Just Brewed - Happiness in a Cup

Craig and Tim recently visited Caffeine & Co in Amherstburg to grab a hot drink. Afterward, they went to King's Navy Yard Park for a leisurely waterfront walk to soak in the warm weather.

Quacktastic Shot!

Check out these photos, taken by local artist and New Day member, Brianne Taggart. They even reveal a surprise, a muskrat photobomb! Can you see it behind the ducks? Also pictured below, a seagull taking in the sights at Cedar Beach in Kingsville.

Happy Ramadan!

Ramadan is just around the corner, taking place March 10 to April 9. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset every day. This means abstaining from food, drink and other activities during the daylight hours.

At the same time, Muslims practice charity and prioritize service to others during the month. Ramadan is a special time for community, a time of sharing and caring for each other, characterized by a greater sense of generosity and forgiveness.

To all those observing, Ramadan Mubarak!

RSVP Now: Free Caregiver Events

As promised Ensemble has three *UNPAID* CAREGIVER APPRECIATION events planned for March. These events are provided FREE.

Please register for only one caregiver event. Registration is ONLY available through Marilyn, by emailing mgodard@ensembleunderstands.com.

Due to costs, there are only a limited number of spaces available.

**We ask that only one adult caregiver per family registers.**

Once the maximum number of registrants has been reached, registration will close.

Those attending will be contacted prior to the event. 

We look forward to hearing from you. These creative activities will provide you with an escape from your daily responsibilities in the company of others who share similar life experiences. 

🌞 Brighten your Spring days with Ensemble.🌞

Marilyn, 

Ensemble Family Consultant and the Advisory Committee 

mgodard@ensembleunderstands.com or 519-776-6483, ext. 225

Save the Date for our Annual General Meeting!

Join us for our 63rd Annual General Membership Meeting on Tuesday, June 18 at the Ciociaro Club at 3745 North Talbot Road in Oldcastle. Stay tuned for registration details.

Note: to be eligible to vote at the AGM, you must renew your membership by May 28. Click the link below to renew your membership or join for just $10 and receive new membership perks!

New Day: News & Events

Tickets are now on sale for New Day's 20th Anniversary Celebration, taking place on Saturday, April 20th. New Day started back in 2004 and has become the voice for people who receive supports from Community Living Essex County.  This is a party for everyone to celebrate the work that has been done through self-advocacy over the last 20 years.  We welcome anyone and everyone to come out to our celebration!

Did you know?

The Bill of Rights was developed by members of New Day and forms the foundation on which our self-advocacy work is built upon.

New Day has a Director on the Board of Directors to ensure the voices of those who receive supports are heard. New Day members also sit on many different Community Living Essex County committees. New Day helps to train employees during KARE training sessions.  

New Day also provides their feedback about Rights Reviews and other agency initiatives. 

New Day helps to plan the Speaking Out Conference every year. This is a conference for people with disabilities, hosted by people with disabilities. The topics and speakers are all geared to you! 

Do you want to learn more about New Day and get involved? Our next meeting is March 15th at the Essex Centre in Boardroom A.  We will be talking about Technology and helpful resources that can help make your day easier. Come out, share in the discussion. 

Applications are Open for the Light Up the Future Bursary

Community Living Ontario is excited to announce that applications for the Anne Stafford Light Up the Future Bursary are now open.

The Anne Stafford Light Up the Future Bursary is open to all residents of Ontario aged 18 years and older who identify as having an intellectual disability, to help in their pursuit of an educational program or personal interest course or activity. 

The deadline for submissions is Friday, April 26 at 5pm. More information and the application can be found at the link below.

Here's My Book: A Free In-Person Event

Registration is now open for Here's My Book - The Journey with Michael Jacques. The author and self-advocate will host an in-person event on April 9, from 6:30pm to 8pm at Ciociaro Club 3745 North Talbot Road in Windsor. This event is free, but seating is limited. Click the link below to register.

#5toSurvive: Sign the Petition Today!

Make your voice heard! Over 10,000 people have added their names to this campaign, but let's keep it going! Follow the link below to send a templated letter directly to your local MPP, the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, and the Premier. Families and people with intellectual disabilities have been waiting patiently while their daily support services change or disappear altogether. Together we are making a difference.

Career Compass Employer Referral Program

Volunteer Call: E-Bingo

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.

Volunteers receive a $25 gas card to cover transportation costs!

Email tony@communitylivingessex.org to sign up!

Order Your CLEC Merchandise Today!

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 the code EMPLOYEE and include your employee number when placing your order.

We Are Hiring and We Need Your Help!

March Break is next week! If you have kids at home, you might be wondering what to do to keep them entertained and keep you sane! Click the link below for nine local suggestions from Tourism Windsor-Essex for things to do or see throughout the week.

March Break at Colasanti's

Join Colasanti’s Tropical Garden in Ruthven from March 8-17 to celebrate March Break! They’ve got a week loaded up with activity options for all of their guests. From daily craft workshops to activity deals to kiddie meals, there's something different to do each day!

All About Maple

Head to the Canadian Transportation Museum this Saturday at 6155 Arner Townline in Kingsville and learn All About Maple! There will be a variety of guest speakers in the pavilion, along with crafts and activities that will take you on a sweet journey throughout the property. Admission is $5, with food and drinks available for purchase in the boarding house.

Inspirational Quote

Must Watch TV

One Day (2024)

One Day, a British romantic drama series, is adapted from David Nicholls' 2009 novel and the 2011 film by the same name. It follows the 20-year relationship between Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew, beginning at a University of Edinburgh graduation ball. Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall star in the lead roles.

Craft of the Week

In just five easy steps, add a pop of color to your décor with a Mod Podge picture frame. This easy craft uses patterned paper and an unfinished wood surface and makes a great gift!

Meme of the Week

Recipe of the Week

Potato Lasagna

This savory potato lasagna is a delicious twist on a classic dish. The layers of tender potatoes, creamy cheese, and hearty meat sauce create a mouth-watering experience. Be sure to pre-cook the potatoes first and try different types of cheese for an even cheesier experience 🧀.

Weekly Poll Question

Poll Results

Who invented Leap Year? Answer: Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar ~ 51.7%

Plato ~ 24.1%

Pythagoras ~ 20.7%

Aristrachus~ 3.4%