May is Community Living Month!

May is Community Living Month in Ontario, a time to celebrate inclusion alongside people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Community Living Essex County is participating in Community Living Ontario’s Shine a Light on Community Living campaign, with landmarks like the CN Tower, St. Clair College, Leamington Public Library, and more lighting up in blue and green on May 1st and throughout the month. Community members are encouraged to join in by decorating with blue and green, sharing photos with the hashtag #ShineALight2025, and promoting awareness. Highlights of the month include a special matinee performance of The Downs on May 24th at The Bank Theatre in Leamington and the annual Mayors' Luncheon, featuring keynote speaker Kevin McShan—a passionate disability advocate and journalist.

Music, Mist, and Magic

Kent spent last weekend in Niagara Falls, where he enjoyed some classic sightseeing and even took the elevator 125 feet down to explore the tunnels behind the falls—a chilly but unforgettable experience! He also attended the Elvis Festival, where he had the chance to sing and meet some of the Elvis tribute performers. His favourite part was the Gospel Hour, where he sang along to a few of his favourite songs. While in town, Kent also visited the Bird Kingdom and had a special encounter with a parrot named Lucy.

Splashes and Smiles

Last week, Arthur, Karl, and Josh had a fantastic time getting active at the Atlas Tube Recreation Centre pool. The trio made the most of their time in the water—staying fit, having fun, and enjoying each other’s company. The visit was a great way to embrace movement and make the most of a healthy, active day!

Easter at Heritage Village

Dom and Isaac had a memorable Easter weekend filled with fun and adventure at the Canadian Transportation Museum and Heritage Village. They had a great time exploring the area and discovering what life was like in earlier times.

Easter Family Fun

Darius had a great time spending Easter weekend with his family in Kitchener. It was a warm and cheerful visit, made even better when he received a thoughtful gift—a new hammock to relax in and enjoy the spring weather. The weekend was filled with good company, kind gestures, and meaningful moments that made the holiday extra special.

Cookies for a Cause

Cathy, Rick, Jordan, Neal, Ron, and Kent each had a great time enjoying their delicious Tim Horton's Smile Cookies, all while supporting two great causes: Hiatus House and We Care for Kids! The cookies were not only delicious, but also a way to help make a positive difference in the community. Smile Cookies are available until May 4th, so be sure to grab yours and keep spreading smiles!

The Power of Participation

Earlier this week, Nick, David, and Scott took part in the federal election by casting their votes and actively engaging in the democratic process. By making their voices heard at the polls, they helped shape the future of our country and demonstrated the power of participation. Voting is both a right and a responsibility, and their involvement is a strong reminder of how important it is to take part in decisions that impact us all. Civic engagement like this plays a vital role in building a stronger, more inclusive community.

Inspiring Possibilities for Growth and Connection

Thanks to the generosity of all those who contributed to our Giving Tuesday campaign, Ryan and Jason each received a new iPad—an incredible gift that will help them stay connected with loved ones around the world. This access to technology opens doors to meaningful communication, learning opportunities, and a stronger sense of community. Meanwhile, Nick received an Apple Watch to support his health and fitness journey, empowering him to take positive steps toward an active lifestyle. These thoughtful gifts are powerful reminders of the impact we can make together. Thank you to everyone who made this possible!

Community Living Essex County Presents:

The Downs

As part of Community Living Month in May, Community Living Essex County is proud and pleased to present a matinee performance of the award-winning play, The Downs. The winner of a People's Choice and Producer's Pick Award, this heartwarming performance has been a sell out at the Blyth Theatre for years. Join us on Saturday, May 24th at 2:30pm at The Bank Theatre in Leamington. Tickets are $20 per person and available at www.banktheatre.com.

Deadline Extended:

Inspiring Possibilities DSW Bursary

New Bursary Opportunity: Supporting Future DSW Professionals Community Living Essex County’s Inspiring Possibilities DSW Bursary

Sponsored by Dan Gemus Real Estate Team

We're excited to announce a $1,500 bursary opportunity for high school students in Essex County who are enrolled or planning to enroll in a Developmental Services Worker (DSW) or related program at an accredited college. This bursary is generously sponsored by the Dan Gemus Real Estate Team.

This bursary will help to financially support and encourage high school students passionate about pursuing a career in Developmental Services who are enrolled in the Developmental Services Worker (DSW) program at any accredited college.

One $1,500 bursary to be awarded to one student from one at an Essex County secondary school who is enrolled or planning to enroll in the Developmental Services Worker (DSW) program.

Application Process:

1. Complete the application form at the link below.
2. Complete a 500-word personal essay.
3. Provide proof of acceptance or application to the DSW program at an accredited college.

New Application Deadline: Friday, May 23rd, 2025

The bursary will be awarded as a one-time payment of $1,500 to be used towards tuition, books, or other educational expenses. The recipient will be notified by June 2nd, 2025, and the award will be presented by a representative of the bursary sponsor and Community Living Essex County at the CLEC Annual Meeting of Members in June.

Contact Information:

For further inquiries, applicants can contact Julie LaSorda, Director, Marketing and Innovation at jlasorda@communitylivingessex.org or at 519.776.6483 ext. 247.

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!

WELCOME ABOARD

Ensemble understands how challenging it can be to find a free moment to connect with others. Physically attending events to connect with other families involves major navigation. Work, home life, and daily living can create roadblocks to any possibility we have of finding free time.

So often, we have situations we need to share with others—whether it is to celebrate successes or to ask for advice. Solution? Social media! What better way to connect than through social media from wherever you are at any given moment?

Ensemble has just developed a private Facebook group. Once you have successfully answered the screening questions, you will be notified of your admission to the group. You will have a ONE-STOP destination where you can share your thoughts with other unpaid caregivers who navigate daily life providing care for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

This private group is a safe and supportive space for families in the Windsor-Essex County area who have a loved one with an intellectual disability. Whether you're a parent, sibling, guardian, or unpaid caregiver of a child with an intellectual disability, you're not alone—and this group is here to connect us, support us, and empower us.

Here, we share resources, local events, advice, and encouragement. It's a place to ask questions, celebrate milestones, and lean on one another during challenging times.

Together, we’re building a compassionate community rooted in understanding, respect, and hope.

This group will remain private and moderated to protect the privacy of our members.

Let’s get started:

You’ve successfully joined the PRIVATE Facebook group, ‘Ensemble Family Forum.’

To get this journey underway, tell us ONE small achievement the individual you support made this week. Why was this small step so notable?

Once you start sharing, you’ll see how the connections will evolve and how open sharing with others “who live the life” will provide you with valuable insights. Together, we will gain knowledge that can move us closer to our destination:

A MEANINGFUL LIFE OF OPPORTUNITIES AND POSSIBILITIES FOR EVERYONE!

Welcome aboard!!

Best regards,

Marilyn

Ensemble Family Consultant & The Advisory Committee

Kevin McMullan Memorial Award

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 Meeting of Members. We look forward to receiving many wonderful nominations for this prestigious award by Tuesday, May 20, 2025. 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!

An Update from New Day

New Day has organized a sweet fundraiser to support the 2025 Speaking Out Conference, an event dedicated to empowering and educating people about important social issues. To help raise funds, they are offering Rhéo Thompson mint smoothie chocolates, available in both milk and dark chocolate, for just $3 each at the Essex Centre Front Desk and Channel in Amherstburg. These Canadian-made chocolates, crafted in Stratford, feature a smooth, peppermint-infused centre wrapped in rich, luxurious chocolate. The fundraiser’s goal is to provide financial support for the Speaking Out Conference, ensuring that this impactful event continues to make a difference. All proceeds go directly toward the conference, so you can enjoy a delicious treat while helping support this important cause!

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!

Passport Program Planning Tool Available Now

Looking for help planning how to use your Passport funding? Check out the new Passport Program Planning Tool! This easy-to-use questionnaire asks about your interests, hobbies, and expenses that may qualify for Passport funding. It will guide you to identify what matters most to you so you can create a plan for your funding. The tool takes you through 12 simple questions, and when you're done, you'll receive a copy of your responses by email, plus the option to download and print your answers to share with your Person Managing Funds (PMF), service agency, broker, or Passport Coordinator. You can access the tool by clicking the button below.

DSO Housing Navigators: Learning Videos

DSO Housing Navigators from the Toronto, South-East, and Eastern Regions have developed a series of e-learning video modules that you can watch anytime, at your own pace, and revisit as often as needed. These videos explore topics from the DSO Housing Toolkit and the Creating Your Individualized Housing and Support Plan webcast series, and each one includes a Resource Page with all related links and additional information. You can also find upcoming Housing Navigation Webinars and the full Webcast Series listed in the DSO Events Calendar. If you need help accessing the videos, email dsotr.hn@surreyplace.ca, and for questions about housing support in your area, reach out to your local DSO Housing Navigator. Click the button below to access these helpful videos.

P4P Webcast: The Value of Family-to-Family Connections and Family Networks

P4P is hosting a special webcast entitled "The Value of Family-to-Family Connections and Family Networks" on Wednesday, May 7th at 7:00 p.m. EST. For more than 75 years, families in Ontario have come together to build stronger, more inclusive lives for their loved ones with disabilities—fostering resilience, courage, and creative solutions through meaningful relationships with one another. This webcast will feature family caregivers who share their experiences in launching Family Support Networks and explore the many benefits these networks offer. Attendees will gain insight into the power of family-to-family connections, what to expect when joining a Family Network, and how to find one that’s the right fit. The event will conclude with a live Q&A with the panelists.

Tourism Windsor-Essex: Mother's Day Guide

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and Windsor Essex is the perfect place to celebrate the incredible moms in your life. Whether it’s a relaxing brunch, a fun shopping outing, or a day filled with local experiences, the region offers endless ways to make her feel appreciated. From delicious food and special events to one-of-a-kind gifts, there’s no shortage of ways to say thank you and make this Mother’s Day truly memorable. Click the button below to view the Mother's Day Guide and get inspired.

Gibson Gallery Mother's Day Dot Painting Class

The Gibson Art Gallery is offering a Mother's Day Dot Painting class on Friday, May 2nd from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with limited space available—so be sure to sign up quickly! Don’t miss the final weekend of The Colours of My World by Deborah McAllister; this vibrant exhibition wraps up soon. Starting May 1st, Moments in Time with artists Lynda Todon and Sandra Menard will be on display. Join the artists for a reception on Sunday, May 4th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. to meet them and explore their captivating work. To sign up for the Mother's Day Dot Painting class, please click the button below.

Festival of Birds

Join the Festival of Birds at Point Pelee National Park from May 1st to May 19th, hosted by the Friends of Point Pelee. Celebrate spring migration with a variety of birding events, including guided Birding Hikes for $35 per person. These two-hour hikes, led by experienced guides, offer opportunities to spot songbirds, migrating species, and even the courtship display of the American Woodcock. Morning, afternoon, and twilight hikes are available, with registration required and no waiting list. Parking near the Visitor Centre fills quickly, so plan to arrive early. Visit the event website for more details.

Windsor Light Music Theatre Presents: Waitress

The hit musical Waitress takes the stage this week at Chrysler Theatre, telling the story of Jenna, a talented diner waitress navigating the challenges of love, motherhood, and her dreams of a better life. Featuring the beloved music of six-time Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles, this powerful production explores themes of resilience, self-discovery, and personal struggle. Please note, Waitress contains sensitive themes such as domestic abuse and emotional struggles, making it not suitable for children. Tickets range from $35 to $50, with group discounts available. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Chrysler Theatre box office.

Spring Market

The Spring Market, taking place on Saturday, May 3rd from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, May 4th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Essex Recreational Complex, is a fantastic opportunity to support a great cause while enjoying a lively shopping experience. This two-day event features over 60 local vendors, raffles, and bake sales, all benefiting the Essex Swim & Lifesaving Club. With Mother’s Day just around the corner, it's the perfect chance to find a special gift for mom while supporting the community. Click the button below to learn more.

Cinco de Mayo Party Cruise

Join Windsor Premier Cruises for a festive Cinco de Mayo Party Cruise on Saturday, May 3rd from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Celebrate with fantastic views of the Windsor/Detroit shoreline while enjoying live music from the Latin Power Band, direct from London, Ontario. Savor taco & margarita specials and make the most of this unforgettable 3-hour sunset cruise on the Detroit River. Boarding begins at 6:00 p.m. For group bookings, call 519-250-3999, or purchase tickets online by clicking the button below.

Kingsville Nature and Garden Show

The Kingsville Nature and Garden Show, hosted by the Kingsville Communities in Bloom (CIB) Committee, will take place on Saturday, May 3rd, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Grovedale Arts & Culture Centre. This free event offers a variety of activities including gardening tips, environmental sustainability practices, and native plant sales. Attendees can browse a range of products, attend short lectures from expert speakers, and enjoy a fun nature craft activity for children. With a diverse lineup of local vendors and organizations, it’s a great opportunity to connect with fellow nature enthusiasts. Click the button below to learn more.

The Greater Windsor Concert Band FREE Spring Concert

The Greater Windsor Concert Band invites the community to a free spring concert, True North Strong and Free, on Sunday, May 4th from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Banwell Community Church. This Canadian-themed performance will feature music inspired by the spirit and culture of Canada, including works by renowned composers Howard Cable and Oscar Peterson. Under the direction of Ric Moor, the concert celebrates the beauty of the Land of the Maple Leaf. Admission is free, with donations gratefully accepted.

Inspirational Words

Recipe of the Week

Avocado Kale Caesar Salad + Sweet Potato Fries

Looking for the ultimate feel-good meal? This Avocado Kale Caesar Salad with Sweet Potato Fries is a total game-changer. Tossed in a creamy, flavor-packed avocado Caesar dressing, this hearty salad brings kale, avocado, and crunchy seeds together in a way that will convert even the biggest kale skeptics. Paired with perfectly crispy sweet potato fries—made using a tried-and-true method for that ideal crunch—this combo delivers restaurant-quality comfort right at home. Whether you're after something healthy, crave-worthy, or totally satisfying, this dish checks all the boxes.

Spring Cleaning Tip of the Week

Freshen Up for Patio Season

With spring in full swing, now’s the perfect time to freshen up your outdoor furniture for the sunny days ahead! Just mix a squirt of dish soap with warm water, give your tables and chairs a good wipe-down, then rinse them off with a damp cloth or a quick spray from the garden hose. Let everything air dry, and you’ll be ready to kick back and relax in no time.

Weekly Funny

DIY Craft

Bumble Bee Spring Floral Mason Jar

Add a burst of springtime cheer to your home with a bright and sunny DIY Bumble Bee Floral Mason Jar! This charming and budget-friendly craft turns a simple mason jar into a cheerful bee-themed decoration, perfect for a shelf, mantle, or table centerpiece. This project uses just a few inexpensive supplies to create something special that’s full of character and charm. It’s a fun and easy way to welcome the warmer months with a touch of handmade joy.

Weekly Poll Question

Last week's poll results:

What is your favorite springtime treat?

Ice cream or frozen yogurt - 28.8%

Strawberry shortcake - 19.2%

Chocolate eggs (leftover from Easter!) - 17.3%

Lemon bars - 17.3%

Fresh fruit salad - 9.6%

Carrot cake - 7.7%