Last month, some of the people who receive Community Participation Supports invited some friends along to take advantage of the last days of summer. The group watched the Detroit Tigers play the Chicago Cubs, and although they lost the game, it was a very close 6-4 result! The rain didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits, and what do you do when it rains at a ball game? Eat, of course! The sun eventually reappeared, and the group even made a star appearance on the Jumbotron a first for some of the people at the game, and a lasting memory for all! |
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An Update from Career Compass |
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Earlier this summer, participants joined us at the "Disrupt!" in-person workshop on Approaches to Employment held by youth leaders from Community Living Ontario. This interactive workshop shared context on the challenges of employment for young adults as well as strategies for protecting one’s well-being while having a job. The young adults that joined us on this day participated in different interactive activities while learning about environmental barriers and mental health when it comes to employment. We look forward to co-hosting future workshops with this team!
If you’re interested in becoming a member of the Youth Advisory Committee, click the link below to complete the form.
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The Career Compass team recently got a chance to try something new and pretty cool: virtual reality training! This technology will be used to provide current and innovative pre-employment training.
Imagine putting on a pair of special glasses and suddenly finding yourself in a virtual world where you can learn all sorts of job skills. This innovative and exciting training option ensures everyone supported continues to receive the best possible training for their future careers. It's pretty neat how new technology is now a tool to help people get ready for jobs. It's like stepping into the future while getting ready for the working world!
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Ensemble Wants You to Know! |
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As families navigate daily living with children and adults who have intellectual disabilities, we are constantly on a journey to find available resources. At each stage of our child’s life, we are confronted with situations which require us to find answers.
Talking to other families is often a starting point. Sharing firsthand knowledge, we can come up with solutions that direct us to further assistance. However, our busy home and work lives may make meeting with others to discuss concerns complicated; there are scheduling difficulties and care arrangements to be made. Meetings are not the only way to find needed supports. Below, you will find valuable resources that can provide you and your family with answers to your many questions.
A complete list of available developmental services has been developed for children and adults who have intellectual disabilities. This should be your GO TO for any questions you may have. It may be helpful to share this list with any of your child’s support staff.
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As you can see there are many available resources to assist you and your family. Don’t forget to reach out to Ensemble — the voice of families. Our varied life experiences can provide you with answers to many of your questions. We are here to assist you in any way we can. |
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Best regards,
Marilyn, Ensemble Family Consultant and the Advisory Committee
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Ruthven Apple Fest Originals Are Now Available! |
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Celebrate the return of everyone's favourite fall festival with Apple Festival original merchandise! Take your pick of cozy sweatshirts for the whole family, tote bags, mugs and more! Order online and pick up your items at our office in Essex. Items will also be available for purchase at the Ruthven Apple Festival, while supplies last! |
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When Dawn Dupuis of Essex was eight years old, she began volunteering and lending a helping hand with her grandmother; little did she know that experience would one day come full circle. You see, Dawn’s grandmother was Jean Myles, a Community Living Essex County volunteer, who for nearly forty years dedicated herself to supporting and enhancing the opportunities and quality of life for people with an intellectual disability. From serving as President of the Ladies Auxiliary, to her work as a Special Director to our Board of Directors, Jean’s tireless efforts touched the lives of many. For nearly twenty years, Jean served a Chair of the Ruthven Apple Festival's popular Farmers Market. As a child, Dawn would help her Grandma Myles at the festival, displaying fresh produce and helping wherever needed. In fact, Grandma Myles encouraged Dawn to develop her own apple pie recipe and with help from her mom that pie took 1st place at the festival when she was 12 years old. It's only fitting now that Dawn uses that same apple pie recipe at her Momma Bears Bakery in Kingsville. While carrying on her Grandma Myles spirit of giving back, be sure to visit Dawn at The Ruthven Apple Festival on September 30th and October 1st as she serves up her award-winning apple pie at the festival's “Momma Bears Bakery” Pie Booth.
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You're invited to join Coco (Nicole) for a FREE, 4-part, outdoor yoga series for all! Whether you are just beginning or are an avid yoga practitioner, Coco has modifications to suit all needs and abilities. This series encourages everyone to get outside and move!
Classes take place at Optimist Park located at 1075 Ypres Blvd. in Windsor on September 26th, October 3rd, 10th, and 17th.
Click below to visit the CocoYoga website to check for updates on this series and more.
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Order Your CLEC Merchandise Today! |
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Check out the latest offerings in our Community Living Essex County store! CLEC employees have the option of paying for items via Employee Payroll Deduction. Simply use code EMPLOYEE and include your employee number when placing your order.
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Join us and Become an E-Bingo Volunteer! |
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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!
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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, visit our website today or download your membership application using the links below.
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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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Windsor-Essex Acute Care Hospital Project Update |
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Partners 4 Planning
Virtual Ten-Week Session
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Navigating the education system, when your child has diverse learning needs, can often feel overwhelming. Having a good understanding of the system and knowing what resources are available can equip families with the tools they need to advocate for their child’s education.
In this webcast, panelists will offer insights on how to advocate for your child’s education and explore important educational legislation and resources.
This webcast discussion will include:
- An overview of the education system in Ontario, including looking at legislation, how decisions are made, and how funding is allocated.
- Families' and caregivers' roles in the IEP and IRPC process.
- What support is available to families and caregivers within the school system.
- How parents can use advocacy tools to navigate challenging or complex situations.
This webcast includes a live Q&A with our panelists. The webcast will be recorded and made available for one month after the air date.
Speakers:
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Are you ready to make your home cozier and save money this fall? Here are some practical tips to help you achieve both.
First, give your furnace some love. Schedule a check-up before the cold weather arrives, and remember to change your air filter regularly to cut down on energy waste. Next, tackle those drafts by sealing gaps with caulk or spray foam and replacing worn weather stripping on doors and windows. If you have a fireplace, ensure it's clean and safe, and turn down the thermostat a bit when enjoying a fire to save on energy. For hot water savings, keep your heater at a max of 140°F and use vacation mode when away. To stay warm, use ceiling fans to distribute heat, make the most of sunlight during the day, and layer up indoors. Consider upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace, replacing old windows with multi-pane, gas-filled ones, and installing a programmable or smart thermostat for automated energy savings.
Dive into the full article Fall Energy Saving Tips for all the details and get your home ready for fall. Enjoy a cozy and budget-friendly autumn!
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Join Candice Twees from Inspired Sounds Music Therapy, for a night of FREE karaoke fun at the Fogolar Furlan from 6 pm - 8 pm. Remember to bring your ‘A’ song! Click the link below for Inspired Sounds Music Therapy's Facebook page.
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59th Annual Fall Fair and Horse Festival |
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Get ready for some FREE family fun at the Fall Fair and Horse Festival on Sunday, September 17th from 8 am - 4 pm at Ridgeview Park (124 Fox St.) in Cottam. Enjoy bouncy castles, a vendors market, watch horse demonstrations and visit the petting zoo. Listen to live music and savor the Chili Cook Off. The parade kicks off at noon from Trinity Anglican Church, featuring bands, tractors, and classic cars. All proceeds support the Rotary Club of Cottam. Click the link below to learn more.
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Open Streets Windsor takes place on Sunday, September 17th, from 10 am to 2 pm. Enjoy the "Big 8" Kilometer Edition from Sandwich Town to Ford City, temporarily closing streets for fun activities like walking, cycling, and entertainment. Don't miss the unveiling of the Rosalie Trombley Commemorative Sculpture at 10:30 am, followed by the grand opening of the Rosalie Trombley Commemorative Exhibition at 2:30 pm. It's all happening at various locations throughout the day. Click the link below for all event locations and event details.
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Black History Series - Going Beyond Religion |
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In celebration of the Amherstburg Freedom Museum's 48th birthday, the next Black History Series presenters are AFM Curator Mary-Katherine Whelan and Assistant Curator Dr. Lorene Bridgen-Lennie. who will present "Going Beyond Religion: The Activism and Community Service of Black Churches in Amherstburg and Colchester, 1826-1955." Their presentation will happen on the Museum's anniversary, September 20th, at 2pm.
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Amherstburg Uncommon Festival 2023 |
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Get ready for one of Southwest Ontario's most anticipated events, running from September 15th to the 17th. It's a fantastic festival where steampunk meets magic, filled with gears, gadgets, and enchantments. Dress up in your favorite wizardry or steampunk cosplay costume and enjoy a weekend packed with buskers, live performances, games, vendors, and downtown businesses eager to serve you. It's a wackier-than-ever, fun-filled event that you won't want to miss. Admission is FREE, so bring your family and friends to downtown Amherstburg for a memorable time!
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Predators - A Netflix Documentary Series |
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Narrated by Tom Hardy, this compelling new nature series sees five predators face the ultimate test to survive as their rapidly changing world impacts both their own lives and that of the wild kingdoms over which they rule. Now playing on Netflix. |
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Laughter is the Best Medicine |
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What is your favourite fall activity?
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Picking apples and pumpkins.
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Getting through a corn maze.
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When do you start enjoying pumpkin spice flavors?
September 1st, it's never too early! ~ 28%
Late September. ~ 16%
October, it's the official season. ~ 12%
I'm not a fan of pumpkin spice. ~ 44%
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