Jared and his support staff, Abby, recently whipped up a batch of delicious cinnamon buns. The kitchen smelled of cinnamon and sweetness as Jared and Abby showed off their baking skills. These treats not only tasted great but also looked incredible! | |
Mason is looking forward to exploring local parks and recreational facilities within his community this year. As you can see from the picture here, he is off to a great start! | |
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As we enter a new year, 2024, author Amanda Owen, gives us an excellent starting point with the following thought: “Don’t let the fear of trying something new become the barricade to unlocking the door to potential happiness in your life. Embrace the unknown, take that leap, and discover the incredible possibilities waiting on the other side.”
As families supporting children with intellectual disabilities, we are always searching for the next big opportunity. By connecting with other families in similar situations, we have greater possibilities to gain useful information. This awareness can lead us to opportunities we did not know existed. Ensemble not only has the lived experiences of families like yours, but they also have access to every available resource in Essex County.
Why not reach out to Ensemble?
Explore Ensemble by visiting www.ensembleunderstands.com, our Facebook page, or Instagram. Alternatively, email Marilyn directly at mgodard@ensembleunderstands.com.
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LAST CALL for Holly Jolly Jackpot Raffle Tickets!
Get Yours Today!
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This is the last week to buy your tickets for a chance to win BIG in our Holly Jolly Jackpot! Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity, secure your tickets for our exclusive draw today! The proceeds help Community Living Essex County provide accessible transportation to children, youth and adults to be active and engaged in their community! | |
Tickets are $25 each or 3 for $60. | | |
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Check out the
fabulous prizes!
- 2nd Prize: $2,000 in gift cards
- 3rd Prize: 70” Samsung TV
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There are ONLY 1,500 tickets available, so act fast! Tickets are now available to order online at www.communitylivingessex.org/events/hollyjollyraffle/
The main raffle draw will be held on Friday, January 19th. Your ticket isn't just a chance to win big; it's a ticket to make a difference in the lives of others. Let the joyous countdown to the Holly Jolly Jackpot begin!
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Thank you to our sponsor!
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Join Us and Become an E-Bingo Volunteer! | |
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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. Check out our video to learn more and then email tony@communitylivingessex.org to sign up!
Volunteers receive a $25 gas card to cover transportation costs!
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We Are Hiring and We Need Your Help! | |
Career Compass Employer Referral Program | | |
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Partners 4 Planning
FREE Webcast
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The Henson Trust and Trustee Considerations | |
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Many families are unaware that the Henson Trust was initially conceived by a father trying to protect and plan for his daughter with a disability. Leonard Henson was a father and a true hero. As a result of his efforts, the Henson Trust has become an important tool that not only safeguards ODSP benefits but secures great flexibility around estate planning.
The Henson Trust is but one type of trust that can be incorporated into an estate plan to support a family member with a disability. Learn more about the Henson Trust, other strategies that can help safeguard your family member's financial future, and how to select your trustees. A live Q&A session will follow this presentation.
What's in it for you:
• Info on Henson TrQusts and other trusts that can benefit a family member with a disability.
• Review ODSP-related restrictions that can jeopardize your loved one's benefits.
• Learn about critical considerations when appointing trustees.
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Brendon D. Pooran - Principal Lawyer, PooranLaw
Brendon has been involved with various disability organizations as a member, volunteer, employee or director for most of his life. He created PooranLaw to provide support to this community and to influence disability law and policy throughout Canada.
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Inadequate funding is threatening Developmental Services and the people who rely on them. Join us in calling on the Government of Ontario to provide an immediate 5% increase to base funding, including Passport and Special Services at Home! #5ToSurvive
Organizations, just like ours, whose mission is to support people to live inclusive lives are being starved of the resources they need just to keep the heat and lights on, put gas in their accessible vehicles, buy food to feed people, and try to find qualified staff during a human resource crisis. In the face of rising inflation and skyrocketing costs, it is becoming impossible to meet the needs of the people they are committed to supporting. This is putting people’s lives at risk.
Community Living Essex County has been in direct contact with local MPPs and the Minister of Finance, we've submitted our letters, but we need YOU to strengthen our message. Please let our government know that developmental services have been neglected for too long. It will only take a few minutes of your time but each letter will have a huge impact!
To ensure our voices are heard, the link provided below will direct you to a pre-drafted letter that will be electronically sent to your local Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP). Feel free to customize the letter to articulate your thoughts on the matter.
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Community Living Ontario's Together We're Better Contest | |
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Get ready for the 2024 Together We're Better Contest! February marks Inclusive Education Month, and students in grades 1 to 12 across Ontario, are encouraged to participate. Form a team of at least two people and submit a creative media entry (video, song, photo collage, story, TikTok, etc.) showcasing how your school actively supports the inclusion of students with intellectual disabilities. Check out resources for inclusive education at inclusiveeducation.ca and get inspiration from last year's winners by clicking HERE.
The deadline for submissions is Friday, February 16th at 11:59 pm. Don't miss the chance to win Best Buy gift cards: 1st place - $1000, 2nd place - $500, 3rd place - $250. If you have any questions, email contest@communitylivingontario.ca. Let's celebrate inclusion together!
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Windsor-Essex Acute Care Hospital Project Update | |
Windsor Regional Hospital submitted an inclusive plan for the new Windsor/Essex Acute Care Hospital, reflecting 16 months of collaborative efforts. The plan, focusing on an outstanding patient experience, includes a functional program, block diagrams, a campus plan, and an updated cost estimate. WRH is engaging industry experts for an ICAT strategy and ancillary services strategy. Looking ahead to 2024, the hospital is on track for the tendering process in 2025 and construction in 2026, with the next stage of planning underway. Project milestones involve indicative designs, project specifications, and engagement with user groups. A survey of the community was put out for input on desired goods and services. For more detailed information, refer to the full January PMO report by clicking the link below. | |
St. Clair College Community Integration Through Cooperative Education Virtual Information Session | |
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The St. Clair College Community Integration Through Cooperative Education (CICE) Program is hosting a virtual information session for those interested in applying for the Fall 2024 term. The session is scheduled for January 17th from 6 - 7 pm.
During the session, the staff will provide details about the CICE Program and guide applicants on how to apply for the September 2024 intake. The deadline for equal consideration in the application process is February 1st, 2024, through Ontario College Application Service.
If you have any questions, call Shannon Comartin at 519-972-2727 ext. 4654.
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Riverfront Theatre Company Presents: A Wrinkle in Time | |
Embark on a journey through time and space with the production of A Wrinkle in Time, at Kordazone Theatre, from January 12th through the 14th. Adapted from Madeleine L’Engle’s timeless classic, this captivating play explores the adventures of Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and her friend Calvin O’Keefe as they confront otherworldly challenges to rescue Meg’s father. Tickets priced at $20 for adults and $15 for students, the performance unfolds on various dates, including an ASL-interpreted show. Click the link below for more information on this theatrical experience taking place at 2520 Seminole Street in Windsor, or call 519-562-3394. | |
Celebrate the 30th anniversary of Blue Rodeo's iconic album Five Days In July, on Friday, January 12th, at 8 pm. The legendary alternative-country rockers will grace the stage at Caesars Windsor, for a special performance. Secure your tickets by clicking the link below. | |
Family Concert: The Dance Barre Ballet | |
Join the Windsor Symphony Orchestra and Dance Barre Ballet for a family-friendly ballet experience on Saturday, January 13th. Two enchanting shows are scheduled at 10 am and 11:30 am at The Capitol Theatre, with all tickets priced at $5. The performance showcases talented young dancers, offering a delightful blend of music and dance. Each concert lasts 45 minutes, and a themed craft is included before the show. For inquiries, click the link below or contact The Capitol Theatre at 519-973-1238. | |
Windsor Express VS. Montreal Tundra | |
Gear up for excitement on Friday, January 12th, at 7:00 PM as the Windsor Express kick off the season against the Montreal Tundra. Head to the WFCU Centre, located at 8787 McHugh Street in Windsor, for a thrilling evening of basketball action. For additional details, reach out to the venue at 519-974-7979. Don't miss the pulse-pounding excitement of the season opener! | |
Windsor Spitfires VS. Sudbury Wolves | |
Get ready for an evening of intense hockey action on Saturday, January 13th at 7 pm, as the Windsor Spitfires go head-to-head against the Sudbury Wolves. Join the excitement at the WFCU Centre, located at 8787 McHugh Street in Windsor. Click the link below for more information, or contact the venue at 519-974-7979. | |
You Are What You Eat - A Twin Experiment | |
In this docuseries, a group of identical twins changed their diets and lifestyles for eight weeks in a scientific experiment designed to explore how foods impact the body in more ways than physical. Now streaming on Netflix. | |
In this week's Throwback Thursday feature, we're flipping through the pages of time to a snapshot of Wayne, Marilyn, and Paul enjoying some light reading. The photo captures a moment of shared enjoyment as they immerse themselves in books, creating a timeless memory. Stay tuned to your newsletter for more heartwarming glimpses into the cherished moments of our past! | |
These delicious stuffed mushrooms are a great bite-size appetizer or side dish. Click the link below for the stuffed mushroom recipe with a savoury cream cheese filling! | |
Laughter is the Best Medicine | |
| What's your favourite way to procrastinate? | | | |
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We're four days into 2024. Have you broken your resolution?
No, still going strong. ~ 6%
Yes, but I'm starting over and not giving up! ~ 4%
Yes, I'll try again next year. ~ 35%
I did not make a resolution for 2024. ~ 55%
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