Career Compass Partnership with
Local School Boards
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Over the last couple of years, the Career Compass team has been able to work closely with the Greater Essex County District School Board, and the Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board to reach youth with an intellectual disability earlier, starting discussions around employment.
Of course, this was disrupted by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic last year. However, our relationships with the school boards forged ahead, evolving in a way to continue reaching students virtually.
During the summer, we heard from Special Education Department Heads that they were hoping to continue to their work with us. The team worked to adapt the curriculum so that lessons would be visual, utilizing different websites like "Kahoot!" and "Wheel of Names" to encourage engagement from the participants. We all know that virtual activities don't replace in-person activities - but the team has been able to meet new students, learning about their future employment goals!
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How to Celebrate Earth Day |
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Ever wonder how Earth Day began? The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970, when San Francisco activist John McConnell and Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson separately asked Americans to join in a grassroots demonstration. Dealing with dangerously serious issues concerning toxic drinking water, air pollution, and the effects of pesticides, 20 million Americans ventured outdoors and protested together. |
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Self-Advocate Spotlight: John Cooper |
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John Cooper has been a long time member of New Day, first learning about the advocacy group in 2004. John’s passion for advocacy grew from years of living in Ontario institutions. John openly shares stories of his life within the institutions, explaining how he and many others, were denied their rights, including the right to make his own decisions, the right to privacy, the right to manage his own finances, the right to live in a safe environment and the right to citizenship.
When John moved out of the institution and into his own community, he learned that he could demand these rights. John also learned it was his responsibility to work hard, follow the laws, pay his bills, ask questions and speak up for himself.
When asked, John says his favourite part about being a self-advocate is helping people find answers to any questions they have.
John enjoys being a hands on New Day member, volunteering his time working at the Annual Fish Fry, the Pasta Dinner Fundraiser, the Speaking Out Conference, annual BBQ and bake sales. John is always the first to volunteer for any job that needs to be done.
John’s drive to help people extends beyond New Day. He is also well known throughout this community. John is currently a trustee and member of the Tecumseh Knights of Columbus. He reviews the monthly bulletin and sends it to the Grand Knight for approval. John is also a long time member of the Royal Canadian Legion. When not in a pandemic, he plays darts every Tuesday. As an avid card player, John is always eager to join euchre or cribbage matches, at the Legion and the Golden Age Club.
When asked why people should consider joining New Day, John says, “You meet new friends. It doesn’t cost anything. You’ll learn about changes that are happening. And it’s a friendly place where everyone gets along.”
If you’re interested in learning more about advocacy, consider coming to a New Day meeting. New Day meets virtually, the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month, using Microsoft Teams.
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Staying fit and healthy during the pandemic is important. You can tune into YourTV on Cogeco Channel 11 or 700HD at 12:30 pm and 4:30 pm and get moving with at-home exercises brought to you by Certified Fitness Instructors. Anyone that tunes in will also receive wellness tips from various healthcare professionals. |
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WECHU Website Provides
Local Vaccine Information
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COVID-19 vaccination clinics and additional vaccination sites will be used throughout the county during the vaccine rollout to vaccinate current priority groups as quickly as possible.
Vaccine availability is rapidly changing in our community. Click on the link below for up to date COVID-19 vaccine information.
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A Message About Advocacy from Ensemble |
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We are in phase 2 of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Windsor-Essex County. Individuals with developmental disabilities are prioritized in this stage, which is wonderful news for our family members. Currently they are prioritizing all individuals who live in congregate group settings while those who live independently or with family are waiting.
There has been advocacy occurring to ensure that they are also included in this phase, but it has not happened yet.
If you would like to contact your MPP to help the voice of your family member be heard, contact information for our local MPPs has been provided below:
Kelly Runalls,
Parent Consultant
Click on the link below to view an article about vaccinating people with intellectual disabilities:
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Breakaway Gaming Centre Supports
Community Living Essex County
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Membership Benefits Include:
- Voting rights
- Invitation to virtual AGM
- Electronic Communications
- Closer Look mailer
- Annual report
- I'm All INclusion window cling (corporate members)
- I'm All Inclusion accessory (individual members)
- Membership card
Do you believe in inclusion? Join us today!
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Virtual Talent Show 2021:
In Association with the St. Clair College Event Management Program
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The St. Clair College Event Management Program is hosting a Virtual Talent Show in Support of Cystic Fibrosis of Canada - Essex Kent Chapter. This virtual event takes place on Saturday, April 16th at 7pm via Zoom and registration is $10.
The Virtual Talent Show provides a platform for artists to showcase their talents, and is shared and promoted on social media for a greater reach. This event will entertain people and provide an evening of fun for people to enjoy from the comfort of their couch!
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common fatal genetic disease affecting Canadian children and young adults. At present, there is no cure.
Interested in taking in the show? Click the link below for more information.
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Pork Souvlaki
Seasoned pieces of pork are coated in a Mediterranean marinade. Wonderful with rice and a cucumber and tomato salad. Serve with lemon slices and chopped parsley.
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Laughter is the Best Medicine |
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If you won the lottery jackpot, what new hobby would you take up?
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Poll Results
What month is Community Living Month in Ontario?
June ~ 33.3%
February ~ 0%
May ~ 55.6%
September ~ 11.1%
The correct answer is May.
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