Resilient Communities Fund Grant |
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In 2021, Community Living Essex County received a $150,000 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19. With these funds, we engaged consultants who helped transition learnings from the global pandemic and re-imagine the organization’s services to safely meet the individual needs of the people with intellectual disabilities.
“I would like to thank the Ontario Trillium Foundation for the awarding of this grant,” said Essex MPP Taras Natyshak. “There is perhaps no other organization in Essex County that does so much great and important work as Community Living Essex County. This investment will directly benefit the programs and services that enrich the lives of our residents. Thank you for your continued investment in our community.”
As a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic, safety concerns were identified in congregate/group settings. This investment by OTF has allowed Community Living Essex County to reimagine its Community Participation Supports and introduce the agency’s Be You, Belong! approach to service delivery. The agency’s services are now more individualized, shifting away from traditional congregate settings and towards authentic belonging in one’s own community.
“We are so very fortunate to have been awarded a Resilient Communities Fund grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation,” said Karen Bolger, Executive Director of Community Living Essex County. “Although the impact of COVID-19 remains, OTF funding has enabled the agency to establish our path forward. We can deliver Community Participation Supports that focus on inclusion and belonging, ultimately empowering self-direction and skill development as each person builds the life they want. I am grateful to OTF because, through extensive training, our workforce is equipped to explore new opportunities to respond to each person’s diverse needs and abilities.”
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Light At The End Of The Tunnel |
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With the passage of time we continue to navigate lives impacted daily by the ever changing dynamics of life with Omicron.
We search for light at the end of a tunnel which seems never ending filled with twists and turns.
If there are positives in our new reality with Omicron we can be assured and comforted in knowing that our challenge is not only local but worldwide.
Let’s find inspiration from other Canadian communities. Everyone is trying to provide outlets to end our feelings of isolation and to give us possible coping strategies.
Possible sources of assistance are highlighted below. Let’s embrace change together- Ensemble.
Contact us by email or phone.
Marilyn, Lois and Rubina
Family Consultants
ensemble@communitylivingessex.org or 519-776-6483, ext 225
Websites:
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Holiday Basket Fundraiser Raises $13,000 |
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Due to the ongoing safety issues with COVID-19, our annual gift-wrapping booth at Devonshire Mall was cancelled again in 2021. The Community Living Essex County Marketing team successfully created and rolled out the “Home for the Holidays Basket Fundraiser.” A total of 150 holiday-themed baskets were assembled and were sold out within a two-week period in December, raising $13,000.
Thank you to those who purchased a basket and to the generous contributions from our community supporters including:
- St. Clair College
- Rae Christen Jeffries Management Labour & Employment Law
- Dan Gemus Real Estate
- DPM Insurance
- Green Sun Rising Inc.
- MedProDirect
- On Site Services
- Auxilium Group
- Lakeshore Contracting
- Empire Communications
- AM800 CKLW
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CEO With Down Syndrome
Runs Successful Cookie Business
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In high school, she was bullied. After college, it was difficult to find a job. But through all the difficult times, Collette Divitto, has had one thing that makes her happy: baking. Divitto, who has Down syndrome, decided to channel her passion into a career, opening her own cookie company.
Collette created her own cookie company when she was in her 20s. And if being a successful business owner at such a young age isn't impressive enough, she also created a nonprofit that helps people with disabilities start their careers.
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Webcast: Registered Disability
Savings Plan Workshop
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Are you interested in learning about the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), a made-in-Canada, long-term savings vehicle designed specifically for individuals with disabilities? To register for one of the upcoming Intro to the RDSP webcasts click on the below links.
What Will You Learn?
- An understanding of how you could receive up to $90,000 from the federal government in bonds and grants
- Insights on opening an RDSP, withdrawals and taxation
- Knowledge of the latest updates and changes to the RDSP
- Tips & advice on free resources to consult for additional information
Upcoming Intro to the RDSP Webcasts:
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Ontario Launches Virtual 2022
Budget Consultations
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Ontario Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy is encouraging Ontarians to share their ideas for making Ontario the best place to build a career, a family and a future.
It’s easy to have your say. The online survey has only 9 questions.
Visit Ontario.ca/budgetconsultations to submit your ideas by email, mail, or by filling out a survey. The 2022 Budget consultations close on February 11, 2022.
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Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services West Region
Virtual Wellness-Drop Box Link
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The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) West Region office has confirmed a number of time-limited, online supports and resources that will be available until March 31, 2022 to support eligible individuals, their families and caregivers during COVID-19 and the latest Omicron wave.
The Virtual Wellness-Drop Box link includes a number of information posters for a variety of online support offerings, including a 24/7 counselling line, that is directed to individuals, their families and caregivers on the adult Developmental Services wait list. Follow the below link for more information.
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Inclusive Education Webinar |
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Are you interested in knowing more about inclusive education? This free webinar hosted by Community Living Ontario's Council and the Youth Advisory Committee is for you!
Share your experiences, stories, increase your awareness and empower each other to become better advocates for inclusive education.
Wednesday, January 26th from 6:00 - 7:00 pm.
Click the below link to register.
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Wordle is an online word game that has taken the world by storm!
The rules are simple: Guess the five-letter hidden word in 6 tries! To get started, just type any five-letter word on the first line. If the letter is guessed correctly and is in the correct place, it will be marked in green, if the letter is in the word, but in the wrong place - in yellow, and if the letter is not in the word, it will remain gray.
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Free Beginner American Sign Language (ASL) Lesson |
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In this 45-minute lesson you’ll meet one of New York University's School of Professional Studies Center for Applied Liberal Arts (CALA) Continuing Education Programs expert faculty members, and participate in a live lesson on Zoom, learning American Sign Language.
See how language and fun come together to create learning and progress with no-voice instruction to give you an understanding of ASL. The best way to learn a language is to use it - be prepared to participate!
Zoom information will be emailed by 5:00 pm on January 24th. If you do not receive the email or register after January 24th, please email sps.cala@nyu.edu.
Tuesday, January 25th, from 6:30 – 7:15 pm.
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The Amazing Race
Eleven teams of two must race around the world in order to win a massive cash prize. The teams must travel to different parts of the world, complete a series of challenges and travel by plane, car, boat and other forms of transportation in order to avoid elimination. Streaming on Disney+.
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Classic Dinner Rolls
For fans of bread or people looking to add a special something to their dinner, these warm dinner rolls are easy to make and perfect for any dining occasion.
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Laughter is the Best Medicine |
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Are you a night owl or an early bird?
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What season is the best to eat ice cream?
Spring ~ 4.8%
Summer ~ 45.2%
Fall ~ 2.4%
Winter ~ 0%
Any Season ~ 47.6%
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