May is Community Living Month in Ontario!
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Community Living Month is a province-wide annual awareness campaign to promote true inclusion and belonging for people who have an intellectual disability.
Essex County Business Community Support
We are teaming up with several local businesses who are lighting up their locations in blue & green in a show of support for the month of May. Several others are featuring roadside messages promoting Community Living.
You Can Get Involved!
We're encouraging everyone to participate all month long in their own way! You can decorate your house or workplace in blue and green, bake blue and green treats, or display green and blue balloons outside! Submit your photos by May 19, 2023 using the link below and we will share them on our social media channels and in the Possibilities newsletter.
Thank you for your continued support!
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Happy Star Wars Day!
May the 4th Be With You!
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Making a Difference, One Donation at a Time
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Kate & Krystal spent time over the weekend volunteering for The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County. They were at a local Shoppers Drug Mart, collecting donations and handing out Hospice pins.
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Accessing Available Resources
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In today’s connected world, families can easily find current resources that will provide the most up to date assistance that will support their family members with an intellectual disability and their entire family.
A great starting point is this month’s adult newsletter from Autism Ontario.
Here are just a few of the highlighted articles:
- Virtual Adult Cooking Program
- Virtual Young Adults Writer’s Group
- Understanding Autistic Burnout, Meltdowns, Inertia and Shutdown
- Technology to Support Independence
- Creating Your Individualized Housing and Support Plan
- My Housing and Support Plan Budgeting Tool
There are also many other Ontario updates that will ensure you have knowledge of current available resources. This particular newsletter contains valuable information that will assist families and caregivers as they navigate the coming days.
Now you can stay informed and be aware of changes!
STAY INFORMED!
Marilyn, Ensemble Family Consultant and the Advisory Committee
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New Day is taking their May meeting on the road and heading to Charlotte's Freedom Farm on May 31st. This is a drop-in day where the general public can come to explore the farm and meet the animals. The cost is a $6 donation, and it is open from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm.
Anyone interested in coming along can meet the members of New Day by the front gate at 10 am. Charlotte’s Freedom Farm is located at 9543 Brook Line in Dresden. If you need more information email newday@communitylivingessex.org
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New Day will also be attending and presenting at the Community Living Essex County Mayor’s Luncheon on May 18th. We can’t wait to share all the things we have done and are planning to do, this year.
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New Day will also be heading to Toronto on May 10th to take part in Community Living Day at the Legislature. We have three members who will be meeting with MPP’s to discuss concerns about OSDP and other disability related issues. We look forward to representing Community Living Essex County and all the self-advocates of New Day. We will be bringing back what we learn to share at our next meeting.
New Day is currently planning a Summer BBQ in June. Stay tuned for more information.
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Join Us! Become a Member Today!
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A strong Community Living Essex County membership consists of people who believe in our philosophy, values, vision, and mission - people who care about the work we do, outcomes for people we support, and the future direction of our organization. Members can make a difference, influence the services we offer people in Essex County, and be champions of inclusive practices and communities.
Passionate about people with intellectual disabilities having opportunities to live a life of their choosing, to receive real pay for real work, to be active members of their community, to achieve their goals and dreams, and to experience full inclusion? Help us become MEMBER STRONG. Submit your membership application today!
In addition to voting rights, members-only publications, and events, we’re offering some new elements this year to members including discounted registration to our major events, discounts on Community Living Essex County branded clothing, and a new discount program at various Essex County businesses. We’ve even added some new benefits for Corporate Members.
Join the Member Strong movement! We’ve got welcome packages ready to send your way.
For more information, download your membership application with this link or visit our website today.
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You're Invited to the 62nd Annual General Meeting!
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Prepare for your future now. What do you want to do after high school? Are you looking for employment or to further your education? Join this in-person information night on May 17th from 6:00 - 8:00 pm, at St. Joseph's Catholic High School, located at 2425 Clover Avenue in Windsor. Presenters include Community Living Windsor, Community Living Essex County and St. Clair College. Click the below link to register for the event.
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Save the Date for Our 2023 Charity Golf Classic!
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We Are Hiring and We Need Your Help!
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Career Compass Employer Referral Program
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Major Planning Milestone Achieved
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The New Windsor/Essex Acute Care Hospital project has achieved a major planning milestone with the submission of a Stage 1.3 (formerly Stage 2) plan to the Ministry of Health.
The submission is the result of extensive collaboration with many partners within the hospital, the community and the province.
Thanks to all who provided input and feedback throughout this planning stage.
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WindsorEssex Community Foundation Celebrates 40 Years with Community Entrance to Cypher Systems Greenway
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The WindsorEssex Community Foundation (WECF) has celebrated its 40th anniversary by opening the WECF Community Entrance to the Cypher Systems Greenway in Essex off of County Rd 15. The entrance provides trail access for walkers, joggers, and cyclists. The trail can also accommodate horse trailers, opening up the multi-use trail for equestrian users. The entrance now features a resting area and a bike repair station. Students from Essex District Secondary School planted 40 trees along the Greenway trail to mark the occasion.
The WECF and its community partners have invested in the project, which aims to encourage healthy lifestyles, provide environmentally-friendly transportation and create another tourism draw to the community.
“On behalf of the families who will access the Greenway trails through the Windsor-Essex Community Foundation Community Entrance for recreational enjoyment; members of the workforce who will use it for environmentally-friendly and lower cost transportation, and from the community at large – we thank you,” said ERCA Chair Jim Morrison.
To learn more about Essex Region Conservation Greenways & Etiquette Guidelines, please click on the link below.
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The Jane’s Walk Festival is back for another year in Windsor-Essex! This is the final weekend to experience this year’s festival. Over May 5th through the 7th there will be thirty free guided walking tours and activities that celebrate the rich culture and history of the community.
Jane’s Walk is a festival of free neighbourhood walking tours given by locals who care passionately about where they live, work and play. It's a pedestrian-focused event that offers insights into local history, planning, design, and civic engagement through the simple act of walking and observing.
The second weekend of the festival (Friday, May 5th to Sunday, May 7th) will have events taking place throughout downtown Windsor, historic Sandwich area, as well as Tecumseh. Click on the below link for a full schedule of events.
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A Harm Reduction Day event will take place on May 5th at the Welcome Shelter for Women, located at 500 Tuscarora St, Windsor, ON. This event is all about promoting public awareness and understanding of harm reduction strategies while prioritizing the health, dignity, and human rights of people who use drugs or engage in other high-risk activities.
This event will be filled with fun and informative activities, including music, an art therapy activity, and info booths from local community partners. Lunch will be provided, and there will also be a tour at 1pm.
Everyone from the community is welcome to come out for a day of learning, connection, and fun. It's a great opportunity to meet new people, connect with others who care about harm reduction, and learn how you can positively impact our community.
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Within our stories is the mental health care we all need
Storytelling is a fundamental part of being human. Stories help build connections and strong communities. Storytelling, in all forms, supports mental health and reduces stigma.
This year’s Mental Health Week will amplify some of the voices and spaces within which mental health exists across Canada, especially at the community level through non-profit agencies and programs.
Take part and hare your story and read others by clicking the link below.
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The Masked Singer: Season 9 (2023)
The popular television show, The Masked Singer, is currently in its ninth season. This unique singing competition features well-known personalities competing against each other while dressed in extravagant costumes, all in pursuit of winning the coveted Golden Mask trophy!
Watch on CTV or Tubi
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Moist Vanilla Cake with Easy Buttercream
This week's featured recipe is a delectable, moist vanilla cake with easy-to-make buttercream frosting. The light and creamy frosting perfectly complements the vanilla cake without being too sweet. Learn how to make beautiful palette knife buttercream flowers to add that extra touch of elegance. Impress your friends with this perfect vanilla cake recipe!
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Laughter is the Best Medicine
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Who are you cheering for in round two of the 2023 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs?
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I'm rooting for ALL of the Canadian teams!
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Hmmm, not sure. I don’t follow hockey.
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What's another language you wish you could speak fluently?
French ~ 38%
ASL ~ 31%
Spanish ~ 25%
Mandarin Chinese ~ 4%
Hindi ~ 2%
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