This Week's Possibilities Newsletter is Here

The Possibilities newsletter will return Thursday, January 5!

Creative Christmas Ornaments

Earlier this week, Hayden created his own personalized ornament for his Christmas tree. This is such a fun idea, and would make a wonderful Christmas gift! Awesome job Hayden!

Positive Thought to Navigate 2023

We’ve almost made it! Another year will soon be over. As you contemplate the end of 2022, what thoughts flood your mind? Moving into another year are you anticipating changes? For yourself? For your family?

The best way to embrace change is with an open mind. The possibilities are endless. Get creative, you are in charge. Dream big!

Sandy Hees has ideas to take the holiday magic into 2023. These will help to make each day more meaningful as you welcome change and discover new possibilities.

Spend time with people you love
Keep giving, the smallest gifts can be meaningful
Give your time to others
Surround yourself with music
Share memories. Don’t wait for holidays to share stories
Send your loved one's cards, postcards, letters
Keep your sense of humour

The Ensemble committee members are thankful that you have connected with us. 2023 promises to be a New Year full of hope and of promise. We at Ensemble look forward to connecting with you via social media, via email via telephone or at one of our up-and-coming caregiver events.

Best wishes for the end of 2022 and for the beginning of 2023.

Marilyn Godard, Ensemble Family Consultant and the Family Committee members

Connect with Ensemble through CLEC’S weekly ‘Possibilities’ newsletter, Ensemble's Facebook page, email mgodard@ensembleunderstands.com or phone 519-776-6483 ext. 225.

Last Chance to Donate to our Giving Tuesday Campaign!

Help Us Reach $12000!

Our Giving Tuesday campaign is coming to an end on December 31^st! Make an impact in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities this holiday season with a donation that will be matched, dollar for dollar, by Libro Credit Union.

100% of Giving Tuesday proceeds go toward the purchase of technology, such as smartphones, tablets, apps, and wearables, to help people we support develop skills, take part in virtual supports, and stay connected with friends and family.

All donations made to Community Living Essex County until Saturday, December 31st will be matched by Libro up to a maximum of $6,000. This year our goal is $12,000 – help us beat it!

Click Here to Make a Donation

Giving Tuesday Fundraiser:

Pick up dinner at Carmen’s Catering, located at 75 Oak Street in Leamington! They will be donating $1.00 from every 4 o’clock meal special until December 31st.

Creating Your Individualized Housing and Support Plan

Free Virtual Workshop Series

Click Here to Register

Consider Donating Blood This Holiday Season

Canadian Blood Services is a not-for-profit charitable organization. It is regulated by Health Canada as a biologics manufacturer and primarily funded by the provincial and territorial ministries of health.

While 6 out of 10 eligible donors in Canada believe donating blood or plasma over the holidays is important, only 1 in 10 plans to book an appointment before December 31^st.

Those are the findings of a new Ipsos survey, and they are especially worrisome now. The national inventory of several blood types is far below optimal. At the same time, respiratory illnesses including RSV, flu and COVID19 are making it more difficult to staff donor centres and donation events, and for donors to keep their appointments.

Winter cold and flu season is upon us. The toughest weeks to collect blood and blood products are ahead, your help to patients across the country is needed more than ever.

Click Here to Book an Appointment at a Clinic Near You

Community Living Essex is Hiring & We Need Your Help!

Click Here to Submit a Referral for a Chance to Win $150!

Track Santa Claus on Christmas Eve

Track Santa on Facebook Live Christmas Eve, December 24^th starting at 1:00 pm.

Click Here to Visit the Facebook Page

Positive Thoughts

Play a Few Rounds of Christmas Charades

One of the most classic holiday activities for adults is some good, friendly competition. Have everyone write down a few different holiday-related clues and then split up into teams and play a holiday game of charades. Acting out things like Christmas ornaments or different Christmas traditions is harder than you may think. It’s a fun activity that doesn’t require any prep and can act as an icebreaker at any holiday party.

Click Here for Charde Ideas

Must See Movie

The Christmas Chronicles

The story of sister and brother, Kate and Teddy Pierce, whose Christmas Eve plan to catch Santa Claus on camera turns into an unexpected journey that most kids could only dream about. Now streaming on Netflix.

Recipe of the Week

Best Soft Christmas Cookies

Everyone needs a good Christmas cookie recipe in their back pocket. In need of a great one? These soft Christmas cookies will quickly become a holiday tradition in your family.