40 Years of Inspiring Possibilities | | |
After an incredible 40-year career with Community Living Essex County, Executive Director Karen Bolger has announced her retirement, effective August 5, 2025. Karen has been a passionate advocate and dedicated leader, walking alongside individuals and families with unwavering care and commitment. We thank her for her decades of service and leadership.
As part of a thoughtful and planned transition, the Board of Directors has appointed Corey Dalgleish, current Director of Community Living Operations, as the next Executive Director. With Corey’s strong experience and deep connection to the people we support, our organization is in excellent hands.
Karen will continue to work closely with Corey and the leadership team over the coming months to ensure a smooth and successful transition. Please join us in celebrating Karen’s remarkable contributions and wishing her all the best in her well-earned retirement.
| | May is Community Living Month! | | We’re one of 124 Community Living Ontario member agencies taking part in #CLMonth2025! See what we and our fellow agencies are doing to recognize this occasion by searching the hashtag #AgenciesForInclusion and checking out the calendar of agency events by clicking the button below! | | |
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. | | Last Saturday, Josh headed out for a stroll through Tecumseh Mall and took in the sights and sounds of the Cars for a Cause car show. From shiny new models to timeless classics, there was no shortage of eye-catching vehicles to admire. Josh picked up a t-shirt to support the Canadian Mental Health Association and had a blast imitating the roaring engines of the fastest cars on display. A fun afternoon, all for a great cause! | | Bradley's Backyard Bird Stop | | Last week, Bradley did a little good for the backyard wildlife by refilling the bird feeder with fresh seed. It’s a simple way to help the birds and enjoy a bit of nature at the same time. The birds certainly appreciated it—and it was fun to watch them gather and flutter around. It’s a quiet reminder that small gestures can bring a lot of life to our everyday surroundings. | | Art couldn’t be happier to get back out on his bike now that the warmer weather has finally arrived! After a long, chilly stretch, he’s embracing the sunshine and enjoying the freedom of the open road once again. It’s great to see him out and about, making the most of the beautiful weather! | | Earlier this week, Scott and Ali took advantage of the beautiful weather with a visit to Realtor Park. They enjoyed some fresh air, sunshine, and a bit of birdwatching—making the most of a peaceful morning outdoors and the natural beauty of the park. | | Hayden stopped by The Lumberjack for breakfast a couple of days ago and enjoyed a cozy meal while the spring rain poured outside. With a hearty breakfast on the table, and the peaceful sound of rain tapping on the windows, it was the perfect way to take enjoy a relaxing morning. | | David and Scott had a blast at the Merlin Fire Hall last week! They kicked off the morning with a hearty pancake breakfast before getting an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the station. From trying on full firefighter gear to climbing into the driver’s seat of the fire truck, it was a hands-on experience they won’t soon forget! | | Cassie enjoyed a relaxing stroll through Colasanti’s over the Easter weekend, taking in the bright blooms, cheerful spring displays, and all the cozy charm the greenhouse has to offer. A lovely way to celebrate the season and soak up the sights of spring! | | |
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 will be awarded to a student from an Essex County secondary school who is currently enrolled in, or planning to enroll in, a Developmental Services Worker (DSW) program.
Application Process:
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Complete the application form at the link below.
- Complete a 500-word personal essay.
- 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 | | Employees wishing to nominate a colleague, please click the button below. | |  | For external nominations, please use this button to nominate an employee. | | | |
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!
| | Help New Day Raise Funds for the Speaking out Conference! | | 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! | | |
FSNE Webinar: Peer-to-Peer Knowledge Transfer:
Framing the Pathway for Employment During the School Years
| | The Family Support Network for Employment (FSNE) invites families to join an upcoming informational webinar to prepare for the launch of their next free online course: Peer-to-Peer Knowledge Transfer: Framing the Pathway for Employment During the School Years. Grounded in the lived experiences of families supporting a loved one with an intellectual or developmental disability, the course helps parents and caregivers in Ontario gain valuable knowledge and advocacy tools to support their child's path from school to employment. During the webinar, participants will learn how to access and navigate the self-paced course and discover how FSNE’s guided online discussion groups will offer deeper exploration alongside other families. Two webinar sessions are available: Monday, May 12th at 7:00 p.m. and Wednesday, May 14th at 7:00 p.m. Click buttons below to register. | | DSO Webcast: Creating Your Own Housing Vision | | Join the DSO Housing Navigators for a Lunch and Learn event on Tuesday, May 13th, to explore the new e-learning housing modules designed to support individuals with developmental disabilities, their families, and support networks. This virtual session provides an opportunity to dive into housing resources and gain valuable insights. Whether you are a family member, a professional, or someone navigating housing options yourself, this event is open to all. It’s a free, informative hour from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Register by clicking the button below and start creating your own housing vision! | | P4P Webcast: Intro to the RDSP | The P4P Planning Network is offering a free online webcast about The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). This savings plan represents a unique Canadian initiative, offering a long-term savings option tailored for individuals living with disabilities. Key benefits include gaining insight into the RDSP and the potential for government contributions, staying informed on the most recent updates and modifications to the RDSP, learning tips and strategies, along with free resources for further information. The webcast is scheduled is scheduled to take place on Thursday, May 15th, at 2:00 p.m. Click the link below to register. | | |
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! The sessions will take place on May 27th, June 3rd, June 10th, and June 17th, from 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at Optimist Park. Come out and enjoy the peaceful outdoor setting while improving your mind-body connection! | | 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. | | Play for a Cure: All Star Game | | Get ready for an exciting night at the 2025 Play for a Cure All Star Game on Friday, May 9th! Watch some of your favorite NHL stars and Team Canada Alumni, including Adam Graves, Meghan Agosta, Tim Taylor, Angela James, Andre Roy, Chris Thorburn, and more, take to the ice alongside the top fundraisers in an unforgettable match. The event also features the Woody’s Hoodies Shootout with Zac Bell, Carson Woodall, and the Howies Mascot! Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the game begins at 6:30 p.m. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the action! Tickets are only $25 and are available by clicking the button below! | | Arts Collective Theatre Presents: Annie Jr. | From Friday, May 9th to Sunday, May 11th, audiences are invited to experience the heartwarming charm of Annie JR. at The Capitol Theatre. This junior adaptation of the beloved Tony Award-winning musical brings the story of Little Orphan Annie to life with energy, heart, and a talented cast of young performers. With showtimes on May 9th and 10th at 7:30 p.m., and a matinee on May 11th at 2:00 p.m., this $30 performance is a perfect family outing full of music, mischief, and the enduring hope of “Tomorrow.” Click the button below to purchase tickets. | | Mother's Day Stroll the Street | | On May 9th, celebrate the special women in your life at the Mother’s Day Stroll the Street—an afternoon filled with shopping, dining, and live entertainment in the heart of Belle River – On the Lake. This vibrant community event transforms eight blocks of Notre Dame Street into a lively, walkable experience full of music, local vendors, and small-town charm. Designed for locals of all ages, Stroll the Street invites everyone to slow down, reconnect with friends and family, and explore everything local businesses have to offer. Come be part of the energy as Notre Dame Street comes to life! Click the button below to learn more. | | Canadian residents can enjoy fishing in Ontario without a license this Mother’s Day Weekend! This is one of four free fishing opportunities offered each year. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or trying it for the first time, it’s a great chance to get outside with the family. Just remember: all fishing rules still apply, including size limits, conservation licence catch limits, and sanctuary regulations. Don’t have your own gear? No problem—TackleShare offers free rod and reel loans at many provincial parks, libraries, and conservation areas. And yes, there are even fishing spots in urban areas! Let’s celebrate Ontario’s great outdoors—safely and responsibly. | | LaSalle Horticultural Society Plant Sale | | Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 10th from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. and don’t miss the LaSalle Horticultural Society Plant Sale at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church! Just in time for Mother’s Day, this is the perfect opportunity to stock up on beautiful perennials, annuals (singles and flats), Mother’s Day baskets, hostas, daylilies, tropical houseplants, fairy gardens, and a wide selection of vegetable plants. You’ll also find a variety of bushes, trees, taro plants, herbs, and other exotic garden picks. Whether you're an experienced green thumb or just starting out, there’s something for everyone! | | HockeyFest – Game On is coming to Windsor from Saturday, May 10th to Sunday, May 11th at Festival Plaza! This high-energy event, presented in partnership with Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island, the City of Windsor, and country music stars The Reklaws, combines the excitement of street hockey with live music—all in support of the Flo Walker Stardust Fund and local mental health initiatives. Open to all ages and skill levels, the tournament guarantees a minimum of four games per team. Plus, every registered player scores a free ticket to Saturday night’s concert featuring The Reklaws, Nate Haller, and Griffin Palmer. Don't miss this action-packed weekend of sport, music, and community spirit! Click the button below to purchase tickets! | | Join the VON SMART Program for Walk This Way in May on Monday, May 12th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the beautiful Ganatchio Trail. In celebration of National Walking Month, this free community walk invites participants of all ages to get moving together. Meet at the Sandpoint Beach parking lot, bring your walking poles, water bottle, and a few fitness friends, and don't forget to wear proper footwear. The walk will go ahead rain or shine (light rain, that is!). To register, call Melissa at 382-342-1264 and take a healthy step into spring! | | Sunshine Lentil Bowl with Garlic Olive Oil Dressing | Packed with vibrant flavors and nourishing ingredients, the Sunshine Lentil Bowl with Garlic Olive Oil Dressing is the ultimate feel-good meal that’s perfect for any time of day. Featuring a hearty mix of roasted potatoes, crisp green beans, juicy tomatoes, creamy goat cheese scrambled eggs, and a generous handful of fresh herbs, this bowl is topped with a zesty homemade garlic olive oil dressing that brings everything together. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious lunch or a satisfying dinner, this colorful, protein-packed bowl just might become your new go-to. | | Spring Cleaning Tip of the Week | | Freshen Up Carpets with Baking Soda | | Freshen up your space this spring with an easy carpet deodorizing trick: simply sprinkle baking soda over your carpet, then gently work it in using a soft brush. Let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes to absorb odors, then vacuum thoroughly using a clean bag or empty dirt cup. It’s a quick, natural way to bring new life (and a fresher scent) to your floors. | | This week’s DIY craft is a simple and satisfying project that’s perfect for enjoying the outdoors—birdseed ornaments! Made with just four basic ingredients, these charming “bird cookies” are easy to make and look beautiful hanging from tree branches and shrubs. It’s a great way to attract birds to your yard and add a touch of handmade charm to your outdoor space. Whether you're a nature lover, a craft enthusiast, or just looking for a relaxing weekend activity, this project is sure to bring a little joy to your backyard. | |
| What is your screen-time guilty pleasure? | | | | |
Last week's poll results:
If you were a spring animal, which of the following would you be?
A graceful butterfly - 20.8%
A busy bee - 16.7%
A curious bunny - 16.7%
A mellow turtle - 16.7%
A sleepy bear still in hibernation - 16.7%
A cheeky squirrel - 12.5%
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