John and Harold enjoyed a fun weekend trip to Niagara Falls, where they attended the lively Niagara Falls Comic Con. At the event, they met several celebrities, took plenty of photos, and soaked up the exciting atmosphere. After the convention, they spent time in Niagara-on-the-Lake, exploring local shops and taking in the beautiful scenery. Throughout the weekend, John and Harold enjoyed each other’s company and had a great time discovering new places, making the trip an enjoyable experience for both of them. | | Isaac, Dominic, and Josh had an action-packed Saturday at the Meet-A-Machine event at the WFCU Centre, exploring all kinds of cool equipment and vehicles while having a blast together. After a fun-filled afternoon, they headed home to relax and dive into a Minecraft adventure. The day wrapped up perfectly with a delicious backyard BBQ and some well-deserved downtime. | | Loretta is making a meaningful impact in her community by volunteering at Encounter Church in Amherstburg. Each time she visits, she lends a helping hand by tidying and maintaining the space, contributing to a warm and welcoming environment for all who gather there. Her commitment is a great example of how small acts of service can make a big difference. | | Last week, Tony and Art kicked off grilling season in style! After giving the grill a good clean, they fired it up and got to work flipping burgers to celebrate the warm weather. With sunshine, sizzling patties, and great company, it was the perfect way to enjoy their outdoor space. | | Kim was thrilled to celebrate her 58th birthday surrounded by many friends and family at a surprise party on June 4th. The party’s theme, “Feeling Great at 58,” perfectly captured Kim’s joyful spirit as she enjoyed the heartfelt moments, laughter, and warm wishes from everyone who came to celebrate this special milestone with her. It was truly a memorable day filled with love and happiness. | | 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! | | |
WHAT'S NEXT?
As we approach the end of June, we also approach the end of the school year. For students with intellectual disabilities who have reached the end of their formal high school education, there are many unanswered questions regarding the years ahead.
Have you been well informed by your student's high school about future opportunities? Do you know where to get current, relevant resources?
A good place to start is your local DSO office. Check out the posters below for useful information.
| | Another useful source of information can be found at: | | |
The information provided in the article above contains basically everything you need to know as your child with intellectual disabilities ages and moves through life. I highly recommend that you read the contents and reference it at each stage of your child's life. This truly is "ONE stop shopping"!
Another excellent source of resources can be found at:
—www.Ensembleunderstands.com —
This week, we've attempted to direct you to useful resources that can ease your child's voyage through life's transitions. These resources will support you as your child's caregiver. A life of meaningful opportunities is a possibility for you, your child, and your entire family. Start the process! Get informed!
Ensemble, as the voice of families, is here to listen, strategize, and collaborate.
Happy June days! 🌞
Marilyn,
Ensemble Family Consultant and the Advisory Committee
| |
Rudy - Personal Safety and Assault Prevention Workshop | |
Community Living Essex County is offering a free in-person workshop for teens and young men with intellectual disabilities, with two sessions taking place on Tuesday, July 8th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Wednesday, July 9th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The workshop will cover personal boundaries, self-respect, healthy relationships, and recognizing different types of assault and violence. It’s open to men aged 16 and up, with only 8 spots available, so be sure to register early before the June 30th deadline. To sign up, click the flyer or use the button below to register on My Community Hub.
For questions, please contact Nick St.Denis at nstdenis@communitylivingessex.org.
| | 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 7:00 p.m. 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! | |
2025 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. | | |
Last Chance to Apply!
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 is one session left, 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! | | P4P Webcast: Whose Voice? Real Choice | On Monday, June 16th at 7:00 p.m., join the brand-new P4P webcast Whose Voice? Real Choice to explore how we can better support people with developmental disabilities in leading their own lives. This insightful session offers families practical guidance on fostering communication, encouraging decision-making starting with small choices, and embracing diverse ways of expressing capacity beyond words. Featuring real stories from families who transformed their approach, the webcast aims to inspire a shift in mindset and action toward greater opportunity and respect for self-determination. If you are interested in attending this virtual webcast, please click the button below to register. | | |
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: Inclusive Housing Network Guide Information Session | | On June 23rd, join a virtual information session on the Inclusive Housing Network Guide, a new resource developed by DSO Housing Navigators to support inclusive, person-centered housing solutions for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Participants will learn how building strong networks among diverse stakeholders can lead to accessible, affordable, and culturally responsive housing rooted in choice, equity, and dignity. The session will run from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with a meeting link provided prior to the event. Click the button below to register. | |
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. | | On Friday, June 13th from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., the Mill St. Market – Hippie Vibes edition transforms Leamington’s Mill Street into a vibrant evening market filled with street food, local drinks, handcrafted arts and crafts, and live music. Presented by the Leamington Arts Centre in partnership with the Municipality of Leamington, Uptown Leamington BIA, and the Bank Theatre, this themed night invites visitors to dress in their grooviest hippie-inspired attire and enjoy the laid-back, retro atmosphere. It's a unique way to shop, eat, and vibe under the summer sky! Click the button below to visit the event website. | | The 9th Annual Taste of Tecumseh Festival returns to Lakewood Park on Friday, June 13th and Saturday, June 14th, offering two days of culinary indulgence and waterfront entertainment. Set against the scenic backdrop of Lake St. Clair, this vibrant event showcases a wide array of food vendors, award-winning wines, local craft beers, and spirits from Hiram Walker. Guests can enjoy live performances from acts like Bigg Wiggle, DJ Rye, and Gnome Chimpsky, while sampling treats from favorites like Montreal Poutine, Mangia Y’all, and Sprucewood Shores Winery. It’s a delicious way to kick off the summer in Tecumseh! | | The award-winning Carrousel of the Nations returns from Friday, June 13th to Sunday, June 15th, and Friday, June 20th to Sunday, June 22nd, inviting guests to experience a world of culture right in Windsor-Essex. This free, family-friendly festival features over 20 cultural villages spread across Windsor, Amherstburg, Leamington, Harrow, and Kingsville, each offering traditional music, live performances, and iconic global cuisine. From the rhythms of the Caribbean to the flavours of the Middle East, the Carrousel celebrates the region’s rich cultural diversity and vibrant community spirit—no passport required! Click the button below to see the location schedule. | | FORT MALDEN MEDIEVAL FAIRE | | From Saturday, June 14th to Sunday, June 15th, the Fort Malden Medieval Faire runs daily from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Fort Malden National Historic Site in Amherstburg. This immersive festival brings the Middle Ages to life with knights, princesses, unique vendors, and captivating performances like Knights of Valour and Men in Tights. Perfect for history buffs and families alike, the Faire offers a magical weekend filled with medieval marvels and unforgettable experiences. Click the button below to purchase tickets. | | Father's Day Stroll the Street | | On Friday, June 13th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Father’s Day Stroll the Street brings family-friendly fun to Notre Dame Street in Belle River. This lively community event invites locals to walk, shop, and dine while enjoying special activities and deals tailored to celebrate dads. With its upbeat vibe and small-town charm, Stroll the Street offers a festive evening out while supporting local businesses. | | Scarehouse - Summer Scream | | On Friday, June 13th at 7:00 p.m., Scarehouse – Summer Scream kicks off a one-night-only, all-ages midsummer party at Scarehouse Windsor. Featuring live music by Windsor’s premier '90s party band Out of Time, the event also includes access to four spine-tingling haunts: The Mirror Maze, Haunted Darkness, The Funhouse, and Ward 13. Admission is $20.00 and includes entry to one haunt of your choice, with additional entries available for $5.00 each. It's a thrilling mix of music and mayhem happening exclusively on Friday the 13th! Click the button below to purchase tickets. | |
Canadian residents can enjoy fishing in Ontario without a license this Father’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 license 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. | | Roasted Cauliflower Hummus Bowls | Craving something comforting, flavorful, and packed with feel-good ingredients? These Roasted Cauliflower Hummus Bowls are a game-changer. Built on a base of ultra-creamy, garlicky homemade hummus, each bowl is loaded with paprika-spiced roasted cauliflower, fresh lemony tomatoes, herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil. Add a soft-boiled egg or pulled rotisserie chicken if you’re feeling extra, and scoop it all up with warm, fluffy pita. Colorful, nutritious, and wildly satisfying, this recipe is perfect for anyone who loves to play with flavors and textures—customize it your way and dig in! Click the button below for the recipe. | | Water Plants Early in the Morning | | Watering your plants early in the morning, before the sun heats up, is one of the best ways to keep your garden healthy and thriving. This timing allows water to soak deeply into the soil, giving plants the moisture they need before it can evaporate. Morning watering also helps prevent fungal diseases, as cooler temperatures reduce the risk of mildew and other issues that thrive in damp conditions. For best results, water at the base of the plants and avoid wetting the leaves—this small habit can make a big difference in your garden's growth and resilience. | | Origami Shirt Father’s Day Card | | Create a heartfelt Father’s Day gift with the easy Origami Shirt Father’s Day Card. This simple origami project uses thin colored construction paper to fold a charming shirt-shaped card that can be decorated with pom poms, buttons, confetti dots, and paper ties. Inside, add a special message and a wallet-size photo to make it a truly personal keepsake. This unique and memorable card is a creative way to show appreciation and is sure to be treasured. Click the button below to get crafting! | |
| Which gift would your dad appreciate the most on Father’s Day?
| | | | |
Last week's poll results:
What was your first job?
Fast food or restaurant worker - 32.5%
Paper route or delivery - 25%
Other - 20%
Farm worker - 10%
Retail worker - 7.5%
Tutoring or teaching assistant - 2.5%
Freelance or gig work (e.g., crafting, photography) - 2.5%
Gas station attendant - 0%
Construction worker - 0%
| | | | |
