Advocating For Change
In February, Jeff with assistance from his family wrote a letter to Handi Transit letting them know that he has been depending on their services since he was eight years old. He has found that recently, when visiting the Devonshire Mall the bus is letting him off at the bus stop, far away from the building entrance. After conversations with representatives from the Devonshire Mall and Handi Transit, Jeff learned that the protocol will be updated so that anyone using this service will be dropped off at an entrance, much closer to the building beginning April 7th.

What a great example of advocacy and making positive change in your community! Way to go, Jeff!
Don't Throw Caution To The Wind
Finally our COVID-19 restrictions have been adjusted. Our school aged children can now attend classes without masks.

This of course has made everyone very cautious after over 2 years of wearing masks.

As we anxiously await the arrival of spring and warmer weather we are now getting more and more news from friends, family and acquaintances who now have COVID-19.

Even though the new variant appears to be milder families with members with disabilities know that they are at greater risk .

Please see the links below. They contain valuable information.

Wishing everyone good health!
Your committee members,
Marilyn and Rubina
Family Consultants
ensemble@communitylivingessex.org or 519-776-6483, ext 225
Reimagining Community Participation Supports
Be You, Belong!
These last couple months have been very busy as we prepare to deliver a vibrant, person-directed Community Participation Support model, that focuses on inclusion, self-direction and skill development as each person builds the life they want.
 
After careful consideration, and a host of suggestions received for the short, catchy phrase that captures the spirit of the transformation of day supports, we are thrilled to announce we have a tagline – Be You, Belong! 
 
We hope you like it. As Cara Milne said – True belonging means to be known, noticed and missed! Reimagining Community Participation supports will promote true belonging, in the manner chosen by each person.
 
Thank you to everyone who completed the survey in December, and the additional feedback we’ve received since. Together, with the several training sessions hosted for agency employees, featuring dynamic speakers skilled in person-directed planning who shared their experiences and successes, we have valuable information that has encouraged and affirmed that this is the right approach to support people to enjoy their best life.
 
A virtual meeting for people previously receiving community participation supports and families was held in February, bringing them up to date and answering their questions.  It was encouraging that many attended and when it was over, shared they had no further questions.
 
Though our staffing capacity remains a concern, we have proactively begun to train employees so they are ready to deliver the transformed community participation supports when we can begin to safely reopen. 
Only 1200 Tickets Available and Going Fast!
Don't Forget to Order Your Tickets Today!
We want you to start your summer off right!

Only 1200 tickets available!
 
All proceeds from our Backyard Makeover Raffle will help us support our Youth in Action Summer Employment Program.

You could win:
 
Grand Prize (Value $5,500)
  • Landscaping
  • Summer/winter fertilization, fall aerating, all summer grass cutting,
  • Voucher for trees, plants, shrubs
 
2nd Prize (Value $1,500)
  • Fire Table -5000 BTU
  • Gas BBQ + $300 gift card Schinkel’s Meat Market

3rd Prize (Value $1,000)
  • $1,000 in gift cards
 
Early Bird Prize
  • $750 cash
 
CLEC employees can use code CLECEMPLOYEE to purchase their tickets via payroll deduction. This deduction will come off of an upcoming pay cheque, depending on ticket purchase date.
Join Us!
Become a Member Today!
We need your help to grow our membership to 200 strong in 2022! Forward this on to those who 'Believe in Inclusion' and invite them to Join Us! Click the button below to become a member now!
Our Charity Golf Classic is Back for 2022! 
Save the date and join us Thursday July 14th at Sutton Creek Golf Club. Stay tuned for more details. For more information or to become a sponsor contact Tony DeSantis at tony@communitylivingessex.org.
Ontario Expanding Fourth-Dose Eligibility
The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is expanding eligibility for fourth doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to individuals aged 60 and over as well as First Nation, Inuit and Métis individuals and their non-Indigenous household members aged 18 and over starting on April 7th. Expanding booster eligibility will provide an extra layer of protection against the Omicron and BA.2 variants.

Starting on Thursday, April 7th at 8:00 am, eligible individuals will be able to book their fourth dose appointment through the COVID-19 vaccination portal or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900, directly through public health units that use their own booking systems, through Indigenous-led vaccination clinics, participating pharmacies, and participating primary care settings.
Trivia Night Fundraiser
Join Murchada House for a Trivia Night Fundraiser on Saturday, May 7th, at the Essex Legion Branch 201. Tickets are only $25 dollars which includes dinner, trivia and raffle prizes. Tickets can be purchased on their website www.murchadhahouse.ca or through the QR code on the attached poster. 
 
Doors open at 5:00 pm
Dinner 6:00 pm
Trivia starts at 7:30 pm
 
Prize goes to the winning team. Show how smart you are while helping Murchadha House build supported living houses for people with exceptional needs.  
Get Hooked On Fishing Tournament
Tourism Windsor Essex presents the Get Hooked Fishing Tournament sponsored by Devonshire Mall. Click here for registration and sign up today for your chance to win over $2k in prizes!
 
Get ready to cast your lines between Friday April 22nd through Sunday May 1st for your chance to reel in a big one. 
 
Registration is $10 - register before April 8th for your chance to win our first early bird draw worth $100.
Mayors Easter Egg Hunt
Join the classic tradition that comes around every year: the Mayor’s Easter Egg Hunt on April 16th. The Easter Egg Hunt is a fun holiday activity for kids of all ages.

10:00 am – 12:00 pm - Pictures with Easter Bunny & Crafts
10:00 am – 12:00 pm - Easter Scavenger Hunt (Ages 9+)
11:00 am – 11:15 am - Easter Egg Hunt (Ages 1 to 4)
11:30 am – 11:45 am - Easter Egg Hunt (Ages 5 to 8 )

Lakeside Park -315 Queen St, Kingsville
Affordable High-Speed Internet
Through the Connecting Families initiative, the Government of Canada, in partnership with 14 Internet service providers (ISP), is supporting affordable high-speed internet for those who need it most.

The 14 participating ISP's across the country are voluntarily contributing to the initiative by offering $20 a month high-speed internet services, the Government of Canada will help connect hundreds of thousands of low-income families and seniors to affordable high-speed Internet.
Spot the Difference
Can you identify the seven differences between these photos?
Positive Thoughts
Must See Movies
Apollo 10½: A Space Age Childhood
Set in the summer of 1969 preceding the Apollo 11 moon landing, this animated coming of age story follows Stanley, a fourth grader, becoming the first person to land on the moon. Now streaming on Netflix.
Recipe of the Week
Bunny Pretzels
Celebrate Easter or just enjoy the cute bunny shape with these pretzels. Brush it with butter, dip it in cinnamon sugar, or add whatever else you'd like with these cute, easy to make snacks.
Laughter is the Best Medicine
Weekly Poll Question
What's your favourite movie threatre snack?
Popcorn
Candy
Nachos
Just a drink
No food, too busy watching
Poll Results
Do you have an April Fools prank to pull on someone?
Yes, can't wait to fool them! ~ 37.5%
No, that's silly ~ 62.5%