Ontario Launches 2021 Budget Consultations
Share Your Input
The Ontario government is asking the people of Ontario for their ideas on how to continue to support families, workers and business during COVID-19, while positioning the province for a strong economic recovery with the launch of the 2021 Budget consultation.

Visit Ontario.ca/budgetconsultation to learn how to submit your ideas by email, mail or by filling out a survey. The 2021 Budget Consultations will close on February 12, 2021.
New Day Virtual Meetings
1st and 3rd Tuesday (6-8pm)
New Day is committed to informing and teaching others about rights, responsibilities and how to advocate for themselves and others. 

It is important for all of us to know what is happening in the government, our community and our own organization. We have talked about how to use our passport funding, ending the use of the R-word, COVID–19: including what the restrictions mean for us and what we can do to stay positive during the pandemic. We also like to help others within the community. In December, we donated $100 to the Murchadha House Yule Brick fundraiser, in support of housing for people who have an intellectual disability.  

To build and practice our self-advocacy skills, we encourage members to participate in discussion about each topic. At each meeting, there is a session called “Let’s Talk”. This is a chance for all New Day members to share their own stories and ideas. 

If this sounds interesting to you, send an email to [email protected] and we will send you the MS TEAMS meeting link. 

Come out and see what New Day is all about. 
The Latest From Ensemble
New Year - New You! — let’s not forget to give ourselves the care we need and deserve.

Dear Families,

The past year of COVID-19 has brought unprecedented challenges and change for everyone, and for families and caregivers of those with intellectual disabilities, likely even more so. Many families have lost support workers, respite workers, day programs for our loved ones, school for younger family members, all the while, maintaining work and family responsibilities, while taking on the herculean task of becoming the sole support, teacher, etc., for our family members.   

The Ensemble Advisory Committee has been reaching out over the New Year to touch base with all our families. Families are resilient but often we need access to outside resources to get us beyond stumbling blocks: COVID 19.

There are many resources in our community that we wanted to make you aware of, or remind you of, and encourage you to reach out if you need help. All the resources listed are providing services during COVID-19. 

Family Services Windsor-Essex, https://fswe.ca/, 519-966-5010 or 1-888-933-1831 (24/7 phone service)

Windsor Essex Counselling Support Line, https://www.weareunited.com/servlet/eAndar.article/102/GET-HELP, 519-946-3277 or 1-877-451-1055 (24/7 phone service)

Canada Mental Health Association, Windsor-Essex, Pandemic Response Therapist, https://windsoressex.cmha.ca/pandemic-response-therapist/, 519-973-4435

Community Crisis Centre, https://www.hdgh.org/crisis, 519-973-4435

Windsor-Essex Community Health Services, https://wechc.org/counselling-general/, 519-285-6002 (main office), there are other offices throughout Windsor-Essex please see the list at the bottom of the WECHC website.

Ontario Caregiver Hotline for 24/7-hour support, https://ontariocaregiver.ca/find-support/helpline/, 1-833-416-2273

And if you ever just need to talk with another family member who “lives the life” just as you do, please feel free to reach out to Ensemble. Our dedicated volunteer family members of Rubina, Lois and Marilyn and family consultant, Kelly, would gladly speak with you as we support one another through these unprecedented times, as we are indeed in this “together”, “Ensemble”.
  
Rubina, Lois, Marilyn, and Kelly
[email protected], 519-776-6483, ext. 225.
Positive Thinking
Stay Fit and Healthy
Learn Tai Chi

What looks like martial arts in slow-motion is actually a low impact exercise with its roots in ancient China. Tai chi combines slow movements with deep breathing techniques. It’s especially good for getting your mind back into alignment.

Tai chi has a lot to offer in one gently flowing package. It can improve cardiovascular health, reduces stress and anxiety, ease back pain, and improve balance.

Get started with an online streaming video.
Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
At Ray Bay you can see how some rays use their flattened bodies and large, modified pectoral fins like wings to “fly” through the water. Rays move with incredible grace.

At over 350,000 litres, Ray Bay is one of the aquariums largest exhibits!

Ray Bay also features a smaller freshwater exhibit which is home to two species of freshwater river stingrays!
Recipe of the Week
Banana Pancakes
Crowd pleasing banana pancakes made from scratch. A fun twist on ordinary pancakes.
Laughter is the Best Medicine
Weekly Poll Question
Would you attend a concert or sporting event prior to getting vaccinated for COVID-19?
Yes.
No.
Only if there was adequate physical distancing.
Poll Results

How are you feeling about this 2nd lockdown period?

Doing well. Going to try to keep busy. 35%
Just okay. 42.5%
Not very good. It is a struggle for me. 22.5%