County and St. Clair College. Click the below link to register for the event.
Save the Date for Our 2023 Charity Golf Classic!
We Are Hiring and We Need Your Help!
Career Compass Employer Referral Program
St Paul's Vendors Market
St. Paul's Anglican Church in Essex is hosting their first market for 2023. Head over to 92 St. Paul St. in Essex this Saturday May 13th between 10am and 2pm to check out what local entrepreneurs have to offer! There will be a variety of great vendors, a bake table, new to you books, and feature both inside and outside tables. This is a great opportunity to do some last minute shopping for mother's day or grab something for yourself!
If you’re looking for a special way to celebrate what the mother in your life means to you, click the link below to check out the local Mother’s Day Event Guide from Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island.
Positive Thoughts
DID YOU KNOW?!

The Canadian Red Cross offers online programs you can take at your own pace! The Psychological First Aid - Self-Care Course teaches you about the effects of stress and provides tools to build and use a personal self care plan. There is also a second course where the focus is Caring for Others.

Each course is approximately 90 minutes in duration, depending on the individual. The cost is $20 per course. Please follow the link below if you think this is something you or someone you may know may be interested in.
Must See TV
Evolving Vegan (2023)

Actor and cookbook author, Mena Massoud, takes us on a culinary journey across North America in his six-episode series, showcasing the beauty and deliciousness of plant-based food. From Los Angeles to Toronto, Massoud explores the flourishing vegan food scene in some of the coolest cities and introduces us to talented chefs and restaurateurs who are making plant-based food not only attainable but also mouth-watering. You can watch this delectable series on CTV or Crave.
Recipe of the Week
Sweet Berry Bruschetta

This week's featured recipe is dessert bruschetta! It features toasted slices of baguette slathered with a delicious vanilla cream cheese & Greek yogurt spread, then topped with fresh berries that are sweetened with a little sugar. Be sure to include this light and sweet berry bruschetta to your next brunch or dessert!
Laughter is the Best Medicine
Weekly Poll Question
King Charles became King last weekend. Did you tune into to watch the coronation ceremony?
Yes, I got up early to watch!
No, I wasn't interested.
I caught the highlights later.
Poll Results
Who are you cheering for in round two of the 2023 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs?

Seattle Kraken ~ 4%
Dallas Stars ~ 0%
Edmonton Oilers ~ 6%
Vegas Golden Knights ~ 0%
Toronto Maple Leafs ~ 65%
Florida Panthers ~ 2%
Carolina Hurricanes ~ 0%
New Jersey Devils ~ 0%
ALL Canadian Teams ~ 17%
Hmm, I'm not sure. I don't follow Hockey ~ 6%