May is Community Living Month!

May is here, which means it’s time to celebrate Community Living Month! Community Living Month is a province-wide annual awareness campaign to recognize the accomplishments of the Community Living movement. Join Community Living Ontario and the 119 local associations across Ontario as we show why #AuthenticInclusion matters. Click the button below to learn more about #CLMonth2024 and how you can promote #AuthenticInclusion for people who have an intellectual disability and their families.

CLICK TO LEARN MORE

43 Years of Inspiring Possibilities

It is with mixed emotions that we announce the retirement of Claire Market, Director of Human Resources, after an incredible 43 years of dedicated service to Community Living Essex County. Claire has been a pillar of strength, a relentless advocate, and a true professional throughout her years with us.


Throughout Claire's career, she has embodied the values of our agency and has been an inspirational leader within the developmental services sector. Her commitment to the well-being of the people we support and her tireless efforts in fostering a culture of wellbeing for all employees will leave an unforgettable mark.

 

As a strong advocate for both the people we support and our employees, Claire has played a pivotal role in shaping our values and ensuring that we uphold the highest standards of care and compassion. Her leadership has been instrumental in fostering a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered.

Claire has also represented our agency locally and provincially on many human resource committees and provincial initiatives. Claire has played a vital role in mentoring new HR personnel in the sector through being a Core Competencies Champion and trainer throughout the province, she has been the Chair of the DSW Advisory Committee and a long-standing member of the Southwest HR Network.  Her guidance has been invaluable, helping to shape the next generation of human resource professionals and ensuring the continued excellence of our sector.


Her last official day is tomorrow, May 3. We hope this new chapter is filled with travel, relaxation, happiness, and well-deserved moments of joy. Please join us in expressing our deepest gratitude to Claire for her outstanding contributions over the last 43 years. While we will miss her guidance and expertise, we are excited for her as she begins this new chapter of life.


Thank you and congratulations Claire on a long and impactful career and all the best to you in your retirement!

Sean Kenney's Animal Super Powers Exhibit

Scott and Elly had a great time learning all about Animal Super Powers at the Lasalle Event Center in March. The animal Lego creations by artist Sean Kenny were spectacular! 

Green Thumb Gathering

A recent workshop hosted by Anna's Garden Home & Wellness proved to be a hit! Attendees had a blast planting herbs of their choice in pots. Some of the participants are planning to gift their creations to their moms for Mother's Day, complete with a recipe booklet. Others are eager to personalize their pots with paint. Keep an eye out for information about our next workshop in the fall, once the greenhouse has cooled down a bit!

New Day Celebrates Twenty Years!

New Day recently commemorated their 20th anniversary with a special celebration. The event was attended by over 100 guests, including members from Community Living Essex County's Board of Directors and former New Day executive members. The festivities were filled with delicious food and dancing, creating an unforgettable night for all involved. Congratulations to New Day!

Scoops, Swirls, and Smiles

Nancy, Cathy, and Nikki took advantage of the nice weather on Saturday and headed to Dairy Freez where they enjoyed some great food cool treats!

Capturing Nature's Canvas

Check out these beautiful shots captured by Brianne, owner of Brianne's Art Creations and Photography. Brianne is also on the agency's Board of Directors and a member of New Day. Brianne has been enjoying using her new camera outdoors to skillfully capture the spring season. Click the link below to see more of Brianne's inspirational work!

CLICK TO VISIT BRIANNE'S FACEBOOK PAGE

Ensemble

National Caregivers Month

It’s not often that I receive email filled with inspiring personal stories and an abundance of valuable information directed to caregivers.


This month is National Caregivers Month and so we are being celebrated. I certainly suggest that you take some time to read the Canadian Caregivers’ latest newsletter. You don’t want to miss any of the special offerings available to you and to your family. See what other Canadian families have to say. Reach out! Make your voice heard!


Best regards and happy reading !


Marilyn,

Ensemble Family Consultant and the Advisory Committee

Mgodard@ensembleunerstands.com

CLICK HERE TO READ NEWSLETTER

Kevin McMullan Memorial Award

Employees wishing to nominate a colleague, please click the button below.

ONLINE NOMINATION  FORM

For external nominations, please use this button to nominate an employee.

PRINTABLE NOMINATION FORM

Kevin McMullan passionately instilled leadership values and advocated for those we serve. One recipient will be recognized for the Kevin McMullan award during this year’s Annual General Meeting. We look forward to receiving many wonderful nominations for this prestigious award by Friday, May 10, 2024. If you have any questions about the award or the nomination form, please direct them to: nominations@communitylivingessex.org.


The Kevin McMullan Memorial Award committee appreciates your efforts to recognize an exceptional employee of Community Living Essex County!

You're Invited to our 63rd Annual General Meeting

Join us for our 63rd Annual General Membership Meeting on Tuesday, June 18 at the Ciociaro Club at 3745 North Talbot Road in Oldcastle. Click the button below to RSVP!


Note: to be eligible to vote at the AGM, you must renew your membership by May 28.

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

Member Strong

A strong, thriving membership is essential to our organization. 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 new membership perks!

CLICK HERE TO BECOME A MEMBER

Career Compass Employer Referral Program

CLICK HERE TO REFER A BUSINESS

Career Compass: Youth in Action

Youth in Action: Summer Work Experience is a program for students with intellectual disabilities looking for summer jobs. The goal is to provide students the opportunity to earn money during the summer, while adding skills and experience to their resume. 

 

Students hired by local businesses will be paired with a student job coach, employed by Community Living Essex County. Their role will be to work alongside students and employers to mentor and guide them, ensuring they understand and complete all work related duties.

 

Why should my business be a part of Youth in Action? 

  • Provide a student with a summer job opportunity to add new skills and experiences to their resume.
  • Have a student job coach on-site to mentor your student employee during their shifts. 
  • Have your business highlighted on our social media channels and website.
  • Be a community leader in inclusive hiring!


To participate, employers must commit to:

  • Hiring a student for a part time 6 week placement.
  • Paying a student minimum wage.
  • Allowing student job coaches to work alongside the student employee they are paired with.



How can my business get involved?

Contact the Career Compass team at 519-776-6483, ext. 211 or by email at careercompass@communitylivingessex.org.

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

Tickets On Sale for Sip 'N Shop Mixer!

Don’t miss your chance to attend the 3rd Annual Sip ’N Shop Mixer that kicks off the annual Essex Fun Fest on Thursday, July 4th at the Essex Arena Fairgrounds. Join us starting at 7pm for a fun night of music, food, wine, and raffles with a portion of the proceeds to benefit Community Living Essex County. A limited number of tickets are available for $35 each. They can be purchased at the front desk at our office in Essex, located at 372 Talbot St. N, Monday-Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm. Ticket price includes admission to event, souvenir wine tumbler, Essex BIA tote bag, three wine samplings, one glass of wine, one personal charcuterie bowl, live entertainment, and chances to win some great prizes!

Developmental Services Ontario at a Glance

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE WEBSITE

Online P4P Webcast: Wills and Estate Planning

P4P is hosting a free webinar entitled 'Wills and Estate Planning' on May 8 at 7:00 p.m. If you're supporting a family member with a disability, one of the most important steps you can take to help secure their future is to create a will and estate plan. Wills and estate planning offer families the peace of mind that their loved one will continue to have the resources she needs to be safe and secure in the future.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Yoga in the Park Series

Join Coco’s FREE 4-part Outdoor Yoga Series! Led by the talented and experienced instructor, Coco, these inclusive sessions cater to all. Stretch, strengthen, and find zen amidst nature at Optimist Park. No registration required; Just bring your yoga mat. Namaste!

CLICK TO LEARN MORE ABOUT COCO YOGA

WindsorEats: Cinco de Mayo

WindsorEats will once again be hosting Windsor’s biggest Cinco de Mayo party! Enjoy fantastic Mexican food from Thursday, May 2 to Sunday, May 5, with live Latin bands playing Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Childcan Rocks for Hope

The Childhood Cancer Research Association will host the second annual Childcan Rocks for Hope event. It will take place at the Rockstar Music Hall, located at 2418 Central Ave., on Sunday, May 5, from 12:30 PM to 5:00 PM. All proceeds from this event go to providing hope for children and families affected by childhood cancer. The event promises incredible bands, amazing prizes, and more! Click the button below to purchase tickets.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Highline Mushrooms Presents: Glow Ride

Highline Mushrooms presents the 2nd annual Glow Ride in support of Ride Don’t Hide! This family-friendly, glow-in-the-dark event will take place on May 10 at Malden Park. Registration includes a 5k glow ride through Malden Park, decorating station, face painting, safety station and more! Click the link below to register.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Inspirational Words

Recipe of the Week:

Greek Pinwheels

Greek pinwheels are perfect for any occasion. Not only are they easy to make, but these pinwheels are packed with healthy ingredients, including fresh vegetables and reduced-fat feta cheese.

CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE

Meme of the Week

DIY Tassel and Macramé Keychains


Macramé is the ideal craft. It is easy to learn, uses easy-to-obtain materials, and is deeply satisfying to do. Follow these step-by-step instructions for easy, adorable keychains you can make as simple or as fancy as you’d like. They make the best little gifts, too.

CLICK HERE FOR INSTRUCTIONS

Weekly Poll Question

If you could choose an all-expense paid vacation to one of the following, which would it be?
United Kingdom
Thailand
Aruba
Italy
Iceland
France
Australia
Ireland
I’m more of the staycation type

Last Week's Poll Results

Which TV series would you say is the most binge-worthy?

Breaking Bad ~ 12.7%

Atypical ~ 5.5%

The Office ~ 5.5%

Game of Thrones ~ 5.5%

The Boys ~ 1.8%

Ozark ~ 5.5%

Yellowstone ~ 23.6%

The Sopranos ~ 3.6%

Sons of Anarchy ~ 20% Other ~ 16.4%

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