At the Annual General Meeting held on September 19th, the Community Living Association for South Simcoe (CLASS) paid tribute to John Milne by naming their soup kitchen after him. The Tottenham Rich Hill Church Soup n' Bun program, which John and his wife Janice ran for years, raised thousands of dollars for people supported by CLASS. John's dedication and inspiration helped to establish the soup lunch at the Everett Legion, which continues to support the community. A plaque will be hung in John's honour, and Janice and her family were in attendance to accept the tribute. To learn more about John's contributions and the dedication ceremony click below. | | |
Disability Employment Awareness Month | |
Disability Employment Awareness Month
October is Ontario Disability Employment Awareness Month. CLASS will be sharing information throughout this month on our social media pages with facts, statistics and stories.
Did you know?
“Disability etiquette isn't about tiptoeing around us and treating us like strange, delicate flowers...it's about treating us like full and equal human beings.”
This week’s Disability Insight is a powerful one from @EmilyLadau, the New York City-based disability activist, speaker and author of Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to be an Ally.
78% of Canadian are more likely to buy from a business that hires people who have a disability.
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LEG Up! to Material Handling
With employment in mind this month, Next Step Literacy, Community Living Association for South Simcoe and Simcoe-Muskoka Skills Force are proud to have partnered to provide this new course. It will prepare adults 18+ with a developmental disability for work in material handling. After the course, each person will work with a Skills Trainer on their goal to find a job in material handling. More information will be sent shortly, and we will be looking to some of our local business in hopes they may have a role for some of our people to put their training to practice. if you have any questions in the meantime please reach out to Heather.
| Mindfulness for Family Caregivers of people with disabilities, those who are aging, and those experiencing a challenging illness. Every Monday, Oct 16-Nov 27, 2023, 1:00-2:00 pm Eastern (no session Nov. 6th). Register below. |
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The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.
The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.
Source: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day
Read more about this important day here.
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Reena Zoom Briefing
Reena invites you to a briefing on the impact of the recent Hamas terrorist attacks, and ensuing war, on the services and lives of those with developmental disabilities in Israel on Friday, October 13th 8:30 am EST.
This important briefing will feature representatives from the Developmental Disability Sector in Israel with an opening from the Ontario Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, the Hon. Michael A. Tibollo.
We invite you to join and simply, by being present, express your empathy and understanding for the trauma being experienced.
Please be advised that some of the descriptions and stories are graphic.
Join us online on Friday, October 13th 8:30 am EST by clicking on the link below to join.
Feel free to share this invitation with others.
Thank you,
Bryan Keshen, CEO,
Reena
On Friday, October 13th at 8:30 AM Click Zoom link below.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86521884153
Meeting ID: 865 2188 4153
Passcode: 081671
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What's Happening on Zoom? | Zoom provides many fun, exciting learning opportunities from shared reading in Book Club (very popular) to arts & crafts, drawing and more. While some people really don't like insects, ‘It’s a Bug’s Life’ explained how every insect is unique and how everything, and person shares a valuable part of our World. The group also made beautiful 3-dimensional wall plaques with butterflies and bees. Great job everyone! | |
Tony, Pasquale, Jim, Leslie, and Tyler with staff Danielle and Elaa rom Gray house went to Laura’s farmers market in Cookstown to kick off the first day of October. The participants had an awesome time looking at the pumpkins, vendors, and walking through the corn maze with staff Danielle & Ella.
For more amazing fall photos and trips around the community please visit our gallery below by clicking on button.
| Above Staff Caitlin takes Mark to Samantha takes Mark to the gym - Planet Fitness in Barrie. Mark really enjoyed the exercise bike. | Early this September a group from the passages program headed to Barrie Hill Farm for some apple picking and then back to Resource Centre in Alliston to make some homemade apple sauce. To see more photos of the fall trips made so far click below to view the gallery on the website. | | |
CLASS Wall of Honour at AGM | | | |
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Honouring
Generosity & Dedication
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CLASS is thrilled to announce the latest recipients of our annual Wall of Honour. This year at the Annual General Meeting (AGM), CLASS recognized some of our most outstanding community members and people we support, including Richard Tapp and Alan and Brenda Lundy.
Richard (top left) was awarded for his dedication to the community and for achieving his goal of becoming a CLASS DJ. Richard is often seen in the community dressed as a mascot at the annual parades and is hired for his great DJ talents!
Alan and Brenda Lundy were honoured for their generous commitment to CLASS. Last year, they donated an incredible $100K to our organization in honour of Alan's brother Neil. At the AGM they surprised us once again with another donation of $25K. We are immensely grateful for their continued support and the positive impact it has on our community.
Congratulations to Richard, Alan, and Brenda on this well-deserved recognition!
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At the CLASS AGM Lilit Mirzoyan from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services spoke about Journey to Belonging: Choice and Inclusion at our upcoming event. This talk focused on the Ministry’s long term vision for developmental services and how we are working with our partners to help people with developmental disabilities fully belong in their communities and live the lives they choose.
Missed it? As part of our 2023 Speakers Series with Camphill Communities Ontario we have an upcoming virtual session with Pooran Law on Journey to Belonging on October 11 at 6pm.
Overview
In 2022 MCCSS announced a 10-year plan to reform the development services sector. At the centre of this reform the government will eventually introduce ‘individualized residential funding’.
Brendon Pooran of Pooran Law has been providing legal support and advice to families and agencies in Ontario for many years. He will provide a review of the reform agenda and how to be prepared.
If you know someone or support someone yourself with a developmental disability we encourage you to sign-up for this, it will be virtual. Click link below.
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2022-2023 Annual Report
The CLASS Annual Report is available online please click below to view.Take a look at our year in review graphic below.
Annual Report
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Community Donation
Coldwell Banker Ronan Realty Brokerage cheque presentation at CLASS. This generous donation, to CLASS (Community Living Association for South Simcoe), has been made possible through the proceeds raised at their 16th Annual Ronan Realty Charity Golf Tournament.
Thank you for continuing to include CLASS in your annual fundraiser.
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A New Swing!
Richard is seen here on the new swing thanks to the recent donation from the Rotary Club of Alliston.
Thanks to the community, family, staff for your purchase of a lottery ticket community calendar last year and to the Rotary Club of Alliston for doing this fundraiser for CLASS.
This platform swing enables anyone in a wheelchair to also enjoy the freedom and joy of swinging! CLASS also has another swing at the Resource Centre in Alliston which is enjoyed by many.
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Inclusion
The largest playground ever built by Jumpstart was officially unveiled in Barrie Thursday morning. Nicole pictured here really enjoyed it. (Courtesy staff Kailey).
Painswick Park is now home to the Muriel and A.J. Billes Family Playground. The 21,000-square-foot inclusive playground was built to meet the mission of Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, which aims to create equality in sport and recreation. To read more link to the CTV Barrie news article here,
Source: (CTV Barrie News, Sept. 7/23)
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Lunch Time Soup & Music
What better way than to launch the second week of CLASSic Lunchbox than with Tim Ronan who came out to volunteer his time.
Tim Ronan is an accomplished musician and guitarist. Born and raised in a farming community in rural Southern Ontario, Tim has been exposed to the joy and transformative power of music from a very young age, and his earliest work is riddled with the hums of his Irish ancestry. Tim’s passion for music began in his childhood, experimenting with a plethora of instruments (yes, the bagpipes!) and his professionalism has developed as he became a renowned community artist, cherished for the heart and soul that he pours into every song and every show.
The incarnation of Tim’s music is traced back to his very own heart; his solo writing process begins with a simple guitar riff or the epiphany of a melody, and Tim lyrically captures a reel of his own life experiences, in the hopes of reaching into the hearts and minds of his incredible audience.
Thank you @timronanmusic for coming out and we look forward to having you back soon. Follow us on our Lunchbox Facebook group for exciting events and weekly soup menus.
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The Drumming Circle held this past summer was a big hit and we are excited to announce it is returning by popular demand for 4 sessions. Please see attached flyer for dates and times. This program is thanks to a donation by a community donor. | | |
Fee for service activities and information. For sign-up and fee information please email us. | | | |
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What is influenza?
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Click on link below to read more from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.
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Our Vision:
An inclusive community where everyone is valued, diversity is a strength and all live with dignity.
Our Mission:
We foster personal journeys — as a provider of innovative programs and services, a credible voice for change and a trusted facilitator of success.
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CLASS is a proud member of Community Living Ontario | | | | |
