Enjoying a Concert at Caesars Windsor |
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Last week both Art and Brianne attended the Third Eye Blind concert at Caesars Windsor. The light show was amazing, and the music went on for an hour and a half. They both had an awesome time at the show. |
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Tony built and painted his very own birdhouse this week, just in time for spring. We can't wait to see who moves in! |
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Autism Awareness Month
Celebrate the Spectrum
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April is Autism Awareness Month in Ontario. Many exciting offerings are available at
Ensemble has had a special focus, since fall of 2022, on recognizing the invaluable contributions of unpaid caregivers who provide 24/7 support to adult family members with an intellectual disability. The social opportunities Ensemble has provided caregivers have strengthened family connections with other caregivers and through recreational activities, motivational speakers and updated family support documents, we’re doing our best to demonstrate that Ensemble truly understands.
Autism Ontario also recognizes family caregiver contributions. They are offering CARES - Caregiver Support Program. This is featured on Ensemble’s Facebook page. Perhaps these sessions will interest you?
Throughout the month of April, it is the hope of Autism Ontario that through the many special opportunities they have highlighted on their website, communities will gain insight into the unique daily lives of those on the spectrum as well as their supporting families’ lives.
Let’s continue to share positive stories that create a world of understanding and acceptance throughout the month of April, as we "Celebrate the Spectrum".
Marilyn, Ensemble Family Consultant and the Volunteer Committee
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New Day recently had a movie event at Lakeshore Cinemas and some members of New Day got together to see the Champions movie.
Ray Renaud, vice president of New Day said: "I went with New Day to see the movie Champions. What a feel-good movie! You were laughing and crying. It was awesome to talk about and display a movie about people with disabilities."
Brianne Taggart, president of New Day said: "It was a very engaging movie, and opened people's eyes that people with disabilities can do a lot of things. You don't have to win to be a Champion."
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The next virtual New Day meeting is April 18th from 6:00 - 8:00pm on Microsoft Teams. The topic of the meeting is protecting yourself against phone and online scams.
New Day is updating their contact list. If you would like to be added to their contact list or support someone who may be interested in learning more about New Day, please email newday@communitylivingessex.org with your information.
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Join Us! Become a Member! |
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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, download your membership application with this link or visit our website today.
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Get Your Business Noticed!
2023 Menu of Sponsorship Opportunities
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Introducing Community Living Essex County’s new menu of sponsorship opportunities! We’re a busy and active organization, with many fundraising and public awareness events happening throughout the year. Our events attract hundreds of people (in some cases, thousands – hello, Ruthven Apple Festival!) and plenty of media attention, making sponsorship a great opportunity for local businesses to be seen and to demonstrate generosity and social responsibility. With a range of options to choose from, there are opportunities for small and large businesses alike to show their support for Community Living Essex County and get involved in our vibrant, popular events.
Click the link below to download the sponsorship package.
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Free Webcast About the Disability Tax Credit |
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Partners for Planning presents the Disability Tax Credit webinar on April 11th at 7:00pm.
The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a special credit for people with a disability and those that support them. On its own, the DTC can help reduce income taxes in order to offset some of the extra costs people living with a disability may incur. Even greater benefits are the other programs you may be eligible for once you have been approved for the DTC.
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Community Living Ontario's
Light Up the Future Bursary
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The 2023 Anne Stafford Light Up the Future Bursary is now accepting applications until Friday, May 26th at 5pm EDT!
This Bursary is available to all Ontario residents aged 18 and older who identify as having an intellectual disability and are seeking to pursue an educational program or personal interest course. Awards of up to $1,000 per person are granted to help recipients get closer to achieving their goals.
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Blood Donor Clinic in Essex |
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Last Chance to Submit Your Nomination |
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We will be holding our Annual General Meeting virtually again this year. This year the AGM is taking place on Wednesday, June 21 beginning at 6:30 pm. The agenda will feature the year in review, presentation of several awards, election of our Board of Directors, and presentation of the audited financial statements.
Please save this date and watch for registration information in the coming months.
The attached flyer contains the AGM invitation and the Call for Nominations for the Board of Directors. The nomination deadline is April 11th.
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Save the Date for Our 2023 Charity Golf Classic! |
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Looking for a New Volunteer Opportunity?
Join Us as an E-bingo Volunteer!
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The funds Community Living Essex County raises through e-bingo at Breakaway Gaming Centre in Windsor goes a long way in terms of helping the children, youth, and adults with intellectual disabilities who we support. Did you know that we receive minimal government funding to cover the cost of transportation for people we support to stay active and get around town to work, volunteer, or participate in leisure activities? It’s possible for us raise up to $30,000 per year from e-bingo alone. This helps purchase fuel and maintain vehicles. But we can’t do it without volunteers.
How does it work?
It’s an easy way to raise money. Breakaway Gaming awards community charities funds when two volunteers work an assigned shift.
What does an e-bingo volunteer do?
It’s a two hour shift at the Breakaway Gaming Center in Windsor where the volunteers welcome e-bingo participants, then walk around the gaming area, checking if players need anything, and keeping the gaming area neat and tidy. It may not be the most exciting volunteer opportunity, but it certainly makes a difference in the lives of people we support.
What is required of a volunteer?
A short online training course must be completed prior to volunteering. A Community Living Essex County golf shirt will be provided and dark pants and closed-toe shoes must be worn. You must provide your own transportation to the gaming centre but Community Living Essex County will provide a $25 gas card as a token of our thanks and appreciation.
Consider giving your time to help us maximize this very generous opportunity provided by Breakaway Gaming and to raise some much-needed money to help cover the cost of transportation for the people we support.
To find out more, please contact Tony DeSantis, Manager, Community Relations and Resource Development at 519-776-6483 ext 246 or tony@communitylivingessex.org.
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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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Easter Fun at the Farm Event |
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EASTER FUN at the FARM! Meet the dapper Easter Bunny, take photos in a magical rustic setting, enjoy a farm scavenger hunt, interact with the animals and score some sweet surprises too!
The event takes place at Sunny Britches Acres Farm, 257 Road 10, in Cottam on April 7th and 8th from 10:00am - 3:00pm.
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Free admission to the Easter Eggstravaganza! There will be kid's crafts, an Easter egg hunt, photo booth, delicious food and some amazing local vendors to shop.
Taking place on April 8th from 10:00am - 3:00pm at WFCU Centre, 8787 McHugh Street in Windsor.
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Coffee Filter Tulip Sun Catcher |
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To make your own coffee filter sun catcher, use washable markers to colour your coffee filter.
Supplies Needed:
- Coffee filters
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Washable markers (Tip: Wide markers work best!)
- Paper plates
- Spray bottle filled with water
- Washi tape or clear tape to hang your creations in the window
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Night on Earth
When the sun goes down, a new world awakes. New technology reveals wonders of the planet in a completely new light. Across the globe, discover a hidden side to the world's greatest landscapes and animals at night! One season is streaming on Netflix.
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Creamy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
This recipe has all the flavors - savory Brussels sprouts, sweet onion and salty bacon, all in a rich creamy sauce. It's a perfect holiday side, but it's so easy you could make it on a regular weeknight, too!
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Laughter is the Best Medicine |
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What is your favourite Easter candy?
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Which is your favourite Easter tradition?
Decorating Easter Eggs ~ 7.4%
Easter Egg Hunt ~ 13%
Going to Church ~ 7.4%
Dinner with Family ~ 72.2%
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