Anna's Garden, Home & Wellness in Kingsville organized an engaging do-it-yourself workshop where Elly, Jordan, and Paul crafted their own Grinch trees. The creative class produced fantastic creations, and everyone enjoyed the crafting experience! | |
Jared recently celebrated his 30th birthday, enjoying a delicious birthday cake and a night of bowling with his family. The combination of cake and a fun night out added a special touch to Jared's birthday festivities, creating enjoyable memories with family members. | |
|
Our Love to Give Popcorn Fundraiser is Back!
Order Deadline is Today, January 25!
| |
|
Love popcorn and giving back? Today is the last day to order! Place your order NOW at the link below and pick up your popcorn in time for Family Day, Super Bowl Sunday, and Valentine's Day!
Choose from seven delicious flavours!
All proceeds from this fundraiser will be directed to a new bursary for high school students in Essex County pursuing a career in the Developmental Services Sector!
| |
Congratulations the Holly Jolly Jackpot Winners! | |
|
A big congratulations to our 2024 Holly Jolly Jackpot winners! Linda Lavender from Leamington was our 1st prize winner, walking away with $5000 in cash. Cindy Little of LaSalle secured the 2nd prize – $2000 worth of gift cards, and Holly Bondy was our 3rd prize winner, taking home the 70-inch Samsung TV!
A heartfelt thank you to all who purchased tickets in support of Community Living Essex County, and thank you to our corporate sponsors, including St. Clair College & the St. Clair College Alumni Association!
| |
|
TOGETHER WE’RE A DREAM TEAM
Well, it’s the third week in January on our way into 2024. Have you made a wish list? We at Ensemble have made OUR wish list, and guess what? You’re on it! “Why?”, you ask yourself. You’re at the top of our wish list!
ENSEMBLE’S WISH LIST FOR 2024
1. Reach out and connect with Essex County families.
2. Find out what issues are top of mind.
3. Search for resources to address families’ needs and wants.
4. Provide opportunities for families to socialize and share.
5. Develop the next steps to address the issues raised.
6. Continue to share resource opportunities based on families’ most current concerns.
7. Connect like-minded families.
HOW?
1. Hearing from YOU - via email, social media, or telephone.
2. Continuing to provide new venues and events that will connect families.
We’ve shared Ensemble’s wish list for 2024. Now it’s your turn! How can we better provide you with useful resources that will deliver opportunities that will open doors to new possibilities for your family member with intellectual disabilities?
The time is NOW, and the critical puzzle piece is YOU! Connect with Ensemble, together we have the potential to be a dream team!
| |
|
Together - brighter days are ahead!
Marilyn, Ensemble Family Consultant and the Advisory Committee
mgodard@ensembleunderstands.com or 519-776-6483, ext. 225
| |
Join Us and Become an E-Bingo Volunteer! | |
|
Is one of your New Year's resolutions to volunteer in your community? Consider becoming an e-bingo volunteer! Community Living Essex County is looking for volunteers for our e-bingo volunteer shifts at Breakaway Gaming Centre in Windsor. The proceeds raised from e-bingo helps Community Living Essex County to purchase fuel and maintain vehicles for people with an intellectual disability that we support to get to and from work, volunteer opportunities and participate in leisure activities throughout Essex County. Check out our video to learn more and then email tony@communitylivingessex.org to sign up!
Volunteers receive a $25 gas card to cover transportation costs!
| |
We Are Hiring and We Need Your Help! | |
Career Compass Employer Referral Program | | |
|
|
Partners 4 Planning
FREE Webcast
| |
The Disability Tax Credit is about much more than saving money and reducing taxes! | |
|
The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) opens the door to several other important financial benefits for people with a disability that can significantly enhance the financial security of your loved one. On its own, the DTC can help reduce income taxes to offset some of the extra costs people living with a disability may incur. But, perhaps an even greater benefit is the other programs you may be eligible for once you have been approved for the DTC.
This webcast will provide an overview of the DTC, the application process and other issues families should be aware of.
Webcast topics include:
- Applying for the Disability Tax Credit
- Benefits of the DTC
- DTC and the Registered Disability Savings Plan
- Impact of a disability vs. diagnosis in eligibility for the DTC
- Tips for completing the T2201 form
| |
January 31st, 2024 at 7 pm | |
|
Inadequate funding is threatening Developmental Services and the people who rely on them. Join us in calling on the Government of Ontario to provide an immediate 5% increase to base funding, including Passport and Special Services at Home! #5ToSurvive
Organizations, just like ours, whose mission is to support people to live inclusive lives are being starved of the resources they need just to keep the heat and lights on, put gas in their accessible vehicles, buy food to feed people, and try to find qualified staff during a human resource crisis. In the face of rising inflation and skyrocketing costs, it is becoming impossible to meet the needs of the people they are committed to supporting. This is putting people’s lives at risk.
Community Living Essex County has been in direct contact with local MPPs and the Minister of Finance, we've submitted our letters, but we need YOU to strengthen our message. Please let our government know that developmental services have been neglected for too long. It will only take a few minutes of your time but each letter will have a huge impact!
To ensure our voices are heard, the link provided below will direct you to a pre-drafted letter that will be electronically sent to your local Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP). Feel free to customize the letter to articulate your thoughts on the matter.
| |
Community Living Ontario's Together We're Better Contest | |
|
Get ready for the 2024 Together We're Better Contest! February marks Inclusive Education Month, and students in grades 1 to 12 across Ontario, are encouraged to participate. Form a team of at least two people and submit a creative media entry (video, song, photo collage, story, TikTok, etc.) showcasing how your school actively supports the inclusion of students with intellectual disabilities. Check out resources for inclusive education at inclusiveeducation.ca and get inspiration from last year's winners by clicking HERE.
The deadline for submissions is Friday, February 16th at 11:59 pm. Don't miss the chance to win Best Buy gift cards: 1st place - $1000, 2nd place - $500, 3rd place - $250. If you have any questions, email contest@communitylivingontario.ca. Let's celebrate inclusion together!
| |
Get ready to groove at TRUE Fest, a FREE disco dance party happening on Saturday, January 27th, in downtown Amherstburg. Bundle up and hit the streets for a night of dancing and beats. The downtown businesses will be open, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Immerse yourself in the themed light displays at King’s Navy Yard Park and enjoy lively performances by Dulce, Edie Violet, Koko Starr, and Phoenix Black, starting at 6:30 pm at the stage by the Gordon House. TRUE Fest is a celebration of Amherstburg's diversity and inclusivity, welcoming everyone to join in the festivities. | |
Family Concert: Singing with Flo | |
Experience the joy of music with the Family Concert: Singing with Flo on Saturday, February 3rd from 10 am - 11 am at The Capitol Theatre. The Windsor Symphony Orchestra (WSO), vocalist Flo Ndimubandi, and the Windsor Essex Youth Choir present a delightful concert showcasing the brilliance of black composers such as Scott Joplin, Joseph Bologne, and Oscar Peterson. Engage the whole family in singing along to beloved tunes like This Little Light of Mine and Oh Happy Day. The 45-minute concert, accompanied by a themed craft before the show, promises a morning of musical enchantment for everyone. | |
Sean Kenney’s Animal Super Powers LEGO Exhibit | |
|
Sean Kenney’s Animal Super Powers Made with LEGO® Bricks, an exhibition featuring awe-inspiring sculptures made from LEGO® bricks, is coming to the Event Centre at LaSalle Landing. Sean Kenney, Animal Super Powers showcases larger-than-life sculptures of creatures who have evolved to possess their very own superpowers and invites guests to learn the science behind them. General admission is $13, plus tax, per person. Tickets will also be available at the door once the exhibit opens.
The exhibit will be open Thursday, January 25th until Saturday, April 6th.
| |
Love on the Spectrum - Season 2 | |
Back for a second season, Love on the Spectrum looks at the lives of autistic individuals in the dating world. Now streaming on Netflix. | |
This week's Throwback Thursday, we're taking a stroll down memory lane with a nostalgic photo featuring Brenda, Kelly, Patty, Marie, Laurie, and Annie all captured together. This snapshot embodies the essence of shared moments and friendships. Stay tuned to your newsletter for more glimpses into the cherished moments of our collective past! | |
Veganuary is the perfect time to try something new such as tofu. If you have not cooked with tofu before, this vegan butter tofu curry is the perfect recipe to start with. Click the link below for a vegan take on the classic butter curry recipe. | |
Laughter is the Best Medicine | |
| Which NFL team are you cheering for this Sunday in the playoffs? | | | |
|
I prefer my meals to be:
Homemade ~ 91%
Delivered ~ 6%
Picked-up ~ 0%
Other ~ 3%
| | | | |
