June is Pride Month and marks the official kickoff to Pride Season in Canada, which runs through September. It’s a time to celebrate and support 2SLGBTQI+ communities through events, storytelling, and connection. Pride Season highlights the resilience, contributions, and history of 2SLGBTQI+ people, rooted in Canada’s first protests for 2SLGBTQI+ rights in 1971. You can get involved by sharing your Pride memories on social media using #Pride and #PrideSeason, using a virtual Pride background, connecting with 2SLGBTQI+ friends and seniors, supporting 2SLGBTQI+-owned businesses, or donating to or volunteering with a 2SLGBTQI+ organization. | |
Sky-High Smiles and Underwater Wonders | | Christine and Sandy traveled to Toronto to help Chris fulfill her goal of seeing sharks. The adventure included a visit to the aquarium, where Chris got to experience the underwater world up close. The day didn’t end there—the ladies also made their way up the CN Tower, enjoying lunch with breathtaking views of the city. It was a trip filled with excitement, good food, and great company. | | Meals, Miles, and Meaning | | Brigitte had a wonderful time at the Meals on Wheels All Aboard Volunteer Appreciation Event, held on May 22nd, at the Serbian Centre. The event celebrated the efforts of countless volunteers, including Brigitte, who has been generously giving her time for over seven years. Her ongoing commitment to delivering meals to those who depend on this vital service speaks to her compassion and dedication. It was a well-deserved opportunity to recognize Brigitte and others who make a meaningful difference in the community every day. | | Stephen had a fantastic time playing a round of mini golf at Ure’s Country Kitchen just outside of Amherstburg. The experience became even more memorable when he scored his first-ever hole-in-one on the 14th hole, adding a fun highlight to an already enjoyable day. | | Josh and Abbie have been all smiles as they hit the field for their Miracle League baseball games! Decked out in their Yankees gear, the duo brings energy and excitement each week, showing their team spirit and love for the game. Go Yankees! | | Jerry had a fantastic time celebrating his birthday with friends and he planned the entire day himself from start to finish. The celebration kicked off with his favorite beverage from Tim Horton's, followed by a tasty lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, Jerry enjoyed browsing for new CDs and found a great deal at a local store. He capped off the day with some well-earned relaxation and good company at Lakeside Park. | | 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! | | |
OPEN COMMUNICATION
On May 30 and June 1; families across Ontario were invited to meet with other families who have family members with intellectual disabilities. Our Essex County meeting took place in Windsor.
Parts of the event were via Zoom and other parts were in person. We connected with all the other Ontario families via Zoom. Our discussions were in person.
Speakers representing all ages of children shared their real-life experiences as family caregivers. Valuable perspectives we as families could relate to were presented. Day-to-day challenges were also highlighted.
Many other families’ daily journeys mirrored our own. It was comforting to know we didn't walk alone. 😊
While we are busy being caregivers, we often neglect caring for ourselves, and so the groups shared the value of giving ourselves breaks, if only "mini breaks".
Parents are not the only caregivers in families. Often forgotten caregivers are siblings. Their daily lives include navigating around the life of their sibling(s) with intellectual disabilities. As parents who strive to have their children accept others as they find them, these invaluable members of each family need to be given the recognition and support they need. 🤩 Young children build meaningful, lifelong relationships that will assist them in becoming caring, accepting adults who recognize, embrace, and celebrate individual differences. What better training ground can be found than within the safe, nonjudgmental family home?
Please take a moment to read the suggestions below. As a child, you must remember how much better you felt when someone took the time to explain situations that were new to you? As an adult who brought a child with intellectual disabilities into the world, you know how many questions and emotions you were dealing with. For a child, life is filled with unknowns; but their world should also be filled with innocent curiosity. Take moments daily to recognize the "specialness" of each family member and know that you are building the foundation for children to become adults who know their value.
Age doesn't define a "caregiver"! From a very early age to senior years, caregiving provides us the opportunity to brighten the days of others, and in so doing we expand our lives and contribute to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive world!
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Connecting with other families will provide each of us with our biggest FREE resource!
Until next week,
Marilyn
Ensemble Family Consultant and the Advisory Committee
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New Day Celebrates Community Living Month!
In May, New Day proudly hosted a special meeting to celebrate Community Living Month. Members came together wearing blue and green—the official colors of the movement—and enjoyed some delicious cupcakes as part of the celebration.
During the meeting, we had meaningful discussions about important topics, including:
- ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program)
- Passport funding
- How to use Access Cards
- How to raise concerns with your local MPPs
New Day members also shared their personal concerns and challenges. As a result, we are working on a letter to our local MPPs, calling for increased supports and funding for people with disabilities.
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You're Invited to New Day's Summer BBQ!
Location: Miracle League Diamond, Libro Centre in Amherstburg
Date: Friday, June 13th
Time: 11am- 1pm Cost $10.00
What’s better than baseball and hot dogs on a summer day? Join us for a fun and relaxing afternoon at the Miracle League Diamond!
Everyone is welcome, but please RSVP by June 6th to ensure we have enough food for everyone.
To RSVP, contact: newday@communitylivingessex.org
We look forward to seeing you there!
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Last Chance to Register!
Libro Credit Union FREE RDSP Presentation
| | Libro Credit Union will be hosting an informative presentation for families on the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) at Community Living Essex County's Essex Centre, located at 372 Talbot St. N. in Essex. Attendees can register for the in-person session taking place on Wednesday, June 11th at 6:00 p.m., or the virtual session happening on Thursday, June 12th at 3:30 p.m. This is a valuable opportunity to learn how the RDSP can support individuals with disabilities and their families in planning and saving for the future. Click the button below to register and secure your spot. | | Get Your Tickets for the 4th Annual Sip 'N Shop! | | Do not miss your chance to attend the 4th annual Sip ’N Shop Mixer that kicks off the annual Essex Fun Fest on Thursday, July 3rd at 7pm at the Essex Arena Fairgrounds. Join us for a fun night of music, food, wine, and raffles with $10 from every ticket to benefit Community Living Essex County. A limited number of tickets are available now at $35 each at the front desk at the Essex Centre, located at 372 Talbot St. N. in Essex. The ticket price includes admission to event, souvenir wine tumbler, Essex BIA tote bag, three wine samples, one glass of wine, one individual charcuterie bowl, live entertainment, and chances to win numerous great door prizes! Click the button below for more information. | | 2025 Charity Golf Classic Registration Now Open! | | Registration is open for the 33rd Annual Charity Golf Classic, happening on Thursday, July 10th, in support of Community Living Essex County. This popular event brings together golfers, sponsors, and supporters for a day of friendly competition and fundraising to benefit individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. The tournament kicks off with a shotgun start at 11:00 AM, with check-in beginning at 9:30 AM. Enjoy a full day of golf, contests, prizes, meals, and networking at one of the region’s top courses. Spots fill fast—register early to be part of this impactful event! | |
2024 Windsor-Essex Vital Signs Survey | Each year, the Windsor-Essex Community Foundation (WECF) releases the Vital Signs® Survey to better understand what truly matters to the people who live, work, and thrive in our community. This important survey gathers input on key issues such as housing, healthcare, education, employment, and overall community wellbeing. The insights gathered not only help guide WECF’s grantmaking and initiatives but are also used by government and service providers across sectors to align efforts with community-identified priorities. By taking just a few moments to complete the survey, and encouraging those we support to do the same, you are helping to shape a stronger, more inclusive, and vibrant Windsor-Essex. Click the button below to make your voice count—your feedback is essential to building a better community for all. | | |
Community Living Ontario Launches
Community Action Projects Grant!
| | Community Living Ontario is offering Community Action Projects Grants of up to $2,500 to youth groups (ages 14–29) to support projects that promote the authentic inclusion of youth with intellectual disabilities in their communities. Eligible groups must include at least five youth—two with intellectual disabilities—be connected to a school or youth-serving organization in Ontario, have an adult ally, and designate one youth as the Project Lead. Applications are due by June 13th, at 11:59 p.m. Click the buttons below to learn more and apply. | | |
Community Living Essex County Presents:
Yoga with Cocoyoga
| | Yoga with Cocoyoga is offering a FREE 4-part Outdoor Yoga Series for all levels, with no registration required! Whether you’re a beginner or an enthusiast, Coco, an experienced and adaptable instructor, will guide you through each session, offering modifications and adaptive methods to suit everyone. Join us as we stretch, relax, and work toward a more active, flexible, and Zen lifestyle! There are two sessions left, June 10th, and June 17th, from 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at Optimist Park in Windsor. Come out and enjoy the peaceful outdoor setting while improving your mind-body connection! | | |
Sign Up Today
Friends of Tecumseh Thunder Baseball Fun Camp
| Sign up today for the 13th Annual Friends of Tecumseh Thunder Baseball Fun Camp, happening Tuesday, July 22nd, at Lacasse Park in Tecumseh (rain date: July 23rd). The event will feature baseball skills stations, an exciting all-star game, and a hot dog lunch. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., with activities starting at 10:00 a.m. Don’t miss this fun-filled day of baseball and community spirit! Email Melissa Overkamp at moverkamp@communitylivingessex.org to sign up! | | 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! | | P4P Webcast - Creative Options for Home | The P4P Planning Network presents the Creative Options for Home webcast, happening Wednesday, June 11th at 7:00 p.m. This informative session explores innovative housing solutions for people with disabilities, offering practical steps for creating personalized housing plans, real stories from families, and insights into DSO housing toolkits and navigators. Featuring expert panelist Kelly Casey, with over 30 years of experience in developmental services, the webcast will also include a live Q&A session. Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable knowledge and resources—click the button below to register today and secure your spot! | | |
P4P Webcast - Journey to Belonging:
Choice and Inclusion
| | P4P is hosting a virtual bilingual (French/English) presentation on Tuesday, June 24, at 7:00 p.m. about Journey to Belonging: Choice and Inclusion, the Government of Ontario’s plan to reform developmental services. This plan centers on a vision where people with developmental disabilities are supported by their communities, support networks, and government to belong and live inclusive lives, empowered to make choices and live as independently as possible. The presentation will include updates on key commitments such as the development of a new needs-based funding approach. Following the webcast, there will be a live Q&A session with MCCSS Directors Christine Kuepfer and Amy Olmstead. Click the button below to register for this informative session. | | DSO Webcast: Building Your Support Team | | On Tuesday, June 10th from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., join DSO Housing Navigators for a free virtual lunchtime session on Building Your Support Team. This demonstration will guide participants through DSO’s new housing and independent living e-learning modules. Open to people with developmental disabilities, their families, support networks, and professionals across Ontario, the session aims to empower individuals and teams with the tools to explore housing options and build informed support networks. | |
Tourism Windsor Essex County Pelee Island
Summer Event Guide
| | The Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island Summer Event Guide is here! Discover the top events happening across Windsor, Essex County, and Pelee Island through to September 30. Whether you're planning a road trip or exploring your own backyard, this guide is your go-to list for summer fun. Click the button below to see the guide or pick up a print version at the Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island office or the Caesars Windsor Visitor Information Kiosk. | | LaSalle Strawberry Festival | | Get ready for summer fun at the LaSalle Strawberry Festival, happening Thursday, June 5th to Sunday, June 8th at the Vollmer Culture and Recreation Complex! This family-friendly event features thrilling carnival rides, live entertainment, games, delicious food, and plenty of fresh local strawberries. Highlights include Toonie Night on Thursday, a $40 unlimited ride pass on Friday, and the always-popular Strawberry Festival Parade on Saturday at 10:00 am. Admission is just $5 per person (free for children 5 and under, and seniors 65+), with $12 weekend passes available online until June 6th. Free LaSalle Transit is available during festival hours—don’t miss out on the fun! Click the link below to purchase your weekend pass. | | Amherstburg Open Air Weekends | This coming weekend, Amherstburg’s Open Air Weekends bring a vibrant mix of food, shopping, and entertainment to the heart of downtown. From Friday at 3 p.m. through Sunday at 8 p.m., the streets will be buzzing with local treats like craft beer, gelato, popcorn, and baked goods, alongside unique finds from shops offering clothing, home décor, books, and more. This season features themed weekends and the return of Night Markets on Fridays, complete with live music and a festive atmosphere. Whether you’re a local or visiting, it’s a fun-filled weekend for all ages. Click the button below to learn more. | | Get ready to indulge at the 2025 Windsor Poutine Feast, happening Thursday, June 5th at 11:00 a.m. through Sunday, June 8th at 6:00 p.m. at the Riverfront Festival Plaza! As one of the original nine cities on the Poutine Feast tour, Windsor offers a fun-filled weekend of mouthwatering poutine creations, exciting games, live music, and a lively festival atmosphere. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy great food and entertainment along the scenic waterfront! Click the button below to visit the event website. | |
Windsor Dance eXperience Presents:
Wonderland
| | Step into a world of imagination with Wonderland, presented by Windsor Dance eXperience from Friday, June 6th to Sunday, June 8th at the Capitol Theatre Windsor. This vibrant stage production brings Lewis Carroll’s classic tales to life through dance, set against colourful sets, imaginative costumes, and an exciting soundtrack. Performances take place June 6th and 7th at 7:00 p.m., and June 8th at 2:30 p.m. A magical experience for the whole family! | | Don’t miss Art in the Park, happening Saturday, June 7th from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, June 8th from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Willistead Park in Windsor! As one of Ontario’s largest outdoor arts and crafts shows, this beloved event kicks off Windsor’s festival season with over 200 talented exhibitors from across Ontario and Quebec. Set against the stunning backdrop of historic Willistead Manor, Art in the Park offers something for everyone—from unique handmade goods to a fun-filled day for the whole family. Click the button below to visit the event website. | | Check out Meet a Machine 2025 on Saturday, June 7th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the WFCU Centre! This free community event, hosted by City of Windsor Children’s Services, showcases a wide range of machines—from construction vehicles to emergency response equipment. Attendees can explore, ask questions, and even receive a free book while learning more about the machines that keep our communities running. Click the button below to learn more. | | 34th Annual McGregor Music Festival | | The 34th Annual McGregor Music Festival takes place on Sunday, June 8th, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Co-An Park. Enjoy live performances by eight local bands throughout the day, along with exciting activities including a car show, pig auction, raffles, and door prizes. A rib dinner will be served from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for $20 per person. All proceeds support local cancer care—come out for great music and a great cause! Click the button below to learn more. | | Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars | Looking for the perfect summer snack? These Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars are packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, almond butter, zucchini, dates, and maple syrup. Dense, moist, and naturally sweet, they’re incredibly easy to make and perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert. Kid-friendly, fuss-free, and full of flavor—this is one recipe you'll want on repeat all summer long. Click the button below for the step-by-step recipe. | | Used coffee grounds can be a game-changer for your garden! Rich in nitrogen, they provide essential nutrients for healthy plant growth while improving soil structure and drainage. Simply scatter them around your plants or mix them into the soil. Plus, their strong aroma naturally repels pests like ants, snails, and slugs. You can also toss coffee grounds into your compost bin to boost compost quality. Whether you’re a coffee lover or just looking to make the most of kitchen scraps, coffee grounds are a smart, eco-friendly addition to your garden. | | Tropical Paper Leaf Table Runner | | Add a splash of summer to your table with a DIY Tropical Paper Leaf Table Runner—a simple, budget-friendly craft that brings big visual impact! This vibrant project is perfect for outdoor gatherings, summer dinner parties, or just adding a fun pop to your everyday décor. Easy to make and totally customizable, this leafy runner brings a bold, fresh vibe to any setting—no green thumb required! Click the button below to begin crafting! | | |
Last week's poll results:
If there were a county-wide talent show, what talent would you bring to the stage?
I’d be the in the audience cheering everyone on! - 55.9%
Singing - 23.5%
A theatrical performance - 8.8%
Dancing - 5.9%
Stand-up comedy - 2.9%
An instrumental performance - 2.9%
A martial arts demonstration – 0%
Poetry or spoken word - 0%
A magic show - 0%
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