May is Community Living Month! | |
The Community Living movement is a significant advocacy effort that aims to promote authentic community inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities and their families. It was initiated by families who believed that their loved ones deserved to live fulfilling lives within the community. The movement strives to create a world where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can fully participate in community life and experience the fulfillment that comes from #AuthenticInclusion. | |
Celebrating Community Living Month | |
Matthew, Clayton and Kevin sporting their blue and green while decorating their home and backyard to celebrate Community Living Month. Looking good, guys! | |
Falls, Feathers, and the King of Rock & Roll | |
Kent traveled to Niagara Falls to attend the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival. During his visit, he got to explore the area and do some sight seeing which included a trip to the Bird Kingdom. He also had the opportunity to meet and take a picture with one of the Elvis performers! | |
Cora and June attended the Tulip Festival in Holland, Michigan. They took in the beautiful weather and enjoyed the festivities at the event. Most of all, they delighted in going through trail after trail of stunning tulips in full bloom for them to admire! | |
Belle River's Stroll the Streets | |
Last Friday, the Maplewood Respite team enjoyed a wonderful evening at the Stroll the Streets event in Belle River. They reveled in good music, perfect weather, and delectable food. Ryan even seized the opportunity to capture a photo with Bomber, the cherished Windsor Spitfires mascot. | |
Ron took advantage of the warm and sunny spring weather to tend to his garden at home with support staff. | |
Community Living Month:
Spotlight on a Corporate Supporter
Colasanti's Tropical Gardens | |
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Colasanti's Tropical Gardens is a fascinating place! Situated in Kingsville, it is much more than just a garden center. Founded in 1941 by Alex Colasanti, this family-owned business located in Kingsville has evolved into a multifaceted destination that offers a unique blend of horticultural wonders, family entertainment, and community engagement. Visitors are greeted by a lush oasis filled with exotic plants, towering palm trees, and vibrant flowers, creating a serene atmosphere that transports you to a tropical paradise.
Beyond its natural beauty, Colasanti's is also known for its commitment to the community. Colasanti's is deeply involved in supporting local initiatives and charities. For nearly 30 years, Colasanti’s has played host to the annual Ruthven Apple Festival in support of Community Living Essex County raising well over one million dollars. Whether it is through fundraisers, donations, or volunteer efforts, the business strives to give back to the community that has supported it for generations. From sponsoring local sports teams to participating in environmental conservation projects, Colasanti's exemplifies the spirit of corporate social responsibility.
Overall, Colasanti's Tropical Gardens is more than just a botanical paradise; it is a hub of community engagement and enrichment. Whether you are seeking inspiration for your garden, looking for a fun day out with the family, or simply want to support a business that cares, Colasanti's offers something special for everyone. Be sure to mark your calendar for September 28th & 29th as Colasanti’s plays host to the 45th Ruthven Apple Festival.
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Let's Dream the Possible: Community Living Month | |
May in Ontario strives to raise awareness of the complexities of the daily lives of individuals who have intellectual disabilities. Their lives impact many others: parents, siblings, extended families, caregivers and the communities in which they live. We are ALL residents of the province of Ontario.
Last week Ensemble attended Community Living Day at the Ontario Legislature. The day consisted of: attendance to the question period in the Legislature, meetings with MPP’s representative of Ontario ridings, a tour of the legislature and a reception hosted by Community Living Toronto and Community Living Ontario.
Many self- advocates, families, support staff, agency reps and government officials had an opportunity to socialize throughout the day. Positive life experiences were celebrated and steps forward needed to achieve greater life satisfaction were discussed.
Everyone left feeling their voices were heard. They were grateful that much has been achieved. It was understood that continued effort and effective communication is always needed. To have supported futures that are meaningful and inclusive, our work is ongoing. We must work together!
Let’s connect to show our communities that we have made great strides to reach our goals but for continued positive impact we ALL need to value the contributions that each of us can make; regardless of ability.
Reach out!
Mgodard@ensembleunderstands.com
Marilyn - Ensemble Family Consultant and the Advisory Committee
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Central Housing Registry Survey | |
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. | | |
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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 General Meeting. We look forward to receiving many wonderful nominations for this prestigious award by the extended date of Monday May 20th. If you have any questions about the award or the nomination form, please direct them to: nominations@communitylivingessex.org.
Listen in as we hear from last year's winner, Paisley Bartlam:
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The Kevin McMullan Memorial Award committee appreciates your efforts to recognize an exceptional employee of Community Living Essex County! | |
You're Invited to our 63rd Annual General Meeting | |
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Join us for our 63rd Annual General Membership Meeting on Tuesday June 18th at the Ciociaro Club at 3745 North Talbot Road in Oldcastle. Click the button below to RSVP!
Note: to be eligible to vote at the AGM, you must renew your membership by May 28th, 2024.
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A strong, thriving membership is essential to our organization. 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 new membership perks! | |
Career Compass Employer Referral Program | |
Career Compass: Youth in Action | |
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Youth in Action: Summer Work Experience is a program for students with intellectual disabilities looking for summer jobs. The goal is to provide students the opportunity to earn money during the summer, while adding skills and experience to their resume.
Students hired by local businesses will be paired with a student job coach, employed by Community Living Essex County. Their role will be to work alongside students and employers to mentor and guide them, ensuring they understand and complete all work related duties.
Why should my business be a part of Youth in Action?
- Provide a student with a summer job opportunity to add new skills and experiences to their resume.
- Have a student job coach on-site to mentor your student employee during their shifts.
- Have your business highlighted on our social media channels and website.
- Be a community leader in inclusive hiring!
To participate, employers must commit to:
- Hiring a student for a part time 6 week placement.
- Paying a student minimum wage.
- Allowing student job coaches to work alongside the student employee they are paired with.
How can my business get involved?
Contact the Career Compass team at 519-776-6483, ext. 211 or by email at:
careercompass@communitylivingessex.org.
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Tickets On Sale for Sip 'N Shop Mixer! | |
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Don’t miss your chance to attend the 3rd Annual Sip ’N Shop Mixer that kicks off the annual Essex Fun Fest on Thursday July 4th, 2024 at the Essex Arena Fairgrounds. Join us starting at 7pm for a fun night of music, food, wine, and raffles with a portion of the proceeds to benefit Community Living Essex County.
A limited number of tickets are available for $35 each. They can be purchased at the front desk at our office in Essex, located at 372 Talbot St. N, Monday-Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm. Ticket price includes admission to event, souvenir wine tumbler for the first 500 patrons, Essex BIA tote bag, three wine samplings, one glass of wine, one personal charcuterie bowl, live entertainment, and chances to win some great prizes!
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Upcoming DSO Virtual Presentation | |
Developmental Services Ontario will be hosting a free virtual presentation about the newly updated housing and support budget tool on Wednesday May 29th at 1:00 p.m. This presentation will provide an overview of the new additions to the previously created My Housing and Support Plan Budget Tool. Click the button below to register. | |
An Overview of Journey to Belonging:
Choice and Inclusion
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The P4P Planning Network is hosting a simultaneous French/English presentation about Journey to Belonging: Choice and Inclusion, the government of Ontario’s plan to reform developmental services. The plan is centered on a vision where people with developmental disabilities are supported by their communities, support networks and government to belong and live inclusive lives, where they are empowered to make choices and live as independently as possible through supports that are person-directed, equitable and sustainable. The virtual event will take place online on Tuesday May 28th, at 7:00 p.m. Click the link below to learn more and to register for the free webcast. | |
Madagascar Jr. - A Musical Adventure | |
Get ready to groove to the beat and embark on an exciting escapade with your favorite characters from the beloved animated film! Madagascar Jr. - A Musical Adventure is brought to life on stage by Windsor’s Premiere Youth Theatre Company and back at the Capitol Theatre for the final production of their 20th Anniversary Season! Packed with catchy tunes, energetic dance numbers, and plenty of laughs, this musical extravaganza promises fun for the whole family! Two of the performances (Sunday May 19th at 2 p.m. and Friday May 24th at 7 p.m.) will be ASL-interpreted, courtesy of Stage Hands Windsor. | |
Heritage Village Reopening Day | |
On May 18th, celebrate museum day with the Canadian Transportation Museum and Heritage Village for their reopening event! Interpreters will be dressed in period costumes leading activities in the buildings. Experience history firsthand as they bring the iconic village back to life after the winter break. Normal museum admission rates apply. | |
Rock Developments is sponsoring an exciting Victoria Day fireworks celebration in Belle River. On May 18th, head over to Optimist Park for a dazzling display of fireworks that will begin at dusk. There will be live music at the pavilion and hot dogs, water, pop, and chips, will be available for purchase. | |
These slow cooker pork fajitas offer a delightful blend of flavors. Tenderloin and vegetables sizzle in a robust cilantro sauce, then find their place inside tortillas - a creative twist on taco night. | |
Make your own lip balm or lip gloss in just ten minutes! Homemade lip balm is a fantastic DIY gift idea with unlimited flavor and color options! | |
| If you could be one of the following superheroes for a day, which would you choose? | | | |
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If you could master a single instrument overnight, which would it be?
Guitar ~ 34.3%
Piano ~ 31.3%
Violin ~ 13.4%
Drums ~ 6%
Cello ~ 3%
Flute ~ 3%
Saxophone ~ 3%
Accordion ~ 6%
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