Art By The River
A huge thank you to Art by the River in Amherstburg for generously donating tickets for people receiving supports from Community Living Essex County. 

The ticket donation was coordinated through Morgan Deschaine, a support worker at Community Living Essex County. Morgan was also a vendor at Art by the River! It looks like everyone had a wonderful weekend!
WOW! Factor Drive In Movie Night
Last Friday night the WOW! Factor Committee invited employees to join us at the drive-in! We held an appreciation event that was open to all Community Living Essex County employees. Attendees enjoyed a fun evening under the stars to watch a double feature of Thor: Love and Thunder and Bob's Burgers. Check out the video below to see a message of thanks to all of our amazing employees!
Internet Safety Tips for Families Caring for Children with Disabilities
Technology is a part of our everyday lives. Children are sometimes exposed to screens and the internet from a very young age, and as such, parents and caregivers must be vigilant when it comes to keeping them safe online. Some of the risks and dangers include exposure to inappropriate material, access to interactions with online predators, and exploitation because of revealing too much personal information. This information is dangerous, but the dangers become more and more extreme when they affect vulnerable populations like children with disabilities.
 
Attached below is an excellent resource illustrating some crucial steps parents caring for children with disabilities should take when connecting their child to the vital resource that is the internet.
 
A beneficial video, linked below, for children to watch with a trusted loved one or guardian illustrates the dangers and risks of using the internet, explained by youth who have a disability. 

Jessica and the Ensemble Committee
Call or email Ensemble
ensemble@communitylivingessex.org 519-776-6483, extension 225
Backyard Makeover Raffle
This summer’s Backyard Makeover Lottery Raffle raised $20,300. All proceeds from the Backyard Makeover Raffle will help support the Career Compass Youth in Action Summer Employment Program. Thank you to everyone who supported the raffle. Congratulations to Cheryl Moffat of LaSalle, our Grand Prize winner of $5,500 in landscaping services, supplies, plants, and trees.
Charity Golf Classic Raises $15,000! 
A total of $15,000 was raised from our Annual Charity Golf Classic held on July 14th at Sutton Creek Golf Club in Essex. The tournament hosted 116 golfers. The team from the Municipality of Leamington captured the 12th annual Municipal Cup Challenge. Karen Bolger, Executive Director Community Living Essex County (far left) presents the trophy to Hilda McDonald, Mayor of Leamington, who is surrounded by Rob Sharon, Paul Barnable, Peter Neufeld, Leamington CAO, and Terry Symons. 
Community Living Essex is Hiring & We Need Your Help!
Less Than One Week Left to Complete the FOCUS Accreditation Survey
Our goal is to reach 80% or more submitted!
Complete your survey today!
We're on the road to re-accreditation, but first we need your help! Check your email for the unique survey link that was sent earlier this week and give us your feedback! All responses are anonymous, and the survey will take less than twenty minutes to complete!
Annual Accessibility Assessment
Survey Results
The agency’s first annual Accessibility Assessment Survey, released in the winter of 2021, provided the Accessibility Committee and the organization some excellent feedback that will be used to inform decision making and plan for future accessibility improvements. The survey was sent to people receiving services and their families, New Day members, and all agency employees, with several options provided to submit. Submissions continued to be received well into 2022, an indicator that allowing ample time for stakeholders to complete the survey is worthwhile. This year’s survey, when it launches later this year, will be open for several months. 

95 surveys were received, evenly split with 47 from people supported and families, and 48 from employees.

Highlights of the survey findings are:
80% reported no accessibility barriers or concerns. Of the 20% reporting barriers, the majority were because of restrictions in place due to COVID-19. One barrier identified was the absence of any agency employees fluent in sign language. Increasing access to technology is helping. The Accessibility Committee is also exploring additional resources.

When asked in which areas people experienced barriers, the top response category was Attitude, specifically negative community attitudes and not experiencing the same rights other Canadians enjoy. In addition to the considerable advocacy the agency undertakes along with our partners New Day and Ensemble, we are helping to promote awareness and share opportunities to voice concerns by posting community-based forums and surveys open to residents of Windsor/Essex in Possibilities. The Committee also felt that this question needs to be reworded because it was skipped by 69% of respondents.

Most respondents did not know that the agency has an Accessibility Committee and a Multi-year Accessibility Plan. Though the survey itself increased awareness of both the Committee and the Plan, updates in the Possibilities e-newsletter are planned.

Thank you to all who responded to the survey! If you have any questions, please contact Lynne Shepley by email at lshepley@communitylivingessex.org or by phone at 519-776-6483 ext. 232.
Virtual Kidney Walk
Participate in the virtual Kidney Walk on September 25, 2022. Kidney Walks are a province-wide movement on one special day where funds are raised to better the lives of people affected by kidney disease. A virtual ceremony will begin at 10:00 am and then you choose the route to walk. While everyone will walk different paths, you will be united in spirit!
 
Follow @KidneyOntario on your favourite social platform - Twitter, Facebook, Instagram for the latest news. Plus, post your pictures too! Proudly let all your supporters know what the Kidney Walk means to you. Use #KidneyWalkCanada, #KidneyWalkON
Choices & Changes - Free Virtual Workshop
Choices & Changes is designed to provide healthcare professionals with conceptual models for effective communication and facilitation of client health behaviour change to optimize health outcomes. It also provides opportunities for practice and immediate feedback to improve their own interviewing and behaviour change counselling skills. It is a valuable resource designed to provide healthcare professionals with the literature, theory and strategies to effectively engage clients in positive healthy behaviours to optimize health outcomes. 

Choices and Changes is an evidence-based program, developed by the Institute for Healthcare Communication, and approved and accredited by The College of Family Physicians of Canada.
The Harrow Fair
The 166th Harrow Fair is happening this weekend September 1st - 4th at McAfee and Wellington Streets.

Stop and visit the 4H displays, the barns, the machinery and the parade. Visit the many vendors and the midway. And don’t forget to enjoy the entertainment, there are some great people lined up.
End of Summer Bonfire & Fireworks
Community bonfire and marshmallow roast taking place at Lakewood Park South, 13451 Riverside Drive E, Windsor, September 3rd at 6:00 pm.
Macrame Key Chain
Supplies:
  • 4mm Macrame cord
  • Clasp key chains
  • Rit dye (optional)
  • Wood tags (optional)
  • Vinyl or paint (optional)
Positive Thoughts
Binge Worthy TV
Star Trek Lower Decks 
The support crew serving on one of Starfleet's least important ships, the U.S.S. Cerritos, have to keep up with their duties, often while the ship is being rocked by a multitude of sci-fi anomalies. Three season streaming on Crave.
Recipe of the Week
Jalapeno Poppers
These bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers are creamy, spicy and loaded with cheese. The perfect party appetizer.
Laughter is the Best Medicine
Weekly Poll Question
Does pineapple belong on pizza?
Absolutely - it's the best
I can take it or leave it
If necessary to my survival, yes I shall eat it
NEVER should it EVER be on a pizza
Poll Results
What fall and winter vegetables will you be growing in your garden?
Beets ~ 6.9%
Garlic ~ 6.9%
Carrots ~ 17.2%
Cabbage ~ 3.4%
Kale ~ 3.4%
Onions ~ 6.9%
Gardening is strictly a summer hobby ~ 55.2%