Richmond Popcorn Co. Championing Inclusion |
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The Richmond Popcorn Company in Amherstburg is proving they’re not only a great supporter of Community Living Essex County, but they truly believe in the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in all aspects of community life. The company is thrilled to welcome their newest employee, Ravyn, and she is absolutely loving her work. Ravyn is a bright, cheery person and is proud to have a job in her local community. Her favourite popcorn flavour at Richmond is White Cheddar Dill – she suggests you give it a try! Not only is she busy with her work at Richmond, but she also has her own side hustle called Mallat’s Munchies, offering a variety of yummy baked goods.
That’s not where Richmond’s great support ends. Our recent Love to Give popcorn fundraiser, in partnership with Richmond Popcorn Co. was a hit with almost 400 bags sold in the lead up to Super Bowl Sunday and Valentine’s Day. Our goal is to make this an annual event with the proceeds awarded to a different small community group or organization each year as a way to give back.
The proceeds from our first annual Love to Give popcorn fundraiser were presented by Corey Dalgleish, our Director of Community Living Operations to Marilyn Godard, Parent Consultant with Ensemble and Ray Renaud, Vice President of New Day, Leaders of Today. Each group received a cheque for $1,000!
Thank you to everyone who supported this fundraiser by ordering popcorn, and thank you to The Richmond Popcorn Co. for supporting us!
Community Living Essex County’s Career Compass team provides direction to job seekers searching for meaningful employment and guides employers in inclusive hiring. To learn more about Career Compass, click the link below.
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Cassie enjoyed spending some time at Colasanti's Tropical Gardens over the weekend. She loved looking at all of the flowers and enjoyed a beautiful day in the greenhouse! She picked out a lovely spring tulip and has enjoyed watching it bloom.
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It's Nonprofit Appreciation Week |
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Nonprofit Appreciation Week is a new recognition of Ontario’s nonprofit sector and its nearly 850,000 workers. It’s based on legislation to recognize nonprofit workers and organizations by the Government of Ontario. It celebrates the vital role nonprofits and workers play in creating and maintaining healthy, vibrant and inclusive communities in Ontario.
Reasons to celebrate:
- Nonprofit workers have continued essential services through the pandemic, such as child care, long-term care, shelters, community health centres, seniors support, and more.
- Nonprofit workers are your neighbours, your friends, your family, and your community leaders.
- Ontario’s nonprofit sector is diverse, from arts and culture, housing, sports and recreation, faith, child development, community health care, the environment, and more.
- Nonprofits are leading advocacy and change for a better, greener, more equitable economy and inclusive society.
- During the pandemic, nonprofit workers have innovated with live virtual concerts to keep us connected, repurposing community kitchens for mobile food programs, telephone trees to reach isolated seniors, virtual sports programs for mental health and physical fitness, pre-loaded phones with wellness supports for Indigenous youth, and much more.
Join the conversation on social media through #NonprofitAppreciationWeek
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Board of Directors Profile - Raymond Renaud |
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Introducing Raymond Renaud
- Director (2017 - 2021 and 2002 to present)
Ray was born and raised in Tecumseh and currently lives with his wife, Beth, in the Town of Essex. It is important to Ray to work to enhance the lives of others and to ensure peoples’ voices are heard. This drew him to the join New Day, Leaders of Today in 2009. Ray is currently New Day’s Vice President.
Ray was re-elected to Community Living Essex County’s Board of Directors in 2022 after stepping aside for one year following two terms on the Board. Ray enjoys participating on committees and has attended events and conferences on behalf of both New Day and the agency.
Interesting facts about Ray:
- His favourite activity is walking around Essex and meeting his Fitbit goal
- His favourite restaurant is Popeyes. It was his dad's favourite and he loves their chicken.
- On Ray's bucket list is attend a comic con with his wife Beth
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JOIN US
Saturday, February 25, 2023
Oxley Holy Family Retreat
As a caregiver of an adult with intellectual disabilities who lives at home with you, you have probably been told that you are resilient. Why not spend an afternoon with other caregivers while you interact with a truly resilient Canadian Paralympian?
Presenting
Danielle Campo-McLeod
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Our very own world record holder, gold medalist, Paralympian, mother of 5 children, including 2 step-children, and Windsor resident!
Join the Ensemble committee as Danielle shares her truly amazing life journey punctuated with challenges that required focus on what was possible. You will be motivated to celebrate each small step you take each day, and you will leave with renewed energy and hope. With determination and perseverance, you are on your way to creating a life of possibilities for yourself and your family, and for your community.
Danielle’s presentation will end with an interactive Q&A.
Limited seating is available *30 reserved places*.
Please include:
- your name
- your contact information
- the age of family member you support
(All information provided is confidential)
Danielle has written a memoir which will be available for purchase.
See you on Saturday February 25th @ 2:30 pm.
This is a CAREGIVER ONLY event.
Stay connected!
Marilyn, Ensemble Family Consultant and the Volunteer Committee
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It all began in 1989. For over 30 years Carmen Dick and her husband Kevin have operated Carmen’s Catering, a family run business. From humble beginnings in their basement kitchen, customers loved Carmen’s catered food so much that they had to move twice to larger locations. They have also added a specialty retail store to their current location on Oak Street.
Throughout the years of growing their business, Carmen and Kevin have always found the time to give back to their community through local fundraisers. For many years Carmen’s Catering has supported a variety of Community Living Essex County events including the Charity Golf Classic, and the Jingle Bell Run, Walk and Wheel through their event sponsorship and donation of door prizes. Most recently, Carmen’s Catering helped us raise $800 for our Giving Tuesday campaign through the donation of one dollar from every dinner special sold in November and December.
Carmen understands the importance of giving back. “It just feels right to help others”, states Carmen.
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Exploring Affordable Rental Options
Free Virtual Presentation
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Join DSO Housing Navigators for a free virtual presentation on various types of affordable and rent geared to income options available to individuals with low to moderate income.
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Topics covered will include:
- the difference between rent geared to income and affordable housing
- housing benefits including the Canada Ontario Housing Benefit
- Indigenous affordable housing programs
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This free online presentation is on March 23rd from 1:00 - 2:00 pm. Click the link below to register. |
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Community Living Ontario's
Together We're Better Contest
Deadline Extended
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Click on the link below to submit your application by Friday, February 17th.
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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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House of Commons Adopts Legislation for a Canada Disability Benefit |
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The Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion announced that Bill C-22, the ground-breaking legislation for a new Canada Disability Benefit, passed third reading and was unanimously adopted in the House of Commons. Bill C-22 will now move to the Senate for consideration.
Bill C-22 recognizes the importance of engaging with the disability community. The Government will continue working with the disability community, stakeholders, Indigenous organizations, and the provinces and territories to inform the design of the proposed benefit, its regulations and to ensure it helps as many people as possible.
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We Are Hiring and We Need Your Help! |
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LaSalle is hosting a free movie night inside the Event Centre this Friday, February 17th.
Bring your lawn or camping chairs, find a spot, and get comfortable.
Doors open at 6:00pm, and the featured movie, Minions (2015), starts at 7:00 pm playing on a large inflatable screen.
You are welcome to bring your own snacks, and a snack bar operated by the Rotary Interact Club of LaSalle will be on site. Note: only cash will be accepted at the snack bar. All proceeds support the Rotary Interact Club’s initiatives.
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Family Day at the Canadian Aviation Museum |
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There is so much to do this Family Day! Bring your family or friends to Windsor's Canadian Aviation Museum on February 17th, 18th, and 20th, located at
Experience history in motion! Learn how to build models from kits, test your flying skills in the flight simulators and learn about all the restoration and build projects happening at the museum!
Family Day Weekend Hours:
Friday, February 17th - 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday, February 18th - 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Monday, February 20th - 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
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Ontario Family Fishing Events is a province-wide opportunity for Canadian residents to fish Ontario waters for free. The Ontario Government has designated four periods throughout the year as free fishing:
- Family Fishing Weekend (February 18-20, 2023)
- Mother’s Day Weekend (May 13-14, 2023)
- Father’s Day Weekend (June 17-18, 2023)
- Family Fishing Week (July 1-9, 2023)
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Create Your Own Family Tree |
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You can make a nice family tree poster with the hand prints of your family members. The tree is painted with branches extending outward. Each member places his inked hand on one of the branches. This hand print craft idea is also great as a gift. |
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Turning Red
Mei Lee, a 13-year-old who suddenly “poofs” into a giant red panda when she gets too excited (which is practically ALWAYS). Sandra Oh voices Mei Lee’s protective, if not slightly overbearing mother, Ming, who is never far from her daughter—an unfortunate reality for the teenager. Now streaming exclusively on Disney+.
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Mustard Maple Salmon
This mustard maple salmon is a great weeknight meal that is ready on the table in about 15 minutes. It is a delicious dish that the whole family will love.
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Laughter is the Best Medicine |
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I prefer my food order to be:
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Served to me at a restaurant
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What is your favourite Valentine's Day activity?
Having a cozy night in ~ 23.1%
Going out for a romantic dinner ~ 25.6%
Eating Chocolate ~ 23.1%
Watching romantic movies ~ 5.1%
Spending time with family ~ 23.1%
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